Introduction
The Government of Vanuatu has identified that if the objectives embodied in the National Sustainable Development Plan 2016-2030 (NSDP) are to be achieved, it is necessary to develop and implement a National Human Resource Development Plan (NHRDP).
In recognition that human resource development is one of the key engines for sustainable economic and social development, the Government envisages that the NHRDP will clarify priority areas for education and training investment (including scholarships) over the medium to longer term.
The development of the NHRDP has being coordinated by the Department of Strategic Policy and Planning (DSPPAC) with the support of the Australian funded Governance for Growth and Vanuatu Skills Partnership programs.
The three pillars of the NSDP are comprised of a number of goals that in aggregate are intended to deliver the Government’s vision for a stable, sustainable and prosperous Vanuatu. Critical to the delivery of each goal will be the availability of human resources with relevant qualifications, knowledge, skills and experience.
From an education and training perspective, national human resource development begins with Society Goal 2 which targets an inclusive, equitable and quality education system with life-long learning for all. It is progressed further by the National PSET Policy 2016-2020 Vision for a sustainable, well-coordinated and inclusive Post-School Education and Training (PSET) system that maximises access to relevant and quality assured qualifications that lead to improved economic, social and cultural development for all.
In his foreword to the National PSET Policy (2016-2020), the Minister for Education and Training, the Honourable Jean Pierre Nirua notes the Government’s commitment to a PSET system that is focused on economic and social priorities. An inclusive system that removes barriers to the economic and social benefits derived from post school education and training, irrespective of gender, level of disability or place of residence. A quality based and demand driven system that works closely with industry and the productive sectors to ensure PSET providers better match skill supply to skill demand.
The NHRDP, based on the extensive research and data analysis in this accompanying Technical Report, is intended to guide investment in education and training over the next decade to ensure that education and training resources, at both school and post-school levels (including Government and development partner scholarships), are more effectively and efficiently deployed in line with national development objectives.
