On January 19th, YCAPS held its inagural Pacific Connect on challenges and innovations for Education in Pacific Islands. Thank you to everyone who joined us and contributed to the discussions!
First, Herbert isoa Takeifanga (Hepeti), Director for Primary Schools Division in Tonga's Ministry of Education, spoke about Tonga's challenges in providing education across the vastly dispursed archipelego of Tonga's islands, from student retention to teacher training and retention.
Next, Apolish Gumong, Teacher Trainer for Higher Education Research, Science and Technology (DHERST) of Papua New Guinea, highlighted the challenges of education in Papua New Guinea, a large island nation with the highest diversity of languages and cultures anywhere in the world. Distance was also a challenge, where infrastracture like roads do not yet provide full connectivity to rural communities across Papua New Guinea's many mountains.
Lastly, Canita Harollyn Rilometo-Nakamura (Cani), Systems Transformation Grant - Wayfinding coordinator for the Pohnpei State Department of Education, spoke about efforts in Pohnpei State of the Federated States of Micronesia to bring traditional knowledge and skills into the classroom as a part of the regular curriculum. Pohnpei Studies brings in cultural experts to teach everything from cultural lineages to grass skirt weaving and dancing.
The panelists discussed some commonalities, such as the consistant difficulty of teacher retention for especially remote schools, and the difference in training needed therein. Student retention was a common diffuclty as well, though Cani noted that students were more excited to go to school with the introduction of Pohnpei studies. They also discussed the many hidden costs such as project fees and uniform fees that make it difficult for some families to keep their children in school. All three presenters noted that the loss of USAID funding for education projects has been diffuclt, as replacement funding has not yet been found to continue the projects.
Unfortunately, Cani's internet connection was unstable during the panel. However, she graciously offered to re-record her presentation and answers to the audience questions. We are currently in progress mixing her re-recorded presentation with the life recording. If you would like to view her updated presentation or did not have a chance to join the webinar, please keep an eye on the YCAPS youtube for the edited video soon!
We hope to host our next Pacific Connect webinar in March, so please keep an eye on the mailing list and social media for more information.