• Broken Chalk drafted this report to contribute to Tuvalu’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR). This report discusses the main challenges Tuvalu faces regarding Education and issues which could be enhanced through Finally, Broken Chalk will offer recommendations for Tuvalu in the field of Education based on the problems raised.
• Tuvalu is a small island nation in the Pacific Ocean, with a population of about 11,000. Education in Tuvalu is compulsory for children between the ages of 6 and 15, and the government provides free education at all levels; the education system is based on the British system. Thprimaryin language of instruction is Tuvaluan, with English as a second language. There are four primary schools and one secondary school in the country. The secondary school is Motufoua Secondary School, located on the island of Vaitupu. Students who complete their secondary education in Tuvalu can enrol at universities in other countries to continue their studies.[i]
• Although education is free, there are difficulties in providing quality education in Tuvalu due to limited resources, the remoteness of some of the islands, and an additional set of problems that will be addressed below. In addition, the country has limited funds for education, and there need to be more qualified teachers, especially in rural areas. This has led to a high student-teacher ratio, biased teaching materials, and technology access. However, the government has invested in education to improve its quality and increase education access for all Tuvalu citizens.[ii]
• Despite the challenges faced by the country, there have been some positive developments in the education sector in Tuvalu in recent years. With the support of international organisations, such as the United Nations Development Programme, the government has worked to improve access to education by building new schools, increasing the number of scholarships available for students abroad, and focusing on improving the quality of education. Regarding results, the literacy rate for children in Tuvalu is about 99%, higher than the regional average for Pacific islands. However, the quality of education still needs to improve, with many students needing help to achieve basic literacy and numeracy skills. There is also a high drop-out rate, especially among girls, which limits their opportunities for further education and employment.[iii]

[i] Ministry of Finance Government of Tuvalu

[ii] Ministry of Finance Government of Tuvalu

[iii] Ministry of Finance Government of Tuvalu