National University of Samoa launches youth program

“The partnership with COL and MWCSD is designed to bridge the gap between education and community development.”

Apia, Samoa – July 26, 2024 – The Oloamanu Centre for Professional Development and Continuing Education (OCPDCE) conducted a comprehensive training needs analysis consultation, gathering valuable insights from youth in Upolu and Savai’i. This initiative marks the first phase of the NUS Youth Project, which is being carried out in partnership with Commonwealth of Learning (COL) and the Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development (MWCSD).

The consultation meeting for Upolu was held at To’oa Salamasina Hall in Sogi on Tuesday 16 July 2024, and the consultation meeting for Savai’i was held at the MWCSD office in Salelologa on 17-18 July 2024. The event brought together three youth delegates from each region and one regional office representative, demonstrating a commitment to engage with the next generation and harness their ideas and perspectives.

The survey provided a unique opportunity to identify the training needs of different youth groups, and representatives from the regional office were invited to ensure that discussions were aligned with the priorities outlined in the regional development plan.

The project aims to bridge the gap between education and community development by developing a roadmap for NUS to design and deliver customised training programmes that meet the real needs of the community.

“We want to ensure that our training programmes are relevant and impactful, meeting the needs of young people in Samoa and ultimately contributing to the long-term development of the community,” said Professor Tuifuisa’a Patila Amosa, Vice-Chancellor of the National University of Samoa.

Discussions focused on several key areas, including identifying skills and knowledge that can improve employability and competitiveness in the job market, exploring learning models that suit different learning styles and needs, and discussing the challenges of accessing lifelong learning opportunities.

Participants also brainstormed ways to increase youth participation in lifelong learning opportunities, including raising awareness of available resources, providing mentoring and support networks, and creating flexible learning pathways.

The information gathered from this survey will be used to develop training courses specifically tailored to the needs of Samoan youth. The next phase will be to extend an open invitation to all Samoan youth to participate in a transformative lifelong learning experience.

This will provide an exciting opportunity for young people from Upolu and Savaii to register and apply for a range of training programmes and courses tailored to their interests and goals. Selection will then take place and successful applicants will be notified of the start of their journey, marking the beginning of a life-changing experience.