SAMOA, June 18 - (Friday, 19 June 2020); Samoan students can look forward to improved educational outcomes with the signing of a joint funding agreement between the Governments of Samoa, Australia and New Zealand.

The Government of Australia is contributing AUD13 million and the Government of New Zealand is contributing NZD11 million to the next phase of the Education Sector Support Programme (ESSP), 2020 to 2024, which aims to enhance the quality of education and training, and increase rates of participation in education and training opportunities in Samoa.

It builds on the existing agreement which supported long term improvements in education outcomes by upgrading teacher qualifications, providing innovative models for teacher in-service training, supporting implementation of Minimum Service Standards, and upskilling TVET trainers.

The ESSP will be implemented through the Government of Samoa’s Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture; the National University of Samoa; and the Samoa Qualifications Authority.

An expanded focus of the ESSP includes education information systems as a tool for remote teaching and learning as a response to COVID-19, and the provision of technical assistance at strategic and school level.

The Minister of Finance Hon Sili Epa Tuioti acknowledges the support from both the Governments of Australia and New Zealand. and notes the alignment with key priorities of the sector as articulated in the new Education Sector Plan,- this is also closely linked to the national priorities as reflected in the national development strategy and the financing framework outlined in the Budget.

According to Australian High Commissioner to Samoa, HE Ms Sara Moriarty, a healthy, educated community will be crucial to Samoa’s economic recovery in the wake of COVID-19.

“Australia’s investment in education, in partnership with Samoa and New Zealand, will enable all children including those with a disability, to gain the skills they need to obtain work or go on to further study and to lead productive lives,” Ms Moriarty said.

HE Dr Trevor Matheson, New Zealand High Commissioner to Samoa, added that working together — particularly against the backdrop of the global impact of COVID-19 — will help Samoa improve capacity and realise its goals for the education sector.

“The signing of this joint funding agreement is an important achievement in our shared and ongoing commitment to supporting and further developing skills, knowledge and learning opportunities in Samoa,” Dr Matheson said.

CAPTIONS; Left to right: The Hon. Sili Epa Tuioti, Minister of Finance, HE Sara Moriarty, Australian High Commissioner to Samoa, Afamasaga Dr Karoline Afamasaga-Fuatai, CEO of Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture, HE Dr Trevor Matheson, New Zealand High Commissioner to Samoa

Media contacts:

Nanai Taofiga Laveitiga Tuiletufuga Government of Samoa lave.tuiletufuga@mpmc.gov.ws

Vaimo’oi’a Ripley Australian High Commission Samoa +685 23 411 vaimo’oi’a.ripley@dfat.gov.au

Sonya Peters New Zealand High Commission Samoa +685 21 711 sonya.peters@mfat.govt.nz

June 22, 2020