The Samoa Education Network (SEN) is championing the inclusion of marginalized groups in educational policy and planning processes to address long-standing challenges in the education sector, from declining literacy and numeracy skills, and high dropout rates, to a teacher shortage.

Joy Leaupepetele, SEN's Director and Coordinator, shares how her participation in the IIEP course, the Basics of Educational Planning for Education Out Loud grantees, is fueling her mission to secure inclusive and equitable quality education for all in Samoa.

Why do you think it is important for civil society actors in Samoa to be part of educational planning and management?

The involvement of civil society actors in Samoa is crucial for educational planning and management, and there are risks if they are excluded. Civil society groups like parents' associations, faith-based organizations, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) work closely with communities. They understand the specific needs and aspirations of Samoan youth. Including them in planning ensures that the education system caters to those needs and reflects community values.

Civil society brings a range of diverse perspectives to the table. They can challenge traditional approaches and advocate for innovative solutions that prepare young people for the future. Civil society organizations (CSOs) can also hold the government accountable for delivering on educational promises. They can monitor progress, identify shortcomings, and advocate for improvements.

Samoa's strong cultural emphasis on community makes civil society involvement even more critical. By working together, the government, civil society, and communities can create an education system that truly empowers Samoan youth for the future.

What is at risk if they are excluded?

An education system planned without community input might miss the mark. It could be irrelevant to the needs of young people and fail to equip them with the skills they need to succeed. If young people feel their voices aren't heard in planning, they may become apathetic and disengaged from education. This can lead to higher dropout rates and lower overall achievement. Excluding CSOs, particularly those representing disadvantaged groups, can exacerbate existing inequalities. For example, the education system might not address the specific challenges faced by these groups, further marginalizing them.

How will the IIEP course help you engage better to help shape the future of education?

The course on The Basics of Educational Planning for EOL Grantees equipped us to be stronger advocates for shaping the future of education in Samoa. 

Firstly, it helped us understand the system. Regarding the planning process, it familiarizes us with the key steps involved in creating and implementing educational plans. This knowledge will allow us to understand where and how we can effectively contribute our voices. Regarding stakeholders and roles, the course gave insight into the different actors involved in educational planning, from government officials to educators and community leaders. This will help us identify who to collaborate with and how to navigate the system effectively.

Secondly, the course gave us a grasp of strategic engagement. For example, it showed how to identify needs and analyze the current state of education in Samoa. This will help us pinpoint the most pressing issues faced by young people in our communities. We learned how to translate those needs into clear and actionable advocacy points, including skills like communication, negotiation, and public engagement, which are crucial for influencing decision-making. The course also taught the importance of collaboration between civil society and government and strategies for building partnerships and working together to achieve shared goals.

The course was empowering. By gaining a solid understanding of educational planning, we feel more confident engaging in discussions and advocating for change. The course also equipped us with the tools and knowledge to participate meaningfully in consultations and planning processes.

By taking this course, we are better positioned to leverage our EOL grant to make a real difference. I can understand the educational landscape, strategically advocate for our community's needs, and collaborate effectively with others to shape a brighter future for Samoan education.

This article was originally published on the IIEP website, read the original article here.