Pacific Island Countries Teacher Upgrading and Resourcing for the Early Years

pipeline

Pacific countries face high learning poverty (40–75 percent) and low early childhood education (ECE) enrollment (just over 50 percent), limiting children’s readiness for a future of greater mobility and connectivity. PICTURE will help selected Pacific Island countries strengthen early years services by building a skilled, regionally mobile workforce; expanding access to learning resources; and enhancing regional capacity for assessment and evidence-based policy.The project will scale up regionally recognized professional development for ECE and primary teachers and school leaders through the University of the South Pacific (USP) and national training institutions, leading to portable qualifications and micro credentials. Training will include ongoing coaching and peer communities of practice and integrate climate awareness, Pacific languages and cultures, and inclusive approaches for girls and boys and children with disabilities. Selected schools will be upgraded as island-based training hubs with reliable connectivity to access regional training offerings and climate resilient, accessible learning spaces.To improve learning conditions, the project will expand regional resource libraries and provide digital and print materials in Pacific languages, play-based materials for ECE, and assistive technologies with associated screening and training. Regional partners will support country-tailored programs to engage parents and communities in early childhood development. In selected countries, the project will support integrated Cash Plus social protection programs to support and incentivize household investments in early child development. Working with the Pacific Community’s Educational Quality and Assessment Program (SPC EQAP), the project will institutionalize regional teacher observation and child outcome assessments and establish a regional learning network on education public financial management and data use.