World Teachers’ Day is held annually on 5 October to celebrate all teachers around the globe. It is a day to not only acknowledge how teachers are transforming education but also to reflect on the support they need to fully deploy their talent and vocation, and to rethink the way ahead for the profession globally. Being a teacher provides the unique opportunity to make a transformative and lasting impact on the lives of others, contributing to shaping sustainable futures.
Angela Mahuri-Samuel is an Australia Awards Vanuatu alumna who provides support to the next generation of teachers within her role as the Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Teaching Program Coordinator at the Vanuatu Institute of Teacher education (VITE) in Port Vila. Angela began in this role after graduating from her Australia Awards studies with a Master of Education – Vocational Education & Training (VET) from Victoria University, Melbourne. Angela’s role involves overseeing the development and delivery of the VET teacher training qualifications for Vanuatu Post School Education & Training (PSET) Trainers and Assessors.
Unlike the traditional sphere of academia often associated with teaching, VET recognises the application of knowledge and experience gained within a classroom or simulated environment setting and its application in the real world of employment. Angela explains ‘VET does not disadvantage anyone based on their level of education and provides the opportunity to equip and upskill all groups of people based on their individual learning needs. VET also provides individuals with the most current industry standards, meaning that it is very easy for individuals exiting the vocational system to secure employment‘.
The importance of this approach towards teaching is recognised in The People’s Plan 2030 as a part of the Government of Vanuatu’s National Sustainable Development Plan, with the aim to increase technical and vocational training and skills under Society Pillar 2 of Quality Education.
Australia Awards Vanuatu commends Angela on her work in the oversight and implementation of TVET at the Vanuatu Institute of Teacher education, providing a valuable contribution to Vanuatu’s ongoing development through industry relevant training.