As the world celebrates International Children’s Book Day, the Australian Government and Vanuatu’s Ministry of Education, with Tetra Tech International Development’s support through VAESP, are driving literacy forward – delivering important curriculum materials, expanding learning resources, and fostering community engagement.
Every day, surrounded by sunny rainforests and bustling roads, over 100,000 ni-Vanuatu children head to school. Across 83 islands, almost all primary school-age children are in education. However, by the time students reach secondary school, drop-out rates escalate rapidly and many students leave school unable to read. The situation is even worse for students in remote areas, or those affected by the semi-regular natural crises that affect Vanuatu.
Reshaping the narrative for brighter futures
Through the Australian-funded Vanuatu Australia Education Support Program (VAESP), Tetra Tech is working with the Ministry of Education and Training (MoET) to change this story.
Education is the foundation of a brighter future, and VAESP is built on this belief. The program aims to improve the quality and accessibility of Vanuatu schools, by providing high-quality curriculum materials, expanding access to learning resources, and engaging communities to encourage literacy.
The program is supporting MoET to achieve universal primary school completion, improve literacy and develop workforce skills. MoET is working to increase equitable access to education, improve education quality and enhance education management, while managing challenges from a fast-growing population, increasing educational demands and frequent crises.
Curriculum Improvement Program (CIP) launch
To mark International Children’s Book Day, the Hon. Simil Johnson, Minister of Education and Training (MoET) and the Deputy High Commissioner to Vanuatu, Ms Emily Fisher, launched the Curriculum Improvement Program (CIP), a three-year initiative to enhance education for students from Kindergarten to Year 10.
The Program focuses on strengthening curriculum implementation in schools, ensuring students receive a quality education that fosters critical thinking, creativity, and a deep connection to Vanuatu’s culture and customs.
Speaking at the launch, the Hon. Simil Johnson said the new curriculum was the first step, but implementation was also key.
“Education is the foundation of our nation’s progress”, the Hon. Simil Johnson said.
“However, a curriculum is only as strong as its implementation. That is why the CIP is so important – to provide our teachers and schools with the resources and support they need to improve student learning outcomes”.
The CIP is informed by the key findings of the 2022 Curriculum Monitoring Study Report and the 2022 Teacher Development Multi-Year Study Series, which highlight the need for greater support for educators and school leaders. Through the CIP, Provincial Curriculum Learning Facilitators and Provincial Curriculum Improvement Officers have received specialised training in high-impact strategies for literacy and numeracy, ensuring more effective teaching and learning in classrooms across Vanuatu.
MoET said the launch of the new curriculum program reaffirms the Government of Vanuatu’s commitment to working hand in hand with teachers, school leaders, parents, and communities to ensure the success of this program.
“We recognise that improving education is a shared responsibility,” the Hon. Siml Johnson said. “Together, we can create classrooms that inspire and empower every child in Vanuatu to reach their full potential”.
MoET extended its deep gratitude to the Government of Australia for its long-standing commitment to improving education in Vanuatu, with the country’s support instrumental in ensuring that children nationwide have access to quality education in strong, well-supported schools.
Curriculum classroom implementation
Towards these goals, one of the key aspects of VAESP is distributing curriculum resources and reading books to Kindy to Year 9 students all over Vanuatu.
By providing teachers and students with appropriate and relevant learning materials, VAESP is supporting young learners to develop robust educational foundations.
Whether it’s reading books, activity sheets, or learning guides, VAESP is ensuring students have the resources they need to develop their skills in both literacy and numeracy.
Creating a strong reading culture
But it doesn’t stop there. Access to learning materials alone isn’t enough, and must be backed up by supportive home and community environments. That’s why VAESP is working to create a stronger reading culture across Vanuatu.
Awareness campaigns have engaged parents and communities all over Vanuatu, encouraging them to prioritise reading at home and school. By promoting literacy from an early age, VAESP is helping to build a generation of learners who not only excel academically, but also develop a lifelong love of learning.
Innovative digital tools to support diverse learners
Recognising the diverse learning needs of students, VAESP has introduced innovative tools to support learning, like audiobooks for Year 1 to Year 3 students. These new resources make reading more accessible for young learners, offering them an engaging way to develop their literacy skills. Audiobooks also bring students the benefits of storytelling, enhancing their overall learning experience and inspiring creativity.
In the digital age, access to online resources is key to educational success. So VAESP is taking steps to ensure financial barriers do not prevent children from accessing quality educational content. By providing zero-rated access to over 34 educational websites, VAESP allows parents and students to browse online books and learning resources without incurring data costs. Additionally, all curriculum resources have been made available online for free, giving everyone in Vanuatu access to high quality educational materials whenever they need it.
An inclusive and resilient education system for all
At the heart of the VAESP initiative is the goal of creating a more inclusive and resilient education system. The program empowers children as learners, equips teachers with the tools they need to effectively teach, and engages communities to support lifelong learning.
Through the partnership with MoET, Tetra Tech is contributing to the creation of a stronger, more resilient education system where every child can access quality education.
By providing access to resources, fostering a culture of literacy, and embracing innovative technologies, VAESP is paving the way for future generations to reach their full potential.
Learn more about the VAESP Program.