S.Q.A. “vital” to development

The Samoa Qualifications Authority (S.Q.A.) is “vital” to the development of Samoa.

That’s what a Parliamentary select committee says in its report on the S.Q.A.’s Statement of Corporate Objectives 2013- 2015.

The Education, Science, Communication and Information Technology (E.S.C.I.T.) Committee, Chaired by Lenatai Victor Tamapua. praised the efforts of the Authority’s staff. The Committee noted that the Corporation plays a vital role in identifying and input to the Strategy for the Development of Samoa (SDS) 2012 — 2016 and the Education Sector Plan (ESP) 2012 - 2Ol6.

Assistance to these two plans allowed the Corporation to identify the key priorities for the Post School Education and Training sub-sector inputs. The Committee noted that the support and endurance of the Management and Employees of the Corporation is the backbone for the achievement of each priority.

The Committee reports that although the Corporation has not indicated as to which division or section shall deal directly with the implementation of each priority, the notion that the interdependence and cooperation of the Corporation as a whole, only then is the Corporation able to ensure deliverance and completion of its activities as documented.

“The Committee acknowledges the tremendous effort and determination of the Corporation in utilising and improving its systems,” the report reads. “Not just for the benefit of the Corporation but in order to carry out its services to its customers and stakeholders in accordance with its mandates.” In addition to Lenatai the E.S.C.I.T. Committee comprises of Ifopo Matia Filisi as the Deputy Chairperson and Members Tusa Misi Tupuola, Levaopolo Tatatonu, Aveau Nikotemo Palamo, Tuileutu Alavaa Voi and Tufuga Gafoaleata Faitua. The Report reads in full below:

1. RECOMMENDATION The Education, Science, Communication & Information Technology Committee recommend that the Assembly takes note of its Report. 2. PREAMBLE: The Education, Science, provisions of Standing Order 172.

3. STANDING ORDER 172. In accordance with the provisions of Standing Orders 172, it shall be the duty of the Committee to:- (a) Consider any bill, petition or any other matter referred by the Assembly or pursuant to these Standing Orders; and such Estimates or review of ministerial performance as maybe referred by the Finance & Expenditure Committee; (b) Examine the policy, administration and expenditure of ministries and associate government organisations related to education, sports, youth & culture, science, communications and information technology.

4. PAPER CONSIDERED (Tabled 26/03/2013) (Referred 27/03/2013) Communication & Information Technology Committee is constituted pursuant to the P.P. 2012/2013 No. 80, Samoa Qualifications Authority Statement of Corporate Objectives 2013— 2015.

5. WITNESSES: The Committee during the course of its investigation heard evidence submitted by: Samoa Qualifications Authority: Fepuleai Sinapi Moli - Chief Executive Officer Kovi Fonoti Aiolupotea - ACEO, Quality Assurance Division Tea Tepora Afamasaga Wright - ACEO, Qualification Division Easter Manila Silipa - ACEO, Research, Plan and Policy Division Mapusua Mose Asani - ACEO, Corporate Services

6. FINDINGS: The Committee noted that the establishment of a national body for Post School Education and Training (PSET) in Samoa was established under the Education Policies and Strategies. The need for such an approach was reinforced in a review in 2003 by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). This led to the legal establishment of the Samoa Qualifications Authority to provide policy advice, coordinate and quality assure the PSET sub-sector in Samoa.

The repeal of the Samoa Qualifications Authority Act 2006 now leaves the Corporation with its services and operation to continue under the Samoa Qualifications Act 2010 which strengthens the regulatory functions of the Corporation for PSET.

The Committee noted that in order for the Corporation to improve its operation they have identified a Vision “to be the lead agency that promotes post school education and training that is nationally and internationally recognised for its quality, its relevance to the needs of learners, the community and to the directions established for the nation "and its Mission statement, “to work in partnership with stakeholders to promote the achievement of high quality post school education and training that is nationally and internationally acclaimed and meets national economic, social and cultural goals".

These statements will set the standard or guidelines for the Corporation in order to attain and carrying out of its functions given under its mandates. The Committee in consideration of the Statement of Corporate Objectives 2013 — 2015 of the Samoa Qualifications Authority found that there are five (5) priorities that will improve and outlined as a target for the Corporation. Furthermore these priorities are identified in order for the Corporation to fulfill its functions as stated in the Samoa Qualifications Authority Act 2010, section

These priorities are:

6. To promote PSET and provide strategic leadership to the sub-sector

7. To conduct research and formulate policy to provide sound PSET policy advice

8. To enhance the quality of PSET

9. To enhance relevance of PSET and access to PSET Opportunities

l0. To ensure the efficient and effective use of resources In order to ensure that these priorities are delivered within the duration of the Corporate Plan the Corporation outlined key performance indicators and performance measures according to a set target delivery date. The Committee noted that the duration of each indicator vary depending on the extensive work that needs to be carried in order to implement the activity.

6.1 Projects: The Committee noted that the Corporation had also set out specific projects that are to be carried out and completed during and when its Corporate Plan is reviewed.

6.1.1 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) The Corporation are currently implementing this Support Programme under the Samoa-Australia Partnership for Development. This project deals directly with practices and qualifications through technical and vocational education as well as training.

6.1.2 Twin Authority The purpose of this Project is to strengthen ties and share quality assurance practices between the Corporation and New Zealand Qualifications Authority. This project is set to be implemented by the end of the Corporate Plan period. The Committee noted that the overall purpose of both these projects is to improve the services and practices of the Corporation.

6.2 Support to Government Policies: The Committee noted that the Corporation plays a vital role in identifying and input to the Strategy for the Development of Samoa (SDS) 2012 — 2016 and the Education Sector Plan (ESP) 2012 - 2Ol6.Assistance to these two plans allowed the Corporation to identify the key priorities for the Post School Education and Training sub-sector inputs. The Committee noted that the support and endurance of the Management and Employees of the Corporation is the backbone for the achievement of each priority.

Although the Corporation has not indicated as to which division or section shall deal directly with the implementation of each priority, the notion that the interdependence and cooperation of the Corporation as a whole, only then is the Corporation able to ensure deliverance and completion of its activities as documented.

7. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: The Committee acknowledges the tremendous effort and determination of the Corporation in utilizing and improving its systems. Not just for the benefit of the Corporation but in order to carry out its services to its customers and stakeholders in accordance with its mandates.

8. RECOMMENDATIONS: Based on its Findings, the Committee recommends the Government to:- 1. That the Corporation prioritize its projects so that it is implemented before the end of the set Corporate Plan period. 9. RESOLUTION: At the conclusion of its consideration the Committee resolved to recommend the Assembly: To approve P.P. 2012/2013 No.80, Samoa Qualifications Authority Statement of Corporate Objectives 2013 — 2015.

LENATAI Victor Faafoi Tamapua CHAIRPERSON

For the past three weeks, the Samoa Observer has been publishing the 39 reports tabled and approved by Parliament without debate, last month. Today, we are looking at the Education, Science, Communication and Information Technology (E.S.C.I.T.) Committee’s report on the Samoa Qualifi cation Authority’s Statement of Corporate Objectives 2013-2015.