Continuing and Community Education Programs.
The Continuing Education Program at the University of the South Pacific Campus at ‘Atele offers non-credit courses and programmes for the purposes of remedial learning, vocational training, professional upgrading, cultural preservation, and personal enjoyment. These services are provided via two types of programmes: local and regional.
Local Programmes
Local courses focus on the needs and desires of the Tongan community.
Subjects offered include computer skills, basic mechanics, basic arts and drawings, cooking, floral arrangement, sewing, guitar, keyboard, foreign languages (Mandarin, Japanese, and French), and ballroom dancing. The Continuing Education Program also offers bridging courses in English and Mathematics for Forms 5 and 6.
Courses are advertised in local newspapers, radio broadcasts, and bulletin boards located in various business and community centers. Organizations who would like a copy of our advertisement for their bulletin board should contact the Centre (29055/29789).
Courses are typically held once a week for 10 weeks but this can vary depending on the nature of the course. Instructors are usually recruited from the community.
In its attempt to meet the needs of the community, USP – Tonga is always willing to consider new courses for which there is community interest. Consequently, people with ideas for new courses or people interested in being an instructor are encouraged to contact Ana Ungatea Finaulahi-Palu at the Campus with their suggestions.
Regional Programmes
The Continuing Education Programme also offers certificate programmes via distance learning. These courses are developed and coordinated by Course Coordinators from USP campus in Fiji.
Apart from the Basic Preparatory Program, Certificate programmes are typically 3 semesters with students taking 1 course per semester. The following programmes are currently offered:
· Certificate in Early Childhood Education
· Community Workers Certificate
· Certificate in Disability Studies
· Basic Preparatory Program
Certificate in Early Childhood Education aimed at the professional upgrading of pre-school teachers in the region.
Its Community Workers Certificate aimed at those doing community work involving youth, the aged, human rights, reproductive health, environment, health, nutrition, AIDS/STIs, women etc.
Certificate in Disability Studies aimed at providing caregivers of the disabled with a wide range of knowledge and skills related to disability issues, concerns and challenges.
Its Basic Preparatory Program aimed at mature age students who may have left schooling early, or a long time ago, or recently left Form 4 or Form 5 as a bridging program before commencing a Preliminary Program. This preparatory program consists seven basic courses in Accounting, Biology, Economics, English, Geography, History and Mathematics. These courses are offered via. Distance education in the “print” mode, where students are expected to complete assigned course-works and sit a final examination at the end of the semester.
People interested in obtaining more information on Regional Courses are encouraged to call the Campus (29055/29789) or click on this link to check the USP main campus - Continuing Education web page.
