Ministry rolls out new teaching strategy to strengthen early learning

Apr 17, 2026 | News | 0

The Ministry of Education and Training (MoET) is advancing its nationwide learning and teaching reform through the rollout of a third key intervention —Explicit Instruction—aimed at strengthening foundational learning for all students from kindergarten to Year 3.

Education Minister Simil Johnson said the reform is important for teachers, the country, and especially children. During recent visits to schools across Efate and outer islands, he observed challenges facing teachers, including disruptions from strike action, earthquakes, and volcanic ash.

Despite these challenges, learning must continue, with government responsible for ensuring children receive quality education in safe and supportive environments, particularly during periods of disruption. Schools should remain inclusive spaces where all children, including girls, boys, and children with disabilities, feel safe and able to learn, with many relying on school as their only stable learning environment.

Minister Johnson thanked teachers for their dedication and encouraged continued focus on student learning, noting that progress may differ across provinces. He called for structured planning, strong coordination, and clear communication among Provincial Education Officers, advisers, coordinators, curriculum officers, principals, and teachers.

He commended MALAMPA Province for its leadership in implementing the reform and outlined three key interventions guiding the programme: structured morning routines, read aloud sessions, and explicit instruction.

The strategies are showing early positive results and are being implemented and monitored across 40 focus schools nationwide. The reform also extends beyond the classroom, requiring school leaders to facilitate regular professional learning sessions aimed at improving teaching practice and student outcomes.

Johnson clarified that the Curriculum Improvement Programme does not change curriculum content but strengthens teaching methods by building teacher skills and confidence. He called for coordination across all ministry divisions and partners, including Finance, IT, Examinations and Assessment, Human Resources, and the Teaching Service Commission. He also acknowledged support from the Australian Government through the Vanuatu Australia Education Support Program.

Acting Principal of the Curriculum Development Unit, Marcel Yamsiu, said the training builds on previous sessions conducted since last year and forms part of a broader strategy to improve literacy from early childhood to Year 3. He said the programme strengthens foundational literacy through structured approaches, beginning with morning routines that allow students to revise previous lessons, engage in reading, and introduce new concepts.

He added that the initiative is supported by the Australian Government through the Vanuatu Australia Education Support Program, which provides financial and technical assistance. The second intervention focuses on read aloud sessions, where teachers engage students in reading and pronunciation to build comprehension skills. The third intervention, explicit instruction, provides structured training for provincial curriculum officers and coordinators to strengthen classroom teaching. Provincial teams will then train teachers in their respective areas, with implementation already underway in 40 selected schools. He said sustainability depends on strong school leadership.

Provincial Curriculum Improvement Officer for TAFEA Province, Jenny Rose Waiwai, said five schools in TAFEA are currently implementing the programme. She said the morning routine involves a daily 30 minute session before formal lessons begin, helping students prepare for learning.

She added that the read aloud intervention exposes students to daily stories, with teachers guiding discussion and asking questions to improve comprehension. Waiwai said explicit instruction focuses on structured literacy teaching, particularly phonics, a key component of reading development. She said training has equipped educators with practical skills to improve literacy outcomes.

The reform forms part of MoET’s broader commitment to ensuring students acquire essential skills and reach their potential. With a strong focus on early childhood education, the ministry prioritises foundational learning as a critical stage for cognitive and social development. The introduction of structured morning routines and read aloud sessions in 2025 has shown positive results, and explicit instruction is expected to further strengthen learning outcomes.

Officials say the initiative is designed to reduce learning gaps, support all learners, and build a more inclusive education system. Explicit instruction follows a clear “I do, we do, you do” model, allowing teachers to demonstrate, guide, and assess learning in a structured way. Education leaders across provinces report increased teacher confidence, improved student engagement, and stronger community involvement in schools.

A total of 40 focus schools have been selected nationwide for the initial rollout, with further expansion planned once implementation is consolidated.

Director of Education Services, Mrs. Nanise Lapi, said strengthening early learning foundations is essential. While progress will take time, the ministry remains confident the reform is moving in the right direction. The MoET continues to prioritise reforms aimed at improving the quality of education across Vanuatu, ensuring every child has the opportunity to succeed and contribute to the nation’s future.

SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST

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