Pacific Island nations are facing significant challenges in literacy education, highlighting the urgent need for combined traditional teaching methods and digital resources. Dr. Michelle Belisle, Director of the Educational Quality and Assessment Programme (EQAP) of the Pacific Community, emphasized this at the International Literacy Day celebrations in 2025. She pointed out that essential literacy skills such as speaking, listening, reading, and writing are crucial for citizen empowerment and active societal participation.
According to the 2021 Pacific Islands Literacy and Numeracy Assessment (PILNA), just over half of Year 6 students and fewer than 50% of Year 4 students in the region met the reading standards expected for their grades. This stark contrast is evident when compared to Australia, where approximately 95% of Year 4 students achieve the same benchmarks.
Despite the grim statistics, Dr. Belisle noted that the Pacific has unique strengths, particularly its rich tradition of storytelling, which enhances children’s listening and speaking skills. However, many students come to school with limited exposure to printed material, indicating a gap that needs to be bridged.
The theme of the 2025 Literacy Day, “Weaving traditional literacy with digital tools in the Blue Pacific,” highlighted the potential of digital resources to support learning in remote areas. Dr. Belisle advocated for the integration of interactive apps, e-books, and videos to make learning more engaging for students.
However, she stressed that the effectiveness of digital tools relies heavily on the empowerment of teachers. Educators need support and training to utilize these resources effectively and to steer clear of potential pitfalls associated with digital education. That includes using locally developed content that reflects Pacific cultures, making learning more relevant and meaningful to students.
Furthermore, she reminded attendees that traditional literacy practices, such as storytelling, remain invaluable alongside digital tools. The continuous investment in teacher empowerment and local content creation is essential for driving meaningful change in literacy education across the Pacific.
Dr. Belisle concluded that by enhancing educational approaches through empowered teachers and culturally relevant resources, Pacific nations can unlock new opportunities, ensuring that every child acquires the necessary literacy skills to realize their full potential in a rapidly evolving world. This approach not only holds promise for individual growth but also contributes to the collective future of Pacific communities.