The four-day Pacific Regional Education Framework (PacREF) Implementing Agencies Fono has concluded on a positive note.
Convened by the PacREF Facilitating Unit and hosted by the Institute of Education, USP in USP Tonga campus, the Fono provided an opportunity for the Implementing Agencies to congregate and discuss the key topics related to the PacREF and its impact in the region.
The Implementing Agencies of PacREF are (The University of the South Pacific comprising of the Institute of Education, Department of Education and Pacific TAFE), UNICEF, UNESCO, the Education Quality and Assessment Programme (SPC) and APTC.
Reflecting on the Fono, PacREF Senior Project Coordinator for UNESCO (Suva), Ms Anna Seeger said that 2023 had shown a sharp steep in countries’ leadership within PacREF, guiding IAs and the overall PacREF programme in what mattered and what was needed at regional and country level.
She said this was evident during the 25th Consultation Meeting of the Pacific Heads of Education Systems (PHES) 2023 and Conference of Pacific Education Ministers (CPEM) 2023.
“Going forward, phase II of PacREF carries a great potential to further increase country ownership of PacREF, making use of the Regional Goods – frameworks, evidence, tools, and guidance – in the 15 PacREF countries to improve teaching, learning, education policy, planning and management.
“This week, we come together with renewed energy to also discuss how we can meet emerging needs that PacREF member countries have identified, including on climate change and labour mobility.”
The team also visited MORDI Tonga Trust as part of the programme.
Established in 2007, MORDI aims to enhance the sustainable livelihoods of vulnerable rural communities in Tonga by providing skill development training and implementing community development projects.
Institute of Education director Dr Seu’ula Johansson-Fua emphasized the importance of understanding the on-field work carried out by organisations like MORDI working directly with communities.
This understanding, she noted, was pivotal in offering relevant support to enhance the effectiveness of their initiatives and contribute meaningfully to the broader goals of regional development.
On the same note, PacREF Facilitating Unit coordinator Mr Filipe Jitoko said the field trip to MORDI was an eye-opener to the team.
“It’s a practical example of some of the things we have in the Pacific Regional Education Framework he said.
“Particularly that relates to relevant, sustainable education programmes that supports our communities to become self-sufficient.”
He also lauded the MORDI team for their impactful contribution to the local community.
As participants return to their homes, there is a renewed enthusiasm for collaborative efforts in PacREF activities. The Fono not only served as a knowledge-sharing platform but also reinforced the commitment to sustainable education programs supporting community self-sufficiency in the Pacific region.
