● TATTE Building Level 2 ● PO Box L851 ●Office Ph: (685) 20976 ● FAX: (685) 26314 ● Email: sqa@sqa.gov.ws

Letuimanu’asina joins SQA

Letuimanu’asina Dr Emma Kruse Va’ai is the new CEO for the Samoa Qualifications

Authority.

She was officially welcomed by SQA staff in an ava ceremony on Wednesday, 1st November,

2017 at the SQA conference room, TATTE Building, Sogi.(continue page 2)

Newsletter

IN THIS ISSUE:

PSET Tracer Study launched Stakeholders Quality Audit consultation NUS and SQA sign MoA Register Formal PSET Providers PSET graduations A graduate’s story

2 3 4 5 6 7

Oct - Dec 2017

The Samoa Qualifications Authority (SQA) hosted its Annual

Strategic Planning Seminar (ASP) on Friday 8th, December at the

Millenia Hotel, Sogi.

“Positivity generates Productivity” was the theme for this year’s

seminar organized by the Research, Policy and Planning Division

and ASP sub-committee. This is an annual opportunity for

management and staff to review past performance and identify

strategies and priority activities for the new Financial Year.

The objectives of the seminar was to make staff aware of the status

of the ASP 2015 issues and way forward, new activities planned for

the current financial year, the link between SQA’s mandate and

functions to the Strategy for the Development of Samoa, Education

Sector Plan, PSET Strategic Plan and SQA Corporate Plan. Another

objective was sharing issues and ideas regarding performance of

duties and responsibilities.

SQA CEO, Letuimanu’asina Dr Emma Kruse Vaai emphasized to

staff how important their work is in the overall development of

Samoa. She noted the icon of the house on the SQA logo symbolized

safety, stability and security as in the Samoan term ‘malupuipuia’

which is core to the work of SQA; to safeguard and assure the quality

of Samoan PSET institutions and their qualifications. The

collaborative work of SQA and the PSET providers enabled local

and international recognition of these qualifications from Samoa.

(continue page 5)

Annual Strategic Planning Seminar for SQA

SQA staff at the Annual Strategic Planning Seminar held

at Millenia Hotel

Fu’a Meki Hazelman, Letuimanu’asina Dr Emma Kruse Vaai and Gatoloaifa’ana Tilianamua Afamasaga

PSET Tracer Study launched

An awareness training on Programme Accreditation (PA) process for the

University of the South Pacific (USP) was conducted by SQA on Tuesday 5th

December, 2017 at the Alafua campus.

Dr Sereana Kubuabola, Senior Quality Assurance Coordinator of the Planning

and Quality Office of USP came to Alafua campus to take part.

Programme Accreditation is the process through which the capability of an

education and training provider to deliver its programmes to the required

standards is evaluated. USP Alafua has been registered as a PSET in Samoa

with SQA. The next step is to submit its Alafua programmes to undergo the

Programme Accreditation process.

This is noted as a way forward for continued developments in quality

assurance of post school education and training in Samoa. Through such

collaborations such as this between USP and SQA the protection of students

and the integrity of Samoa PSET and associated qualifications are ensured.

USP gets Programme Accreditation training

...from front page

SQA Chairperson,

Gatoloaifa’ana

Tilianamua Afamasaga

and Board Member Fua

Meki Hazelman were

also there to welcome the

CEO. In her welcome remarks

Gatoloaifa’ana extended

the Board of Directors’

good wishes and God’s

blessings for the

successful continuation

of the work of the

Authority.

In response,

Letuimanu’asina thanked

the staff and Board of

SQA for their warm

welcome.

“I can only do this with

the help of God and the

support of the Board and

the staff. I firmly believe

that team work is

important to achieve our

goals.” She also

acknowledged the

outstanding work by

former CEOs of SQA; the

late Fepuleai Sinapi Moli

and Lemalu Lafi

Sanerivi.

2

The Report of the Tracer Study of 2012 – 2014 graduates from Post School Education Training

(PSET) in Samoa was launched on Friday, 27th October 2017 at the TATTE Convention

Center, Sogi.

SQA’s Board of Directors Chairperson, Gatoloaifa’ana Tilianamua Afamasaga officiated the

launch witnessed by PSET Providers and stakeholders.

The Tracer Study was conducted from November 2015 to May 2016 and it achieved a 68.3

percent response rate of 4,695 graduates who were targeted. There were 171 qualifications but

only 148 were covered from 20 Formal PSET Providers that were able to submit information.

Few responses however, were received from those working overseas but mostly this paper

reports on graduates residing in Samoa.

The study objectives were to find out how graduates are faring in the labour market and to

assess whether education and training is relevant to the skill needs and requirements of their

employment. Of the 3,207 respondents, just over half of them (59%) were engaged in paid

activities. The largest group (56%) involved in paid activities were found to be working for an

employer for pay. Of the 1,306 unemployed graduates, majority (24%) were pursuing further

studies.

Females were more likely to be working for employers for pay and more likely to be doing

further studies compared to males. However males were more likely to be self-employed.

The SQA is very grateful for the financial assistance by the Government of Samoa and

Development partners provided through the Education Budget Support and also

acknowledging the formal PSET providers for the provision of graduates’ information as well

as graduates and their employers for their valuable contributions.

USP staff learning about the SQA Programme

Accreditation process

Gatoloaifa’anaTilianamuaAfamasaga, Leatuaovao Ruby Vaa and Le Tagaloa Pita

Stakeholders Quality Audit Consultation A consultation for Post School Education and Training (PSET)

Stakeholders on Quality Audit was held on the 17th November, 2017 at the

TATTE Ground floor, Conference center.

The consultation sought to identify the implications of the Quality Audit

process on organisations. Its provided feedback on draft Quality Audit

guidelines and increased awareness on its usefulness.

The Quality Audit is a systematic and independent examination of an

organisation’s processes, documentation and record system to confirm

alignment with identified quality standards. Quality Audit provides a

snapshot of the PSET provider’s continued compliance with quality

standards as demonstrated during its registration and accreditation.

The SQA Quality Audit assures both the audited PSET provider and

stakeholders that the services provided consistently meet the SQA Quality

Standards.

Identified inadequacies by Post School Education and training Institutions

can be addressed with the support from SQA.

Quality Audit Technical Assistant, Tapaautasi Kovi

Aiolupotea and Letuimanu’asina Dr Emma Kruse

Vaai at the consultation

Board approves Pesega TVET Institute registration The SQA Board of Director approved the registration of the Pesega TVET

Institute as a Formal PSET Provider on 16th November, 2017.

The newly registered provider has a focus across 6 areas of study for all its current

and potential learners. It includes; computer studies, food textiles, carpentry,

fashion and design/home economics, automotive, hospitality and tourism

management.

The development of the programmes stem from the demand in the labor market

not only in Samoa, but also around the Pacific Islands region.

Pesega TVET is driven by the vision to hire, retain and develop qualified industry

teachers and provide nationally and internationally recognized certification to all

students.

The institute is dedicated to open multiple pathways to bridge the gap between

high school, higher education and employment. This is through breaking down

barriers so students can become lifelong learners and be engaged through offering

flexible choices to interactively learn whether its classroom based or practical or

hands on learning.

Students of Pesega TVET Institute

Seven Non Formal Learning recognised There were six Non Formal Learning activities from the National Health Services (NHS) that were recognised by the SQA

Board at its meeting in October/November 2017. The Board also approved one activity from SUNGO on “Climate Change

Adaptation” approved on December 2017.

Name of NFEP Name of Learning Activity Date approved by SQA Board

National Health

Services (NHS)

1. Documentation & Patient Preparations for all Radiological Examinations

2. Positioning Techniques for Various Radiological Examinations 26th October 2017

3. Patient Care in Radiology

4. Infection Control in Radiology

5. Trauma in Radiology

6. Radiation Protection in Radiology

16th November 2017

SUNGO 7. Climate Change Adaptation 14th December 2017

SQA wishes to acknowledge NHS and SUNGO for participating and recognizing Non Formal Learning processes

endorsed by SQA. 3

SQA and NUS inked MoA

and Hospitality launched

A training to raise awareness on National External Moderation processes was

held in Savai’i and Upolu on October 2017.

Participants from Don Bosco Technical Centre, Uesiliana Vocational Centre and

Congregational Christian Church of Samoa School of Fine Arts and Museum

(CCCSSFAM) and others had the opportunity to better understand the newly

introduced NEM process, policies and procedures.

The 25 participants were also asked to identify constraints and strategies on ways

forward. By the end of the training the representatives were expected to

understand SQA quality assurance process and how it links to the NEM.

NEM enables PSET providers to provide relevant and valid assessment for

programmes.

The National University of Samoa together with the Samoa Qualifications

Authority signed and renewed a Memorandum of Agreement at the SQA

Conference room, on Friday 13th October, 2017.

Chairperson of SQA’s Board of Directors, Gatoloaifa’ana Tilianamua

Afamasaga and NUS Vice Chancellor, Professor Fui Asofou So’o inked the

agreement.

The MoA is designed and implemented to achieve one of SQA’s strategic goals

to strengthen its working relationships with its partners in the Post School

Education Training (PSET) sub-sector. NUS is a registered formal PSET

provider with SQA and both are leading agencies in the Education sector.

The MOA assures that SQA’s Quality Standards will continue to be met by NUS

on an annual basis through the Annual Registration Renewal (ARR).

The Programme accreditation process follows thereafter on selected

programmes.

Collaboration between NUS and SQA is strengthened through this.

SQA’s Act directs the Authority to coordinate and provide strategic advice to

government for PSET to maximise the value of education and training for all

learners.

National External Moderation processes training

Participants at the NEM training in Savaii

Potential members for Programme Accreditation

pool Two training sessions were held at the Tanoa hotel and Development Bank of

Samoa (DBS) conference room in October 2017.

Due to the increased number of Programme Accreditation submissions

received; SQA conducted the programme accreditation training to increase the

number of trained programme accreditation specialists.

The training was to enable participants to carry out the SQA programme

accreditation process. This required understanding of SQA policies, procedures

and guidelines for programme accreditation.

The thirty potential members from the education and other professional bodies

are now equipped with the knowledge and understanding to become potential

Panel Members. Programme Accreditation itself requires education and

training providers to account and verify the quality of its programmes and

associated qualifications.

Participants at the Potential Programme

Accreditation training

Gatoloaifa’ana Tilianamua Afamasaga and

Professor Fui Asofou So’o

4

In preparation for the Annual Registration Renewal a half

day Refresher Training was conducted on 7th December

2017.

Its purpose was to render the necessary assistance to PSET

providers so they could meet all the requirements for SQA

annual registration.

The SQA is stipulated under its SQA Act 2010, Part VI,

Section 18 to administer the Annual Registration Renewal

(ARR) of all registered formal Post School Education and

Training (PSET) Providers.

5

Registered Formal PSET Providers as of December 2017

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. Don Bosco College and Vocational Technical Centre

5. Don Bosco Technical Centre

6. Early Childhood Education Teachers Training Institute

7. Harvest Theological College

8. Hospitality and Community Health Institute of Training - Samoa

9. IerusalemaFou Theological Institute

10. Laumua o Punaoa Methodist Creative Tech Centre

11. Malua Bible School

12. Malua Theological College

13. Martin Hautus Institute of Learning - Samoa

14. Moamoa Theological College

15. National University of Samoa

16. Oceania University of Medicine

17. Pesega TVET Institute

18. Piula Theological College

19. Rhema Bible Training Centre South Pacific

20. Samoa Shipping Maritime Academy

21. Small Business Enterprise Centre

22. South Pacific Nazarene Theological College

23. Tesese Institute

24. Uesiliana Vocational Centre

25. University of the South Pacific

26. VailimaFou Theological College

27. Worldwide Mission Training Centre

28. Youth with a Mission (YWAM)

Annual Registration Renewal

Refresher conducted

...from front page ASP Seminar

An exciting exercise for staff was the linking of national

strategic plans such as the SDS Vision to the ESP goals,

PSET Strategic Plan goals and to the Corporate Plan

Objectives.

Discussions ensured understanding of duties and

responsibilities to achieve the mandated functions of the

Authority to strengthen the PSET sub-sector of education.

Staff were also informed of the new activities planned for

the current FY such as the Revised Non Formal Learning

Guidelines, Development of National Competency

Standards and Samoa Qualifications, Revised Record of

Achievement Guidelines, key findings and

recommendations from the Tracer Study of 2012, 2013 and

2014 PSET graduates and status of the SQA Management

Information System.

In closing the CEO thanked everyone and acknowledged the

Samoa Stationery and Books for their support.

PSET graduates celebrate sweet success

6

LAUMUA O PUNAOA

Porita Mikaele (2nd photo) was the

overall dux for Laumua o Punaoa

Methodist Creative Tech Centre

graduation in December 2017.

Ms. Mikaele said she was determined

to take the top award and didn’t let

anything get in her way. She is

pictured here with her proud parents

at Laumua o Punaoa graduation.

National University of Samoa

There were 369 students that

graduated at the National University of

Samoa, Faculty of Applied Science on

Wednesday, 20th December 2017.

The students graduated with

certificates with others receiving

Diplomas in technical and vocational

training programmes.

Martin Hautus Institute of

Learning - Samoa (MHILS)

and University of the South

Pacific (USP)

Twenty seven students from

MHIL were awarded with Samoa

Certificates in Tourism Level II.

MHILS Founder, Pulotu Arthur

Solomon said the institute not

only offers students qualifications

but an opportunity to find

employment as well.

USP – Hard work and

commitment paid off for 141

students that graduated at USP

Alafua Campus on 8th December.

The graduates came from as far as

Nigeria, Jamaica, Belize and New

Zealand.

A graduate’s story

For more than ten years Tutuila Farao has been working in the

media industry without any qualification in higher education.

Currently working as a senior reporter at the national radio,

2AP, Mr. Farao graduated at the National University of Samoa

with a Diploma in Media and Journalism. It’s his first

qualification in Post School Education and Training (PSET).

The only other qualification he has is a High School Diploma

from the U.S. which is equivalent to a Secondary School

Leavers Certificate.

For the past 3 years Mr Farao has been studying part time at

NUS and working full time at the radio station.

Looking back to the struggle of juggling work and studies, the

graduate said he is thankful he didn’t give up.

Mr. Farao walked alongside 368 other students that graduated

from NUS Institute of Technology in December 2017.

“I have been working as a reporter in the media industry for 11

years but I didn’t have a qualification in the field,” said Mr.

Farao.

“I love what I do (journalism) but that was the problem – I

didn’t have a qualification to help me move up the ladder and

get better pay.

Tutuila Farao (1st from right) pictured here with his friend Pama’a

Mauinatu and Mauinatu Arona

“In this time and age you can only achieve that with a piece

of paper so I told myself 3 years ago I had to do it and invest

in myself.”

A former employee of TV3, Mr. Farao truly believes in the

saying that you are never too old to learn.

In his early forties, the journalist who hails from Mulifanua

said being the caretaker of his parents meant he had to fork

out money for family commitments such as fa’alavelave and

church contribution.

“Going back to school was something I had to do so I can

help out with my family financially,” he said.

“As I mentioned before as much as you want to climb up the

ladder financially the problem was I didn’t have the required

qualifications. But I’m glad I took that step because this

(qualification) will help not only me but also my family...I

feel old in my class seeing the other students had just left

college but it doesn’t matter its better late than never.”

So how did Mr. Farao manage to pay for his tuition fee for

those years he was studying at NUS?

According to the graduate he had to apply for many loans to

get that piece of paper.

“You know how it is you loan to get what you want,” said

Mr. Farao.

“I’m still paying for those loans not including the ones you

do for family contribution but I know its money going to

good use. I will probably loan again and when I go back to

school next year to get my BA (majoring in journalism) so

hopefully it will be another success.”

Mr. Farao acknowledged the support from the Ministry of

Communications Information and Technology for being

“flexible and understanding” of his situation. He also

thanked his family for the moral support and prayers.

He explained it was difficult to budget his time between

school and work and at times had to work on Saturdays to

make up for the work he missed out on when attending class.

Mr. Farao started working in 2006 with TV3 as a reporter

before he moved to 2AP.

SQA and NUS are working together towards accreditation

of its programmes.

Induction conducted for new SQA recruits An induction program was held on the 3rd October 2017 for seven new recruits that joined the SQA workforce. The training

was initially scheduled for September but due to many divisions workloads it was re-scheduled for October.

The program is to ensure that the new recruits are familiar and understand the linkage of SQA’s Corporate and Strategic Plan

and the Samoa Development Strategy. They were also made aware of the importance of work ethics and familiarised with

the overall functions and activities of SQA.

The following are the new recruits: 1. Ah Kau Palale, Principal Policy & Research Officer

2. Papali’i Alexander Iakopo, Qualifications Officer

3. Eleanor Tanya Fakaua, Principal Information Technology Officer

4. Faraimo Leaia, Principal Accountant

5. Nora Tauati, Senior Moderation Officer

6. Rose Vaitulia Ioelu, Senior Quality Assurance Officer

7. Su'a Aniseko Fruean, National Moderator 7

SQA Block

8

In September 2017 Qualifications Officer Papali’i Alexandra Iakopo was crowned Miss Samoa 2017. She is now

continuing her duties as reigning Miss Samoa with the Samoa Tourism Authority and will return to work with SQA

afterwards. To support those fighting cancer and pay tribute to those that lost their fight - SQA wore pink in October.

During the National Health Week Sports Day in November, SQA came 2nd overall after competing with other government

ministries.

To wrap up 2017’s work SQA held a colourful celebration at the TATTE Building Ground floor. The theme of the night

was “Party around the World” where each division had to dress up in their allocated country. The countries includedAfrica,

India, China, Mexico and Egypt. Here are some photos from the October to December events.

LEVEL 2, TATTE Building, Sogi

Telephone: +685 20976

Website: www.sqa.gov.ws

Email: sqa@sqa.gov.ws

P.O.BOX L851, Apia Samoa