Tuvalu’s Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) is leading a national initiative to improve the quality of learning in schools by strengthening teachers’ skills, qualifications, and leadership across the country.
The $2.5 million programme is funded by the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) and supported by UNICEF and the University of the South Pacific’s Institute of Education. Around 970 children are expected to directly benefit from improved teaching and learning in classrooms.
The initiative responds to long-standing challenges in Tuvalu’s education system, where many teachers—particularly in the outer islands—teach without formal training. National data indicate that fewer than half of primary school teachers and only about a quarter of secondary school teachers hold formal teaching qualifications.
Recent reforms now require all teachers to hold at least a Bachelor of Education, creating an urgent need for flexible pathways that allow educators to upskill while continuing to teach.
Under the programme, selected primary teachers will complete or continue a Bachelor of Education degree, strengthening their knowledge of teaching methods, classroom practice, and learning theory. Training will be delivered through a blended model combining online study, face-to-face workshops, and in-school mentoring, allowing teachers to remain in their communities while upgrading their qualifications.
Teachers without prior formal training will also receive foundational training modules focused on practical classroom skills tailored to Tuvalu’s teaching environment. The flexible approach ensures participation from educators in both Funafuti and the outer islands.
In addition, emerging education leaders will undertake a Graduate Certificate in School Leadership to prepare for future roles as principals and senior administrators. This aims to strengthen school leadership and improve learning outcomes across the system.
Digital training tools will be introduced to support teachers beyond the duration of the programme, contributing to long-term improvements in professional development and education quality.
The multi-year initiative, running until the end of 2029, is expected to support nearly 30 per cent of primary teachers in Tuvalu and reach all untrained teachers through foundational modules. Ongoing mentoring will be provided, particularly for teachers in remote areas, to help ensure consistent learning standards across all islands.
The programme aligns with Tuvalu’s Education Sector Plan IV (2025–2030), which places teachers at the centre of education reform efforts. It also complements other development initiatives in the country, including support from Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) for teacher professional development.
“Our teachers play a vital role in shaping the future of Tuvalu, so it is crucial that they get the support, training and opportunities they need to grow professionally while continuing to serve their communities,” said MEHRD Permanent Secretary Tamarisi Alemenia. “When teachers succeed, our students succeed, and our whole country benefits.”
Global education partners emphasized the broader importance of the initiative.
“Teachers are the backbone of every education system,” said Global Partnership for Education CEO Laura Frigenti. “When teachers are well trained, supported and equipped to lead, children are far more likely to learn, thrive, and build the skills they need for the future.”
UNICEF Pacific Representative Hamish Young noted the impact on students: “This programme will improve classroom experiences for children across all islands by strengthening teacher support and training.”
Australian High Commissioner to Tuvalu David Charlton described the initiative as an investment in long-term national resilience, highlighting its role in improving learning outcomes and strengthening the education system.
The programme reflects a broader effort to ensure that all children in Tuvalu, regardless of location, have access to quality education supported by well-trained and well-supported teachers.
