On September 6, the Pacific Community unveiled two new literacy resources in celebration of International Literacy Day.
The first resource is a regional poetry booklet aimed at enhancing literacy through poetry, designed for educators and parents across various educational levels. Titled “Voices of the Pacific Youth: A Literacy Learning Tool,” the booklet serves to support literacy education among Pacific students.
Ruci Qele, Educational Assessment Specialist – Literacy at the Pacific Community, noted that while the booklet originates from the results of the Pacific Islands Literacy and Numeracy Assessment 2021, which targets Year 4 and Year 6 students, it can be utilized by teachers and parents to help develop foundational literacy skills in all Pacific students, irrespective of their educational stage.
Additionally, the Pacific Community introduced the Pacific’s Education Research Bank, a digital platform on the Pacific Data Hub, which offers access to regional education research and helps address information management challenges.
The occasion also celebrated the 20th anniversary of the South Pacific Form Seven Certificate, a significant qualification for Year 13 students.
This year’s International Literacy Day theme was “Enhancing literacy through multilingualism: Promoting peace across the Blue Pacific Continent.”
The Pacific Community intends to distribute these new literacy resources to Education Ministries across its 15 member countries.