Ombudsman and Ministry of Education Discuss Friendly Schools Programme

By Jeannie Penehuro/

Apia, SAMOA – 31 August 2026 – The Ombudsman Vui Clarence Nelson met with the Minister for Education and Culture, Afioga Aiono Alec Ekeroma, to discuss continued cooperation between the Office of the Ombudsman and the Ministry of Education and Culture.

The Ombudsman and the Minister also discussed the Office’s Friendly Schools Programme and other areas of shared interest.

According to the Office of the Ombudsman the key focus of the meeting was finding ways for the two institutions to work together to increase human rights awareness among students.

The discussions also looked at how human rights education can be strengthened within Samoa’s education sector.

The Friendly Schools Programme is an initiative of the Office of the Ombudsman that introduces young people to their human rights in a way that is engaging and easy to understand.

The programme also raises awareness of issues that affect children and young people.

These include online safety, the right to education, health and security.

The meeting also explored possible areas of cooperation on future programmes and activities.

These efforts could support greater understanding of human rights among students and help strengthen awareness of their rights and the issues that affect them.

Ombudsman Vui Clarence Nelson thanked Minister Aiono Alec Ekeroma for the opportunity to meet and discuss how the Office of the Ombudsman and the Ministry can continue working together.