PRESS RELEASE(66/11)
11th August 2011
The Tuvalu Ministry of Education with assistance from the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat on 9th August 2011 conducted internal consultations on the development of its Education Strategic Plan (TESP II) for 2011-2015.
The purpose of the internal consultation was to provide the officials within the Ministry an opportunity to discuss with school managements, youth officers, Tuvalu National Library Services officials and teachers the draft Plan for their inputs and views.
A total of 75 participants attended the consultation showing the great interest by school officials and other stakeholders in the development of education in Tuvalu.
According to Tuvalu’s Director for Education, Ms Katalina Taloka, the large number of those who turned up for the consultation was totally unexpected as they were planning only for about 30 participants.
“The large turnout is encouraging and gives the Ministry confidence that they have the support of their stakeholders,” said Ms Taloka.
She added: “TESP II includes some innovative strategies in education development that we believe to be critical if Tuvalu is to provide better opportunities to education at all levels for students. However we are aware of the challenges we face in implementing TESP II but are optimistic of the support from our stakeholders and especially the donor community.”
Tuvalu’s Acting Minister of Education, who is also the Minister for Finance, Hon Lotoala Metia in his opening remarks at the meeting stressed the importance of developing Tuvalu’s human resources in moving the country forward in its economic reforms and national development.
“Tuvalu as a small island nation will heavily rely on a well qualified and skilled human resource to take up lead roles and participate in the work force,” said Hon. Metia.
He added: “The development of TESP II is timely as the nation reviews its National Development Plan, Te Kakeega II with the national consultation on the review planned for October 2011. This is a mid-term review of the National Plan and the review should provide important information for the development of the respective sector plans.”
An important objective of the consultation on TESP II is to extend ownership to all stakeholders in education in Tuvalu of the Plan. Through a feeling of greater ownership in the Plan, it is believed that schools, teachers, communities and all stakeholders will feel responsible for its implementation and success. The next phase of the consultation will be a national forum which will involve all stakeholders and the public who will be given an opportunity to have their say in the TESP II. The national consultation will be held on 17 August 2011.
Ends
For media enquiries contact Mr Filipe Jitoko, the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat Social Policy Adviser on phone: (679) 7758618 or email: filipej@forumsec.org.fj
