Education and Skills Not Optional, says Aiono Alec Ekeroma 

By Esther Yvonne Atonio/

Apia, SAMOA – 17 April 2026 – The Minister of Education and Culture (MEC) Aiono Alec Ekeroma has highlighted that education, and skills are not optional but essential aspects of life.

Aiono was speaking at the launch of the Pacific Australia Skills Program at the Vision Restaurant of the National University of Samoa (NUS) campus yesterday. The Pacific Australia Skills Program is part of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) at NUS.

The Minister of Education and Culture, Aiono Alec Ekeroma speaking at the launch of the Pacific Australia Skills Progam launch.

“Education and skills are crucial elements for the country’s development and the well-being of its people. They also create opportunities for young people, help build a strong workforce, and foster inclusive communities,” said the Minister.

It is a partnership between the Australian Government and the Government of Samoa, aimed at providing skill development opportunities.

The focus is on strengthening education and training programs, as well as skills development not just for jobs, but to create meaningful futures in Samoa and help to develop the country.

“We want our people to have skills not only for employment but to build meaningful futures here at home and contribute to the development of our country,” said Aiono.

Australia’s High Commissioner to Samoa, His Excellency Will Robinson.

HE Will Robinson, the Australian High Commissioner to Samoa, said the Pacific Australia Skills Program represents the continuing partnership between Australia and Samoa that continues to grow through ongoing cooperation, learning, and working together to support communities.

“This program symbolizes that unity is strength, Australia and Samoa share a long-standing partnership through decades based on respect, trust, and shared commitment to support the well-being of our people,” Robinson said.

As part of the program, workers who undertook training in the Pacific Australia Skills Program received awards to recognize the completion of their training.

The initiative is a partnership between Samoa and Australia, with support from the Samoa Qualification Authority (SQA), the National University of Samoa TVET Centre, Electric Power Corporation (EPC), and the Public Service Commission.