Samoa launches ten year plan on early childhood education 

Samoa has released a strategic roadmap which aims to ensure that all Samoan children receive quality learning opportunities, healthcare, and protection. 

The Early Childhood Development (ECD) Framework 2024-2034 was launched recently by Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa.

This decade-long initiative is designed to provide every Samoan child with access to the fundamental resources necessary for growth, learning, and holistic development from infancy. 

“The first years of life are critical in shaping a child’s ability to learn, grow, and contribute to society. We must invest in our children now to secure a stronger, more prosperous Samoa for future generations,” the Prime Minister said. 

At present Samoa does not have a compulsory requirement for children to attend early childhood education or preschool and professional development for early childhood teachers and educators is limited. 

Recent statistics show that only 26 per cent of children in Samoa attend kindergartens and pre-school – a statistic the Government hopes will change in line with the Framework. 

Developed in partnership with UNICEF, the ECD Framework 2024-2034 is a collaborative national effort, one which encourages parents and caregivers to actively engage in their children’s growth and development through conversation, reading, and nurturing. 

Village leaders have been encouraged to champion early childhood initiatives within their communities, while educators and health workers are urged to ensure that quality services reach every child. 

The Prime Minister appealed to development partners and stakeholders to commit to sustained investments in early childhood development, reinforcing the importance of unified action for a brighter future.

“We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform the future of Samoa through bold, collective action,” she said.

“Investing in early childhood development is not an expense—it is an investment in a healthier, more educated, and more prosperous Samoa.”

The Framework outlines a structured plan to strengthen early childhood development by focusing on five key areas, and will initially rollout in Upolu and Savai’i, with community engagement workshops planned across all 51 districts of Samoa.

It aims to expand access to quality education and improve teacher training, enhance healthcare and nutrition programs to support children’s wellbeing and implement strong child protection measures for a safe environment. 

It promotes active parental and community involvement in early development and ensures equitable learning opportunities for all children, regardless of background.