Forty-four secondary school teachers in Kiribati have commenced the Diploma in Teaching Secondary programme offered by the Discipline of Education as part of its Pacific Regional Education Framework (PacREF) activities.
The University of the South Pacific (USP) hosts the PacREF Facilitating Unit. The Discipline of Education is one of the implementing agencies under the PacREF, which aims to enhance the quality of education across the region.
It focuses on Policy Area 4: Teaching Profession, which seeks to improve teacher training programmes and the quality of teachers in the 15 PacREF member countries.
Recently, Dr Rosiana Lagi was in Tarawa to establish the cohort and deliver their first course.
According to one of the principals, Claude Tebwebwe, the programme would help teachers boost their performance, as well as improve students’ academic achievements.
The initiative has been well-received by the participants.
Science teacher at the Immaculate Heart College, Anamaria Mwakaua, shared, “I am able to learn new theories and teaching strategies that will help me teach effectively”.
Another teacher, Sentima Letia from Sacred Heart College, expressed her enthusiasm, saying, “We are excited to be doing our course face-to-face here in Tarawa.”
Dr Lagi emphasised the benefits of the programme’s structure, stating, “This is a cost-effective way of teaching, as teachers do not need to leave their workstations to study. They can continue working while pursuing their studies, without having to leave their families and responsibilities behind.”
This innovative approach supports the professional development of teachers while ensuring they remain active contributors to their schools and communities.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Kiribati Campus Director, Dr Takuia, and his team for their invaluable support in ensuring that all students are registered seamlessly. Special thanks also go to Ruveni for assisting the cohort and other new students effectively.”
The work of PacREF reflects the Fijian practice of solesolevaki—a tradition of collaborative effort for mutual benefit. Genuine collaboration, as exemplified by this initiative, is essential to creating opportunities and improving outcomes for all.
Cohorts are planned for Tuvalu, the Marshall Islands (RMI), Palau, and Nauru this year, with the goal of improving the quality of teachers and education across Oceania.
