Tuvalu
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The objectives for Tuvalu are:
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Contents |
Background
Geography
Tuvalu archipelago consists of nine coral atolls with a total land area of 26 square kilometres. The islands are located over some 560 kilometres north-south direction between latitudes 5 degrees and 11 degrees south and longitudes 176 degrees and 180 degrees east. The islands vary in sizes,the largest island Vaitupu with a land area of 4.9 sq km to Niulakita with a land area of 0.4 sq km.Its location allows a tropical weather with drought periods and heavy rainfall common all year round.
Population
The 2002 population census recorded a total population of 9,987. Internal population mobility thus far is predominantly urban driftward resulting in significant popoulation pressure and overcrowding on the main capital island where over 40% of the population are now residing. The last few years recorded a significant rise in the number of Tuvaluans migrating overseas.
Economy
As a small island state with limited resources, Tuvalu faces many severe constraints in quest of sustainable growth and improved living conditions for its people. Subsistence activity, which is concentrated mainly in the fishing and agricultural areas, accounts for almost a quarter of production. Agriculture, fisheries and overseas employment of Tuvaluans are the key factors capable of contributing to Tuvalu’s growth objectives. Tourism and manufacturing for export offer further possibilities but, especially in the case of the former, mainly in the longer term.
Department of Education
Personnel
Director of Education (Mrs Katalina K Taloka)
Senior Education Officer [Assessment & Examinations] (Mr Michael Noa)
Curriculum Officer (Mrs Valisi A Tovia)
School Supervisor (Mrs Maseiga Osema) (Mrs Evotia Tofuola) (Mr Lapana Ene)
Education Officer (Mrs Teimana Avanitele)
Contact
Phone : (688) 20414 Fax : (688) 20324
Education Structure
ECE
There is history linked to pre-schooling in Tuvalu. Education in those days began as a missionary initiative and like many countries in the pacific, informal/non formal education made up the curricular where the age of students is unimportant. After proper education systems were established age of students became a determining factor resulting in over-aged students leaving preschools. Parents preference for more form of formal education declined the popularity of pre-schools.
Today, pre-schools or more technically referred to as Early Childhood Education (ECE) provides schooling for children of 3 - 5 year olds. From a humble beginning, a total of 19 ECE centres have been registered nationwide. More teachers are qaulified; of the 55 teachers, 29 are qualified. Many qualified teachers received a teaching certificate through a two-year course at the Tuvalu USP Centre. many qualified teachers have started the programme last year.
All ECE centres are community supported. Salaries for teachers are also paid for by the community with a small assistance grant from the government specifically allocated for salaries. Despite this, the government is the major supplier of resources to each centre.
In recognition of the positive impact this sector has on the overall upbringing of a child, the National ECE Policy had been endorsed by Cabinet last month. With the support of the government, the ECE sector have a brighter and long lasting future.
Primary
The Primary Education sector comprises of Grade 1 to Grade 8. There are 10 primary schools, one on each island except Funafuti, the main capital island, with two primary schools. All children gets promoted at end of each grade until Grade 8 where students have to sit the National Year Eight Examination, an entrance examination to Motufoua Secondary School. Students who were not successful in this examination are allowed to repeat Grade 8.
