Writing National Competency Standards

SQA has completed the first two days, of a four days training on writing National Competency Standards (NCS) which started on Monday 31st until Friday 3rd of February, 2012. The training is conducted by Lynn Stanton of Framework Solutions Limited in New Zealand. He is one of the eight Consultants recruited under the Samoa - Australia Partnership for Development Support to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Samoa, being coordinated by SQA. Mr Stanton will be providing technical assistance in the development and application of National Competency Standards (NCS) for, Motor/Automotive Mechanic, Electrical, Fitting & Machining, Plumbing, Carpentry & Joinery, Welding & Fabrication, Refrigeration & Air Conditioning.

The training has invited representatives from these trade occupations with the aim that they will develop, write and review internationally comparable NCS for each trade. NCS are a description of outcomes of skills, knowledge and understanding. NCS are standards to which outcomes have to be performed for credit to be awarded. NCS are assessed by methods suitable for what is being assessed. NCS are able to be flexibly assessed to meet workplace, training provider and trainee needs.

SQA loses a strong leader

“A leader has the vision and conviction that a dream can be achieved. He inspires the power and energy to get it done.” Those are the words of Lebanese‐ American political activitist Ralph Nader in one of his famous quotes on leadership. Those words are truthful to describe the calibre of the late Lolofie Dr Eti Enosa. Lolofie was selected Chairman of the SQA Board in 2008. He held the chairmanship for three years. He embraced his duties and commitment as a leader of SQA with a positive mindset. He possessed the determination to drive SQA to achieve its mandated goals. He was very supportive of not only SQA programmes, but of its staff members as well. He was never a hard person to approach. But sadly on the 31st of July this year, our Heavenly Father called on him..

However, SQA welcomes a new leadership for the SQA Board. The Cabinet has selected Safuneituuga Paaga Neri Fepulea’i as the new Chairperson. Safuneituuga takes on the leadership with a dynamic background in education and politics. The SQA Board is comprised of nine members including CEOs of SQA, Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture, Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour, Ministry of Women , Community and Social Development and representatives from National University of Samoa, Samoa Association of Manufacturers Exporters, Chamber of Commerce and Non Government Schools and Institutions

50 years in the art of weaving

SHE was only 12 years old when her mother introduced her to one duty every Samoan woman must sustain for its value in our traditional households. Mats are used for flooring and beddings. They are woven from the pandanus and locally called ‘laui’e’, ‘laufala mao’i’ or ‘laupaogo’. Polima Muna’s passion of weaving mats now becomes a career at 62 years of her life. She is one of the three Consultants chosen from thorough selection to work and assist SQA in their commitment towards the recognition of traditional knowledge and skills (TKS). Polima is humbled by the opportunity and her role as a Consultant. For her, it means her knowledge and skills in weaving mats are her contribution to strengthen this role of women and revive a tradition. She says, ‘it’s sad that we are using import mats, carpets and even mattresses”. For that, we have neglected our own products and our own culture, she added. There are about 10 different mats and Polima is an expert in weaving these different mats. SQA has already started with consultations on the different traditional mats, siapo and the finemat (Ie Samoa).

Regional quality assuring agencies reinforces networking

The Samoa Qualifications Authority (SQA) hosted a Study Visit from the Tonga National Qualifications and Accreditation Board (TNQAB) in August this year.

Chief Executive Officer of TNQAB Dr ‘Uhila‐Moe‐ Langi Fasi with the Principal Qualifications Officer – Opeti Pulotu visited to observe and familiarize with the implementation of SQA mandated functions. The visitors spent time with the four divisions of SQA and engaged in discussions and shared experiences. They attended a programme accreditation panel meeting and participated in a site visit on registration processes to Post School Education and Training (PSET) Providers.
According to Dr Fasi, SQA and TNQAB have similar goals and functions as well as issues and challenges. He noted some of the best practices in SQA operations that will be helpful in managing TNQAB. He was specifically interested in how the SQA functions were well defined and de‐lineated in the SQA organization structure. He also thought SQA’s Electronic Filing System was helpful to ensure organized access to work files.
Chief Executive Officer of SQA Fepulea’i Sinapi Mōlī said hosting this visit is a welcome opportunity in terms of working together with other countries in the region towards mutual recognition of qualifications and sharing best practices in quality assurance matters.
Fepulea’i added that it’s the beginning of an exchange and strengthening of a relationship in which Dr Fasi also agreed. Fepulea’i believes regional networking in sharing experiences and understanding of quality assurance processes and standards is a good start for comparability and recognition of qualifications. Strengthening these relationships will contribute towards implementation of the Pacific Register of Qualifications and Standards (PRQS) currently being prepared.
Establishment of robust quality assurance systems and processes for mutual recognition of qualification, skills and knowledge will assist the implementation of the Transnational Movement of Natural People (TMNP) scheme currently being negotiated in the Pacific, which can assist to provide or increase employment opportunities for our people.

Future Leaders Meets SQA

The candidates of the Leadership Programme gained an overview of SQA, through a presentation on the topic ‘Education Development in Samoa – The Status and Standard of Education and Education Providers in Samoa’. The content of the presentation by Chief Executive Officer Fepulea’i Sinapi Mōlī included a brief background on SQA, its mandates, roles and functions, targets groups and stakeholders, governance and management. The presentation shared with them the vision and mission of SQA as well as the qualifications services, the Samoa Qualifications Framework (SQF) and Quality Assurance System and Processes.

They also learned that SQA is affiliated with international quality assurance agencies and where SQA is a Full Member of the Asia‐Pacific Quality Network (APQN) and the International Network of Quality Assurance Agency in Higher Education (INQAAHE). The visit is part of the programme for the candidates to realize some of the leadership challenges in Samoa and how they will approach and resolve them as leaders. Leadership Samoa is a non‐government and not for profit organisation that aims to create a network of emerging and future leaders who are empowered to address Samoa’s leadership and development issues, and achieve Samoa’s political, environment, economic and social goals.

SQA completes study on employment opportunities

In 2007, the Samoa Qualifications Authority (SQA) executed an initial study on employment opportunities available to those that exit Post School Education and Training (PSET) Institutions in Samoa. This was to identify which occupation groups as classified under the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Classification of Occupation List were of the highest demand in the labour market both nationally and internationally during 2006 – 2007.
This report entails the continuation of this study into the period 2008 ‐ 2009 with the following objectives: 1) To find out the types of employment opportunities that were available to PSET leavers during 2008‐2009; 2) To identify trends in job opportunities available to PSET leavers since 2006.
One conclusion in this Report show that the most demanded for local occupations during 2008 and 2009 were of the “Professionals” Group. Occupation types under the “Technicians & Associated Professionals” Group were the most demanded for jobs in the local labour market during 2006 – 2007. To understand more on the Occupation Groups and the Study visit our website www.sqa.gov.ws

SPNTC now a Registered Provider

SQA in introducing its quality assurance systems has adopted the continuous improvement approach in working together with the PSET providers to ensure they meet the set quality assurance standards and criteria’s. This approach was followed in preparing South Pacific Nazarene Theological College (SPNTC) for PSET Provider Registration through meetings and correspondences. SQA is pleased to announce that SPNTC is now the 11th Registered PSET Provider in Samoa. Their registration had been approved by the Board in August this year. The SPNTC is an institution of the Church of the Nazarene International founded in 1974 under the leadership of Rev. Jerry Appleby for the purpose of providing Wesleyan Armenian theological training among the Samoan people and within their own cultural context.
The initiative was borne out of the need for a high quality evangelical college to prepare qualified pastors to lead the Church of Nazarene in Samoa.
SPNTC offers courses that meet the requirements for ordination of ministers of the Gospel in the Church of Nazarene. The courses offered at the College also opens up opportunities for anyone to attend training in theology and biblical studies to assist them in strengthening their spiritual lives for the services of God.
SPNTC is an entity of the Nazarene Church of Samoa which has been registered with the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour.

NQ reports for agriculture certificates in progress

SQA’s work towards registration of National Qualifications (NQ) on to the Samoa Qualifications Framework (SQF) continues well in the area of Agriculture. The Panel for registration of NQs on Animal Production and Health Certificates, Levels II, III, IV have completed and submitted to SQA draft reports for registration on to the SQF. The purpose of the registration of the NQ exercise is to establish and confirm that the National Certificates meet the requirements for the qualification to be registered on the SQF and that the qualification meets criteria for use of the term ‘National’ in the qualification title

Accreditation progress for Harvest Bible College

SQA and its Programme Accreditation Panel for Harvest Bible College (HBC) continues to work together to ensure a complete accreditation of courses offered at the bible school. HBC is a Registered Provider of PSET in Samoa and had signed a Memorandum of Agreement with SQA in July 2010. By August this year, the Panel is progressing well with its work as they start to put together its reports for the two programmes of Certificate and Diploma in Biblical Studies. HBC provides Bachelor of Arts (BA) level courses in Bible, Theology, and ministry education for members of the Assemblies of God and for other believers of like faith. HBC has existed as a ministry of the AoGs in Samoa since 1995 to train ministers for services at home and abroad. Programme Accreditation is the process conducted by SQA to evaluate a provider’s capability to deliver education and training to the required standard. It is one of the three quality assurance processes.

Malua Bible School in registration process

SQA welcomes on board Malua Bible School as they begin with the first steps of the Provider Registration procedure.

The goals of the bible school, are to provide theological education for all men and women that would develop their awareness of the Bible in ones context; to motivate a desire to further biblical learning that will lead to Christian maturity and spiritual depth; to foster positive attitudes and leadership qualities between men and women in the church and community; and, to develop a better understanding of diverse cultures and religions.

The programme offers two awards, Certificate in Theological Studies and the Diploma in Theological Studies. It is a bible school for all men and women of the community with a mission to deliver basic theological education and to promote better understanding of the Bible.

Malua Bible School also envision working in partnership with other church and community leaders in providing tools for leadership in individuals, church, society and the world.

Other news from QA Division..

TESESE INSTITUTE OF ADMINISTRATIVE STUDIES
TIAS panel members held its last accreditation meeting on 05 August 2011, to finalize the two Programme Accreditation Reports for TIAS Certificates in Computing and Office Administration. Programme Accreditation panel draft reports for the two Certificate Programmes by TIAS were completed and submitted to TIAS on 24th August 2011. TIAS has started work on the requirements of the reports.
DON BOSCO TECHNICAL CENTRE
DBTC is progressing well with the Panel at its report writing stage of Programme Accreditation. Four draft reports have been prepared.
New Zealand Qualificationss Agency(NZQA) Staff visits SQA
Mr Kolose Lagavale of NZQA visited SQA and met with the CEO and Management before meeting with the Quality Assurance Division. The discussion was based on sharing information on how each agency conducts its work. Mr Kolose gave feedback on Non‐Formal Learning which will assist SQA Quality Assurance Division in ensuring development and success of this activity in Samoa. The meeting closed at a positive note with both agencies agreeing to continue close contact for future developments.

New leadership for Uesiliana and Laumua o Punaoa

Following the Methodist Annual Conference, changes were made to leading personnel within these Technical Centres. Former Director Rev Taumafai Komiti and former Principal of Uesiliana Rev Amosa Tapuai are taking up their ministerial duty calls. Replacing Rev Taumafai Komiti as Director for Board of Education is Rev Logopati Mataafa whilst Rev Paseto Eteuati will replace Rev Amosa Tapuai as Principal of Uesiliana Technical Centre. Rev Selau Asiata who had also worked along with SQA is also called to ministerial duties. Continuing his duties as Principal of Laumua o Punaoa is Rev Pasili Farani. SQA extends its Warm welcome to New Members and anticipate working closely with you to accomplish a successful outcome for your institutions. Congratulations and well wishes to Outgoing Members and thank you for your invaluable contribution to promoting quality in PSET.