Education System in Tuvalu

Tuvalu, earlier known as Ellice Islands, is an island country in Polynesia. The country is situated in the Pacific Ocean halfway between Hawaii and Australia. The neighbouring countries of Tuvalu are Kiribati, Samoa and Fiji. Tuvalu is made of four reef islands and five true atolls, and has 26 square kilometers of grassland area. Tuvalu is the second least populated independent country in the world. The Climate of Tuvalu experiences Western Gales and heavy rain from the month of October to March. From April to November it experiences tropical temperatures.

The Ministry of Education is responsible for administering education in the country. The government is restructuring the Education System under reform policies.  Focus is also given on education of disabled and adult people. More than 90% of people living in Tuvalu islands are able to read, write and speak in the Tuvaluan language.

Children in Tuvalu islands attend primary school when they turn 7 years of age, which is offered free of cost to all children. The duration of primary education is 7 years, whereas secondary education takes 6 years to complete.

In order to provide quality education, enormous support comes from overseas donors such as the French Government, European Union, Japan and Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Some funds for adult education come from the government. The Maritime School, for example, is fully funded, as are many adult workshops. NGOs and bi-lateral donors fund other activities.