About Us
Background
The establishment of the Samoa Qualifications has been discussed for more than a decade.
Appraisal of the current economic and labour market situation conducted has ascertained that
there are now even more reasons to establish a national body to coordinate post-school education
and training. A review of developments in post-school education and training reveals that
significant numbers of school leavers cannot find places in formal and vocational training
institutions and as a result, an increasing number of private institutions are springing up to
provide training. Many of these serve a very useful purpose and provide quality education,
but without an agreed accreditation system and national qualifications framework, students have
no assurance their training will be recognized. Mechanisms are needed to prevent the unnecessary
duplication of facilities, monitor and advise on setting up of facilities and training programmes,
ensure training programmes and graduates are well suited to the labour market, and that training
providers are providing high quality, accredited qualifications. Emphasis is also found in the
area of non-formal, workplace training, adult and second chance education
In setting up the Samoa Qualifications Authority, the government demonstrates its intentions to
strengthen the post school education and training.
Functions
Functions of the Authority as legislated in the SQA Act 2006 are to:
- Provide policy advice to Government on strategies and priorities for post-school education and training
- Coordinate and strengthen all post school education and training, so as to better focus the post school education sub-sector on national development goals and to promote and develop articulation among programmes and
- Provide assurance that post-school education and training in Samoa maintains international comparability
Governance
The Samoa Qualifications Authority was established under the Samoa Qualifications Act 2006.
The Act requires that the Authority shall be administered by a Board of Members
comprising nine members including the Chairperson who shall be responsible for
the policy and general governance of the Authority.
Corporate Structure
The SQA is organized into three divisions with the CEO leading the Authority. The three divisions are:
- Quality Assurance Division
- HRD Policy Division
- Corporate Services Division
For more information please contact Mrs Melesete Lino Mariner melesete.mariner@sqa.gov.ws