The Vanuatu Skills Partnership
The Vanuatu Skills Partnership is the new name for Phase 4 of the Vanuatu Skills for Economic Growth Program, previously known as the Vanuatu Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Sector Strengthening Program.
It has been funded by the Government of Australia for over a decade, through an agreement with the Ministry of Training and Education. The fourth phase covers the period from October 2017 – January 2021.
This new phase is designed to enhance levels of mutual accountability, co-contribution and partnership for the continued dynamic development of the national skills system to achieve the national economic and social goals defined by the Government of Vanuatu in Vanuatu 2030 – the People’s Plan.
The Partnership works within local structures and policies, and supports local agents for positive change in Vanuatu.
The approach also recognises that the skills sector can, and should, contribute not only to economic outcomes, but also to beneficial social and environmental outcomes.
In this way, it is an authentic partnership between the Governments of Vanuatu and Australia with a shared vision of sustainable reform of the national skills system.
Oli ol stamba tingting we oli mekem se Prokram i kam wan tru Patnasip
The Vanuatu Skills Partnership is committed to working with all provincial and national stakeholders to support their efforts to bring about inclusive and sustainable prosperity through an effective national skills system.
Ministry of Education and Training (MoET)
The MoET is the main counterpart of the Vanuatu Skills Partnership.
The Partnership works closely with the Tertiary Education Directorate (TED) – Skills Division to support the implementation of the national Post-School Education and Training Policy.
The goal of the Policy and the Partnership is ‘a sustainable and well-coordinated skills system that maximises access to relevant and quality assured skills and qualifications that lead to improved economic, social and cultural development opportunities for all’.
Department of Tourism (DoT)
The DoT, under the Ministry of Tourism, Trade, Commerce and ni-Vanuatu Business, works in collaboration with the Vanuatu Skills Partnership to implement the ‘Skills for Tourism’ work-stream through the provincial Skills Centres.
Department of Industry (DoI)
The DoI works in collaboration with the Vanuatu Skills Partnership to implement the ‘Skills for Handicraft‘ work-stream through the provincial Skills Centres.
All activity is consistent with the Handicraft Sector Action Plan which focuses on promoting the production and sale of more ‘made in Vanuatu’ products in the tourism market.
Ministry of Justice and Community Services (MJCS)
The MJCS houses the Government of Vanuatu’s disability focal point, known as the Disability Desk.
The Disability Desk is responsible for implementing Vanuatu’s international commitments and national policy objectives, in collaboration with government institutions and disability stakeholders including civil society organisations.
Vanuatu Disability Promotion and Advocacy Association (VDPA)
The VDPA is Vanuatu’s national Disabled People’s Organisation (DPO) and works to promote a society that is inclusive, barrier-free and rights-based for people with disabilities.
VDPA advocates for rights and promotes the abilities of people with disabilities throughout Vanuatu.
Vanuatu Qualifications Authority (VQA)
The Partnership works with the VQA to improve quality assurance within the national skills system and increase skill recognition and education pathways.
The VQA leads the implementation of the Vanuatu National Qualifications Framework (VNQF) and the Vanuatu Quality Assurance Framework, in partnership with TED and training providers.
The Partnership supports the VQA to work with local training providers to meet the quality standard requirements of national registration under the VQA, as well as deliver nationally accredited courses and qualifications under the VNQF.
Vanuatu Tourism Office (VTO)
The VTO is the tourism destination marketing arm of Vanuatu Government. The Partnership works collaboratively with the VTO to support improved market access for the local tourism industry.
The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD)
The DARD works in collaboration with the Vanuatu Skills Partnership to implement the ‘Skills for Agribusiness‘ work-stream through the provincial Skills Centres.
Activity focuses on building an agriculture sector that is resilient and competitive, and which contributes to increased food security and environmental sustainability.
Vanuatu Society for People with a Disability (VSPD)
The VSPD is a non-government organisation which assists people with disabilities to participate as fully as possible in community life in Vanuatu.
VSPD offers a number of services including community-based rehabilitation, early intervention, mobility device services including provision of equipment such as wheelchairs and crutches, training of caregivers and parents, and support for people with disabilities within schools and the workplace.