Education in the South Pacific often takes a backseat in the minds of those picturing it as a luxury holiday destination, renowned for its crystal blue waters, tropical beaches and exotic wildlife. However, the daily reality for the islands’ inhabitants is far less glamorous.

8 Facts about Education in the South Pacific

1. Impact of tourism on education. While tourism undeniably boosts foreign revenue, the benefits for infrastructure and the economy often fail to reach the poorest groups in society. Consequently, the education systems on these islands remain overlooked as the tourism industry garners more attention.
2. History of education in the South Pacific. For informal education, anthropologists have discovered that education in the South Pacific has historically taken an informal approach. This method emphasizes practical situations where young members of society observe and imitate adults, learning not just culture and traditions but also vocational skills for working life. Elders in the community share legends and stories, serving both as a history lesson and as instruction in societal values and their understanding of the universe. This informal system fosters creativity, philosophy, personal history, practical and physical skills and preserves native culture and traditions. In the case of formal education, Christian missions initially introduced more structured learning on the islands, followed by government efforts that led to a more regulated and formalized education system. However, the value of cultural traditions and communal teaching continues to play an integral role in the education system.
3. Other forms of education. Agro-Technical Education – In the 1970s, South Pacific governments recognized the need to extend education beyond traditional academic subjects. Fiji saw the opening of practically oriented schools, backed by the Education Commission, which emphasized the necessity for these institutions to meet high standards and not be considered inferior.
4. Low Literacy rates. Although the education sector has seen improvements, low literacy rates remain a significant concern for Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICT) governments. The impact of insufficient quality education at the primary school level is undeniable, affecting not only educational attainment but also attitudes toward study. The Pacific Islands Literacy and Numeracy Assessment (PILNA) provides evidence of this, with only 46% of participating Year 4 and Year 6 students meeting or exceeding the expected literacy proficiency levels.
5. Equity Gaps. Education distribution in the South Pacific continues to pose challenges. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, estimates indicated that 50% of children with disabilities were not attending school, a figure that soared to 90% in some rural areas. The pandemic has worsened these conditions, with the loss of social interaction and limited access to distance learning and support services significantly impacting this demographic. Furthermore, UNESCO estimates that 15 million women and girls in East Asia and the Pacific were not enrolled in school, with an additional 1.2 million girls at risk of not returning since the pandemic. Facing greater challenges such as child marriage and pregnancy, exploitation and abuse and reduced economic and financial capacity, women and girls rank among the groups most adversely affected by limited access to education.
6. Insufficient Infrastructure. The South Pacific islands rank among the regions most severely affected by the worsening climate crisis, with school buildings and other educational infrastructure facing disproportionate impacts from natural hazards. Tropical Cyclone Gita, which hit Tonga in 2018, damaged 72% of schools, resulting in 109 schools being damaged or destroyed. This disaster severely affected the education of approximately 23,000 students. The lack of sufficient infrastructure makes it nearly impossible to deliver effective and innovative education.
7. International Aid. Much can be achieved through international aid and support, which offer expertise in educational frameworks and funding to enhance facilities. UNICEF collaborates with governments and civil operations to ensure more children, especially the most vulnerable, attend and learn in pre-primary, primary and lower secondary schools.
8. Domestic Support. Local governments in the South Pacific must actively promote educational development and support international efforts to maximize growth and efficiency. The education ministries in Tonga, Samoa and Vanuatu contribute to the Pacific Safer Schools Program’s mission to enhance the safety and resilience of schools.

Looking Ahead

Significant work remains to advance educational opportunities in the South Pacific, but initiatives are underway to foster development across the board. By strengthening partnerships and leveraging international support, the region is taking steps toward a more inclusive and effective educational landscape.

– Chloe Thomas
Photo: Flickr