Northern Group Lifeskills Programme

The Cook Islands Ministry of Education is dedicated to ensuring that accessibility of quality learning opportunities throughout the nation becomes a reality.

The ‘Outer Islands Life skills Programme’ is a vehicle in which this reality is put into action to achieve the following

 “All people in the Cook Islands will have equal access to quality learning opportunities across the full spectrum of human endeavor from birth.”

Education Master Plan (EMP) Goal 2008-2023:

¨ Developing technical and vocational programmes including Life skills programmes.

¨ The Outer Islands Life skills Programmes also contribute towards achieving other EMP Goals that:

¨ Identify the best approaches to learning and teaching for all learners in the Cook Islands.

¨ Maximize the role of Cook Islanders as regional citizens through high level participation in programmes.

¨ Provide skilled teachers, quality resources and relevant courses at all levels of learning.

¨ Develop strategies for distance education, isolated students, second chance learning and adult education.

¨ Actively promote education to the wider community.

¨ Develop a cooperative approach with other ministries, providers, agencies and nongovernment organisations.

Background Information

The Life skills programme was first initiated in 2006 for secondary students in Years 9-12.

It was established for outer islands schools with enrolled secondary students who were restricted in their selection of subjects.

With the continuous decline in enrolment, this in effect limits staff time, entitlements, this initiative emerged to provide additional learning opportunities for senior students.

The intention of the programme is to provide students the opportunity to develop a range of practical skills that could lead to further training and employment opportunities at the completion of their schooling.

The programme is dependent on the community to provide skilled experts in a range of vocational and traditional Life skills courses.

Thus providing a wider capacity of facilitators for the school as well as an opportunity to enhance and strengthen relationships with the community.

Current Status

The programme is being fully implemented and has gained momentum with tremendous results throughout the southern and northern group islands. Amongst the selection of improvements are:

¨ Healthier partnerships between the school and community

¨ Recognition of expertise of specific community members (Life skills tutors)

¨ Increase in the capacity of staff with the inclusion of Life skills tutors

¨ Student engagement, knowledge and skills in learning are broadened.

¨ Practical skills components are observed by all (students, staff and the community)

¨ Northern Group Life skills Programme (2-weeks) hosted in Manihiki for up to 44 students who completed 3 Life skills courses from a selection of 5.

¨ School planning processes to include second chance learners.

¨ An increase in tutor rates based on excellent appraisal and performance reports by the principal at the completion of each year.