Literacy in the Pacific region faces significant challenges, with many primary school children beginning their education without prior exposure to books or printed materials at home. According to Dr. Michelle Belisle, Director of the Educational Quality and Assessment Program at the Pacific Community, this early gap is a critical factor contributing to the region’s difficulty in meeting educational standards.
The Pacific’s unique challenges, including its scattered islands, limited access to schools, numerous languages, and restricted access to electricity, internet, and learning resources, further exacerbate the situation. Despite ongoing efforts to improve education across the region, these barriers continue to hinder progress.
Dr. Belisle highlighted the essential role teachers play in education and the need to equip them with the necessary tools to integrate digital resources into literacy teaching. She emphasized the importance of investing in teacher training and development of resources while ensuring the preservation of Pacific languages, traditions, and cultures. The theme for this year’s International Literacy Day, “Weaving Traditional Literacy with Digital Tools in the Blue Pacific,” underscores the need for innovation that respects cultural heritage.
To address literacy challenges, the Pacific Community unveiled two new resources during International Literacy Day. These include a regional poetry booklet designed to enhance literacy through poetry and a digital platform, the Pacific’s Education Research Bank, available on the Pacific Data Hub, aimed at providing access to regional education research.
These initiatives represent important steps toward strengthening literacy skills in the region. As these efforts continue, there is optimism that they will foster educational development while preserving the cultural heritage of Pacific communities.