MANDATE
The source of the Ministry's authority to carry out its activities is in two main Acts. The reviews of these acts to
reflect the realignment brought about by government reforms in 2003 have been completed and submitted to
Cabinet.
THE EDUCATION ORDINANCE 1959
Provides the following:
A Minister of Education -
(1) There shall be a Minister of Education for Samoa whose function shall be to formulate and direct
educational policy, and to exercise a general superintendence and control over education under this
Ordinance or any other Ordinance conferring powers on her/him.
(2) The Minister may establish and maintain such Government schools in Samoa as she/he deems
necessary for the Samoan or other inhabitants thereof
A Department of Education
The principal function$ of the department shall be to promote and encourage the development and improvement
of all phases of education in Samoa, and generally to administer this Ordinance and any other enactment
relating to any matter which may be lawfully entrusted to it.
A Director of Education and other Staff
(1) There shall from time to time be appointed an officer of the Public Service to be called the Director of
Education, who shall be the Administrative Head of the Department of Education.
(2) There may likewise from time to time be appointed under the Public Service Act 1977 such inspectors,
teachers, officers, and other employees of the department as may be necessary.
(3) All inspectors, teachers, officers and other employees of the department shall act under the direction of
the Director in the exercise and performance of the powers, duties, functions conferred or imposed upon
them under this Ordinance or by any other Ordinance under which duties are imposed on them.
THE YOUTH, SPORTS AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS ACT 1976:
In recognition of the world view on the importance of young people in national development the Youth, Sports .
and Cultural Affairs Act 1976 focused on developing and initiating apprenticeship, vocational and basic skills
training programs, and on supporting sports development;
The 1993 Amendment to the Act reaffirmed the Ministry's responsibilities for formulating and directing policy and
generally arrange for 'matters relating to sports and cultural affairs'; and laid out its main long term goal,
Maximise the opportunities for young people in the country and ultimately enhance the quality of life for all.
Other Acts: - Education Amendment Act 1992/1993
- Compulsory Primary Education
|
|
