Copyright dailypost
The National University of Vanuatu (NUV), through its School of Education, Department of Inclusive Education, is taking major steps to strengthen the connection between academic research, teacher education, and inclusive policy development in Vanuatu. NUV has hosted an Inclusive Education Research Dissemination Workshop at the Inclusive Education Resource Centre (IERC), bringing together representatives from the Ministry of Education and Training (MoET), development partners, civil society, and teacher trainees. The event showcased research by PhD candidate at the University of Newcastle and Inclusive Education Coordinator at MoET, Angelinah Eidads Vira, whose studies address teacher attitudes, inclusive teaching practices, and indigenous research methodologies in Vanuatu. Discussions highlighted how locally grounded research can inform the implementation of the upcoming MoET Inclusive Education and Training Policy (2025–2030) and improve teacher preparation through NUV’s Bachelor of Education in Inclusive Teaching (Primary) programme. Participants agreed that linking evidence-based research with classroom practice is vital for achieving equitable education for all learners. “The University is committed to ensuring that academic research translates into practical strategies that empower teachers and influence inclusive policy reform,” said Professor Hlatywayo from the Department of Inclusive Education. The workshop also demonstrated how the IERC is being used to provide hands-on learning for trainee teachers in assistive technology, vision and hearing screening, and inclusive classroom strategies — positioning NUV as a regional hub for inclusive education research and training. NUV’s development is aligned with the Vanuatu People’s Plan and the Vanuatu Education and Training Sector Strategic Plan. The education and training programs under NUV are based on the priorities of the country’s National Human Resource Development Plan 2020-2030 (NHRDP).
