The Oloamanu Centre of the National University of Samoa, in partnership with UNESCO and NOLA (Nuanua o le Alofa) is providing non-formal training programs for people with disabilities in both Savaii and Upolu. The training rollout started in Savaii last week, followed by the training for Upolu in September with certificates presentations at the conclusion of training.
The NUS Vice Chancellor, Professor Aiono Alec Ekeroma stated, “The project aims to address the educational needs of those in the disability sector improving employment prospects.” According to Global Education Monitoring Reports, “People with disabilities are five times more likely than children without disabilities to have never attended school, and only a small percentage of them complete secondary school. Only 15% of people with disabilities were employed, with many not being compensated for their efforts.”
There are three major deliverables and outputs for this project, as mentioned by NUS Oloamanu Manager – Tuiolo Maria Schuster. These include the design and recognition of non-formal training programs by the SQA, while the delivery and reporting are provided by NUS through our Oloamanu Centre in order to advocate for an employment framework for our Disability Community.
Most importantly, the project contributes to the human rights model under the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, as well as the Joint Project on Social Protection, which works in collaboration with UNESCO and other United Nations Agencies in Samoa to create sustainable systems that will enhance and promote the participation of people with disabilities in our society.
