The Commonwealth of Learning (COL) recently hosted a meeting of its Pacific Regional Focal Points at the Solomon Islands National University (SINU). COL’s Focal Points serve as the primary point of contact between COL and the Ministry of Education in each member country. They offer valuable insights, perspectives and direct connections to ministries of education, with a coordinating role among different ministries and institutions, where necessary. The regional Focal Point meetings offer a platform for collaboration, reflection, and action across all education and training sectors, fostering open learning through joint policy and practice initiatives.
In his welcome remarks, Professor Peter Scott, President and CEO of COL, explained that the roundtable meeting is focused on national priorities and strategies, grounding them in regional and global contexts. He said, “We will explore key issues and reflect on challenges and pressing concerns we face, including climate change, post-pandemic recovery, and increasing global instability. These factors directly impact education, and for years, we have struggled to fully harness their potential. Each year presents an opportunity to do better, and today’s meeting is a step toward that goal.”
Dr Franco Rodie, Solomon Islands’ Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development, delivered the opening address. He explained, “Educational systems are at a crossroads as the world rapidly evolves, with climate change and digital transformations reshaping the landscapes in which we operate and conduct business.” Dr Rodie’s remarks were also echoed by other participants and pointed to the necessity of creating and widening access to learning opportunities, taking advantage of the potential offered by applying communication technologies to education.
The Focal Points also highlighted their country’s priorities for COL’s support in response to the needs and challenges experienced. Top among their priorities was the digital transformation of education systems to improve access to quality and relevant education and training in the Pacific region, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goal 4. They also stressed the need to strengthen teacher capacity and management, establish a common framework and platforms for open educational resources (OER) and micro-credentials, create technology support ecosystems, and foster collaboration to support stakeholders at the national level
Mr Robert Okinda, COL’s Adviser: Skills, who was also in attendance, stated that “the meeting achieved several strategic outcomes for the Commonwealth Pacific member nations, focusing on shared understanding of educational needs including promotion of open education, strategic priorities for collaborative projects, strengthened partnerships among member nations and role clarification for focal point members”. He added that “the Focal Points are now expected to share information about COL and its activities with the relevant institutions and agencies in their countries, as well as gather feedback and information on programmes and initiatives that will inform future strategic priorities for COL.”
COL’s Focal Points and representatives in attendance included Mr Vilitati Togavou Vilitati (Fiji), Ms Lucy Kum-On (Kiribati), Ms Chavannah Chrislene Dowabobo (Nauru), Mr Anthony Rayappan (Papua New Guinea), Professor Muagututi’a Ioana Chan Mow (Samoa), Dr Franco Rodie (Solomon Islands), Dr Raelyn Esau Lolohea (Tonga) and Mr Paulo Kalamelu Paulo (Tuvalu).
