PINZ would like to say a big Thank You to all consultants, stakeholders and NZAID officials involved over the last four years on the Vanuatu EAP program.
The New Zealand Education Assistance Programme (EAP), a four-year NZAID MSC programme managed by PINZ, finished at the end of July. The programme has successfully run for four years.
The Vanuatu EAP was aimed at strengthening the education system in Vanuatu with a particular emphasis on basic education. The major components of the programme have involved improving the skills of key education personnel, assisting the development of curriculum, assessment and English language materials. Different activities have included:
• Principals and Teachers workshops and in-school support and monitoring
• Examinations Unit training and support
• DipTESOL & English language support
• Development of Years 6, 7 and 8 English Curricula
• Mathematics curriculum scoping and review
• Technology curriculum development
• Review and initial development of a Life skills curriculum for Years 7 & 8
• Exam prescription advice and test development
• Assistance with the development of a Vanuatu School Journal and the highly successful VANLEP Book Flood.
The Vanuatu Literacy Enrichment Programme, or VANLEP Book Flood started in 2005 in 20 pilot schools and aims to lift literacy and language learning outcomes through flooding classes 3 and 4 classrooms with good children’s books and upskilling teachers to improve their literacy and language development skills.
An evaluation at the end of the first year showed marked gains, close to 10%, in the pilot schools. The VANLEP project provides books plus training and has now spread to nearly all the rural schools in Vanuatu, plus many urban schools as well.
The Book Flood has now included all provinces and over 2005 – 2007 there have been significant changes in teachers’ practices, children’s reading and writing, classroom environment and children’s learning behaviours.
Additional information, including detailed reports on the achievements of the programme, will follow from the wrap up activities in August and September. These will be placed on PINZ’ website over the next few months.
Participants engaged in a group discussion
Image coutesy of Sereima Lumelume