jan – mar 2018...competency standards into their programmes. vocational school (cccsvs) in...
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● TATTE Building Level 2 ● PO Box L851 ●Office Ph: (685) 20976 ● FAX: (685) 26314 ● Email: [email protected]
Quality Audit for NUS School of Maritime
Newsletter
IN THIS ISSUE:
CAS visits Upolu colleges Seven NFL recognised Professional Development success Board approves ARR NZ Prime Minister visits NUS
2 3 4 5 6
Jan – Mar 2018
Foreign Qualifications Recognition Service awareness
Principal Foreign Qualifications Officer, Fata Timothy Perefoti on
how to identify diploma mills
The development of the Foreign Qualifications Recognition
Service (FQRS) is a mandatory function of SQA in accordance to
its 2010 legislation. It assesses the foreign qualifications whether
they are authentic and recognised in the country of award. A
workshop to raise awareness on the Foreign Qualifications
Recognition Service (FQRS) review was held at the Development
Bank of Samoa conference room on Thursday, 22nd March 2018.
More than fifty participants from government agencies, public
enterprises and Post School Education and Training Providers
attended. The workshop follows a review of the FQRS service in
relation to issues raised in its initial awareness workshop.
Subsequent changes were made to the Guidelines and the In-house
Manual for the operation of the FQRS. The workshop highlighted
the changes and brought to the attention of the stakeholder the
importance of validating qualifications of people seeking
employment or further studies. Fraudulent qualifications from
diploma mills which is a criminal activity are now very much a
concern. The ease with which certificates of various kinds are
illegally created and duplicated with the use of technology is also
becoming a problem worldwide.
The review of the FQRS process saw two positive changes; the
reduction of service fee and the reduction of lead time for the
service. It is anticipated that the reduction of fees and lead time will
draw people to maximise the use of the service. An
important recommendation of the review FQRS was
SQA working together with the Samoa Immigration
Department, Ministry of Commerce Industry and
Labour (MCIL), PSET providers, Public Service
Commission (PSC) and other stakeholders to establish a
framework for collaboration in the granting of study
visas and work permits based on verification of
qualifications.
A Quality Audit is being undertaken by SQA for the National University of Samoa, School of
Maritime for the 6 programmes accredited in 2012. An initial panel meeting was held on
Wednesday 28th February 2018 to discuss important dates and associated documents and tasks
covered in the Quality Audit Training. Panel work continued with a site visit at NUS School of
Maritime, Mulinuu. Consolidating panel findings from the visit are in progress for:
NUS Certificate IV Maritime (Master Class V)
NUS Certificate III Maritime (Marine Engineering Class V)
NUS Certificate II Maritimes (Marine Engineering R2)
NUS Certificate III Maritime (Marine Engineering R1)
NUS Certificate II Maritime (Navigational R2)
NUS Certificate III Maritime (Navigational R1)
A Quality Audit helps to protect the interest of learners and stakeholders as well as identifying
opportunities for improvement. The panel is composed of industry representatives.
The Audit is expected to be completed in May and submitted to the Board for approval and the
NUS will be fully informed so that they are aware if the programmes consistently meet the SQA
Quality Standards.
Career Advisory Service visits Upolu colleges
The SQA Board at its meeting on Thursday 25th January 2018 approved
the registration of the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa
Vocational School (CCCSVS) in Savaii.
CCCSVS met all the relevant requirements for registration as a Formal
Post School Education and Training (PSET) provider in Samoa.
The newly registered provider was established in 2016. This vocational
school will provide further opportunities for secondary school leavers of
Savaii to continue their education and training with the view towards
gainful employment upon completion. Located in Salelologa Savaii, the
school offers three qualifications; Certificate of Sheet Metal and
Plumbing, Certificate of Carpentry and Joinery & Certificate of Computer
Studies. CCCSVS is also working towards incorporating National
Competency Standards into their programmes.
SQA congratulates the CCCS Vocational School for meeting the
criteria and requirements of the initial Provider Registration process!
Congregational Christian Church of Samoa Vocational School register
WINTEC visits
SQA A group of consultants from
the Waikato Institute of
Technology (WINTEC)
visited the Samoa
Qualifications Authority on
March 13th 2018.
They met with SQA
Management.
The group came to Samoa to
market the services they
offer and talk about the
different projects they had
done in various fields.
WINTEC is known for their
consultancy work in training,
industry engagement in
TVET and in Recognition of
Prior Learning (RPL) and
other areas. Recently they
conducted training for SQA
in National External
Moderation (NEM). The
NEM process enables SQA
to ensure that quality and
compliance to required
standards are met for all Post
School Education and
Training providers in Samoa.
The Career Advisory Service (CAS) is mandated by the SQA Act 2010; to promote links
and learning pathways between the school sector and the PSET sector and offer career
advisory services.
Secondary school students in year 12 and year 13 across Upolu were targeted for the
Career Advisory School Visit which started in March 2018.
The focus for this year was to provide information on Post School Education and Training
(PSET) and the importance of links to the choice of subjects studied at the secondary
schools. Students were also made aware of admission criteria for Post School Education
and Training as well as eligibility for international and local scholarships.
After the 28 colleges in Upolu are covered the team will then visit secondary schools in
Savai’i starting from May.
Participating in this year’s CAS School Visits team are the National University of Samoa
(NUS), Tesese Institute (TI), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), the NZ
High Commission and the Australian High Commission. NUS and TI discussed the
various programmes they offer, the entry requirements and learning pathways for
students.
Moreover, the MFAT, with the NZ and AUS High Commission representatives presented
information on scholarship opportunities as well as the challenges faced by students going
overseas.
The Congregational Christian Church of Samoa
Vocational School (CCCSVS) in Salelologa Savaii
Students from Lefaga College during the Career Advisory Service visit in the district
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Chief Executive Officers take oath The Samoa Qualifications Authority, Chief Executive Officer,
Letuimanu’asina Dr Emma Kruse Vaai was sworn in at the Tui Atua
Tupua Tamasese Efi Convention Center on 25th January 2018.
She was amongst eleven other government agencies CEOs that swore
an oath to work with honesty and commitment in serving the nation.
Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr Sailele Malielegaoi in his remarks
provided sage advice and encouraged the CEOs to “lead with honesty,
humility and respect”.
“As CEOs you are role models of change in your organisations,” said
the Prime Minister.
“You have been chosen to make a difference and take your
organisation to a new level. Performance is therefore vital to achieving
your targets. Do not be scared to make tough decisions, which will
benefit the nation.
“There is natural tendency to resist changes, particularly if the changes
will take people out of their comfort zones.
Letuimanu’asina Dr Emma Kruse Vaai, Pauli Prince Suhren,
Pulotu Lyndon Chu Ling and So’oalo Kuresa So’oalo
Seven Non Formal Learning activities recognised Seven Non Formal Learning activities from two Non Formal Education Providers
were recognised by the SQA Board at its meeting in February 2018.
The activities are from Pesega Dental Assisting School and NUS Oloamanu
Center for Professional Development and Continuing Education.
Name of
NFEP Name of Learning Activity
Date of
approval
Pesega Dental
Assisting
School
Dental Assisting Course 27th March
2018
NUS
Oloamanu
Centre for
Professional
Development
and
Continuing
Education
S900 Credit Management & Debt Recovery
S904 Ethics
S907 Writing Policies and Procedures for
New NGOs
S910 Corporate Social Responsibility
S913 Data Collection Analysis
S915 Business Strategy
22nd
February
2018
27th March
2018
Dr. George Spencer with his assistant at the
Pesega Dental clinic (photo by LDS website)
Updates on Providers The Assemblies of God in Samoa informed SQA regarding the merging of Ierusalema Fou
Theological Institute and Harvest Theological College on 8th January 2018.
The new school would be named the AOG in Samoa Theological College and will utilize the
facilities of the Ierusalema Fou Theological Institute in Savai’i. As a result, both providers will
be removed from the list of Registered Providers due to their new arrangement. SQA will work
together with them to achieve Provider Registration as required.
Hospitality and Community Health Institute Training (HCHIT Samoa) has been de-registered
due to non-compliance and failure to satisfy Quality Assurance standards. HCHIT Samoa was
not able to provide and comply with the prescribed criteria which would enable it to re-register
under the SQA Act 2010.
“But we will never deliver for the benefit of our
people if we dwell on decisions and do nothing.”
Government officials, diplomatic corps, families
and relatives of the CEOs were there to witness the
event.
Hospitality and Community
Health Institute Training Samoa
Professional Development success
and Hospitality launched
Record of Achievement Pilot
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Post School Education and Training providers selected to trial the Record
of Achievement (RoA) system were given training and awareness on the
processes and operations involved at the Elisa Hotel beginning of March.
RoA is a national record of all accredited and recognized learning
achievements from Formal and Non-Formal learning (NFL) activities. It
also lists the components of these achievements in terms of national
competencies, units/courses/modules and learning outcomes of
recognized learning activities.
The first session focused on the value and benefits of RoA which include
supporting lifelong learning, portability and transferability of learning in
terms of credit transfers.
During discussions, participants shared their concerns about the system
mainly on the confidentiality of the data. SQA reassured that security
measures will be in place for the RoA database which will be kept by SQA.
The training took the participants through the overall processes from
capturing learning achievements from providers, to storing the data at the
RoA database at SQA and the release of RoA document to learners.
Assistant Chief Executive Officer of Quality Assurance
(QA), Asiasiau Melesete Lino – Mariner and Principal
Quality Assurance Officer, Joyce Adam completed their
Graduate Certificate in Tertiary Education (Quality
Assurance) from the University of Melbourne Australia.
The course is designed to equip quality assurance
professionals with further knowledge and skills on QA
systems, approaches and challenges in tertiary education
contexts.
This was made possible through the SQA Professional
Development program. Asiasiau and Joyce started their
studies for the online course in January 2017 while still
working. The pair completed the course in January 2018
with their awards being conferred in April 2018.
Maposua Mose Asani, Asiasiau Melesete Lino – Mariner, Joyce Adams, Letuimanu’asina
Dr Emma Kruse Vaai and Taua Molia Taioalo
Although they were unable to attend their graduation SQA
celebrated their success. According to Joyce the studies have
broadened her understanding of the complex issues around
tertiary education and their quality assurance processes.
“The course has a big impact on the work I do in SQA,” she
said.
“I now have a better understanding of tertiary institutions and
the pressure to respond to new government regulations and
policy initiatives. It’s happening overseas and it can be applied
here in Samoa.”
Asiasiau and Ms. Adam thanked SQA Board for their support
and allowing them to undergo their studies.
The CEO commended the fine efforts from Asiasiau and
Joyce.
Qualification Assistant Chief Executive Officer, Taua
Molia Taioalo
National External
Moderation conducts
training SQA conducted a one-on-one training on
the National External Moderation of
Good Assessments and Moderation for
several PSET Providers.
National University of Samoa, Laumua o
Punaoa, Martin Hautus Institute of
Learning – Samoa, Congregational
Christian Church of Samoa Vocational
School (CCCSVS), Uesiliana Vocational
Centre and Don Bosco College
Vocational Technical Centre (DBCVTC)
participated. National External
Moderation ensures that a provider is
able to offer evidence that its
assessments are aligned with learning
objectives and can be held up to required
standards of fair assessment.
Further training will continue to be provided to
ensure a successful pilot for implementing the
Record of Achievement system.
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Registered Formal PSET Providers as of March 2018
1. Apia Harvest Centre Bible College
2. Australia Pacific Technical College
3. Congregational Christian Church of Samoa School of Fine Arts and Museum (CCCSSFAM)
4. Congregational Christian Church of Samoa Vocational School (CCCSVS)
5. Don Bosco College and Vocational Technical Centre
6. Don Bosco Technical Centre
7. Early Childhood Education Teachers Training Institute
8. Laumua o Punaoa Methodist Creative Tech Centre
9. Malua Bible School
10. Malua Theological College
11. Martin Hautus Institute of Learning - Samoa
12. Moamoa Theological College
13. National University of Samoa
14. Oceania University of Medicine
15. Pesega TVET Institute
16. Piula Theological College
17. Rhema Bible Training Centre South Pacific
18. Samoa Shipping Maritime Academy
19. Small Business Enterprise Centre
20. South Pacific Nazarene Theological College
21. Tesese Institute
22. Uesiliana Vocational Centre
23. University of the South Pacific
24. Vailima Fou Theological College
25. Worldwide Mission Training Centre
26. Youth with a Mission (YWAM)
Board grants Annual Registration Renewal The SQA Board granted approval of
Annual Renewal Registration for 21 Post
School Education and Training (PSET)
Providers for the period of January to
March 2018.
ARR process is mandated under the SQA
Act 2010, Part VI, and Section 18 (2) to
ensure continuous compliance of
registration of registered PSET Providers
with the Registration requirement.
The following PSET Providers have been
granted approval by the Board.
Listed but not registered Providers are Le
Univesite ole Amosa o Savavau and AOG
in Samoa Theological College.
Hospitality and Community Health
Institute Training (Samoa) is de-registered
due to non-compliance.
PSET Providers Date approved
by the Board
Congregational Christian Church of Samoa School of Fine Arts and Museum
(CCCSFAM)
25th January
2018
Don Bosco College and Vocational Technical Centre (DBCVTC)
Don Bosco Technical Centre (DBTC)
Laumua o Punaoa Methodist Technical Creative Centre (LoP MTCC)
Malua Bible Sschool (MBS)
Malua Theological College (MaTC)
Martin Hautus Institute of Learning Samoa (MHIL- Samoa)
National University of Samoa (NUS)
Oceania University of Medicine (OUM)
Piula Theological College (PTC)
Rhema Bible Training Center South Pacific (RBTCP)
South Pacific Nazarene Theological College (SPNTC)
Tesese Institute (TI)
Worldwide Mission Training Centre (WMTC)
Apia Harvest Centre Bible College (AHCBC)
22nd February
2018 Samoa Shipping Maritime Academy (SSMA)
University of the South Pacific (USP)
Vailima Fou Theological College (VFTC)
Youth with a Mission (YWAM)
Early Childhood Education Teachers Training Institute (ECETTI) 27th March
2018
Palauli I Sisifo College with CAS
team
Local plumbers at work RHEMA graduate students
One of the small business at
SBEC training
Programme Accreditation work continues
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The Prime Minister of New
Zealand, Jacinda Ardern made
history when she visited the National
University of Samoa (NUS) on 5th
March 2018.
In welcoming Ms. Ardern and her
delegation, NUS Vice Chancellor
Professor Fui Asofou So’o said
never before in the history of the
university had a New Zealand Prime
Minister visited their campus.
NZ Prime Minister Ms. Ardern was
in Samoa at the time for her first state
visit since becoming NZ Prime
Minister.
NUS welcomed the delegation in a
traditional ava ceremony. The
Minister of Education,
Solamalemalo Keneti Sio and
Minister of Communications and
Information Technology, Afamasaga
Rico Tupa’i, government officials
and diplomatic corps were there to
witness the traditional welcoming.
Programme accreditation development
for several Post School Education and
Training (PSET) Providers is still
underway. The process works towards
the overall structure of the programme
meeting the criteria and requirements for
programme accreditation by SQA.
SQA acknowledges the work from all
panel members and technical assistants
actively engaged to assist providers in
packaging their programmes for PA
process. Other programmes have been
submitted to the SQA Board for
approval.
These programmes to date include; NUS
Diploma Level V in Tourism and
DBCVTC Samoa Certificate I Trades
Foundation Skills.
The table shows the programmes that are
undergoing programme accreditation.
Provider Programme
Congregational Christian Church
of Samoa School of Fine Arts and
Museum (CCCSSFAM)
Certificate Level III of Fine Arts
Don Bosco College and
Vocational Technical Centre
(DBCVTC)
Samoa Certificate I Trades Foundation Skills
Don Bosco Technical Centre
(DBTC)
Certificate I Basic Trades and Vocational Skills
Certificate II in General Trade and Vocational Skills
Laumua o Punaoa Methodist
Creative Tech Centre (LoP
MTCC)
Certificate II in Automotive Engineering
Certificate II in Electrical Engineering
National University of Samoa
(NUS)
NUS Diploma in Radio Electronics (Level V)
NUS Certificate in Computer Operating (Level IV)
NUS Certificate Level IV in Tropical Horticulture
NUS Diploma in Business & Diploma in Tourism
NUS Diploma in Office Management
South Pacific Nazarene College Diploma in Theology (Level VI)
Uesiliana Vocational Centre
(UVC)
Certificate II in Automotive Engineering
Certificate II in Electrical Engineering
Vailima Fou Theological College
(VFTC)
Certificate Level I in Biblical Studies
Rhema Bible Training Center
South Pacific (RBTCSP)
Ministerial Diploma Level V
Spot the NZ Prime Minister at NUS
NUS students were also given an opportunity to ask Ms. Ardern questions in areas
of gender, climate change and youth in an open forum discussion. In his remarks at
the event, Professor So’o sought assistance from New Zealand for NUS students and
the campus.
Spot the NZ Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern in the photo with NUS students
Awareness on Reviewed Terms and Conditions of Employment SQA staff were made aware of the changes in the Reviewed Terms
and Conditions Employment (TCE) Manual in March before Easter
break.
The review was approved by the SQA Board at its meeting on 28th
March 2018. Corporate Service Division led by Maposua Mose
Asani conducted the awareness to ensure that all staff members are
fully aware of the changes, staff entitlements, Code of Ethics as well
as policies they need to abide by. Staff were also given the
opportunity to ask questions in areas they did not understand or
wished to comment on. One of the noted changes was the provision
of support for staff undertaking professional development through
distance learning while still working.
National Technical and Vocational Education and Training consultation
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ACEO for Corporate Service Division, Maposua Mose Asani
led the awareness session
A stakeholder consultation on the Draft National Technical and
Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Policy took place on 19th
March 2018 at the Development Bank of Samoa Conference Room.
SQA staff and Consultant Magele Mauiliu Magele had previously met
with TVET providers and students, donor partners, relevant
Government Ministries, and professional associations to gauge their
views on the current status and future policy direction of TVET in
Samoa.
More than 80 stakeholders attended and discussed issues and challenges
facing TVET in Samoa and the rationale for a National TVET Policy
focusing on; increased relevance and quality of training programme. It
also looked at improving; access and equity, training facilities and
safety, instructional leadership, teaching practice and industry
experience of trainers, coordination of TVET, financing of TVET and
internationalisation of PSET programmes.
Stakeholders agreed on the usefulness of the policy which would direct
improved access, relevance, quality assurance and the coordination of
TVET in Samoa. Moreover, TVET students would exit their education
and training with appropriate skills and competencies which match the
needs of the workplace or further studies. The National TVET Policy
was subsequently endorsed by the SQA Board in April and is now
Participants from several stakeholders attended the
consultation
The Inaugural Australia Future Unlimited Roadshow co-hosted by
Australian High Commission and SQA was held at the Elisa Hotel,
Sogi on the 13th March 2018.
The Roadshow targeted PSET Providers in Samoa and is an
opportunity to foster potential partnerships or pathways for PSET
sub sector.
Representatives from nine highly acclaimed Australian tertiary
institutions were in Samoa for the event. Australia offers a diverse
range of study options for international students, with more than
1,200 institutions and over 22,000 courses.
Each year Australia awards scholarships to Samoan students for
tertiary studies. The awards are tenable in Australia and Fiji via
online learning as well as on campus.
SQA CEO, Letuimanu’asina Dr Emma Kruse Vaai and Australia’s Deputy
High Commissioner, Amanda Jewell (PC: Australia High Commission)
submitted for Education Sector consideration
before tabling with Cabinet for final approval.
Implementation will start in the new financial year.
ACEO Lealiifano Easter Manila Silipa of SQA
Research, Policy and Planning Division
acknowledged the excellent support from TVET
stakeholders in contributing and developing the
policy. She was confident that the enthusiasm and
support will also be sustained for implementation.
Inaugural Australia Future Unlimited Roadshow
a
SQA Block
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SQA combined daily diligence with workshops and other positive activities during the period of January to March 2018.
NUS, MESC and SQA came together to offer thanksgiving and prayers for continued success and collaboration at its
annual Education Sector Prayer Service. The staff held a walkathon plus weekly healthy snacks to balance up their
work load and healthy living. SQA also welcomed two new recruits; Senior Qualifications Officer, David Fau Meredith
and Research, Policy and Planning Officer, Deborah Koon Wai. Finally, congratulations and best wishes to Fata
Timothy Komiti and his wife on their wedding celebration.
The National Orchestra of Samoa at the Education prayer service Perenise Stowers, Leali’ifano Easter Manila-Silipa and Afamasaga Dr
Karoline Afamasaga Fuata’i at the Education sector prayer service
SQA new recruits, David Fau Meredith and Deborah Koon Wai You CEO and team ready to start power-walk
The ladies at the back catching up with Mike and Henry Newlyweds Fata Timothy Perefoti Komiti with Mrs Norah Gafo Komiti
LEVEL 2, TATTE Building, Sogi
Telephone: +685 20976
Website: www.sqa.gov.ws
Email: [email protected]
P.O.BOX L851, Apia Samoa