A new report has shown encouraging progress in the reading and numeracy skills of children in Malampa Province, following the implementation of the Curriculum Improvement Program.

The findings were presented this week as part of an update on the education reform initiative.

The program continues to provide support to principals and teachers on how to better transfer knowledge and improve teaching practices in the classroom.

Provincial Curriculum Improvement Officer Jeffrey Angele says the main purpose of the program is to strengthen literacy outcomes for children.

He says the focus is to ensure teachers and principals are properly supported while implementing the curriculum, so that teaching and learning inside classrooms become more effective.

Education Minister Simil Johnson, who was also present during the presentation, highlighted the positive improvements already seen among students in Malampa.

He says the province has recorded a major impact on children’s grades, learning statistics, and overall interest in education through the program.

Minister Johnson says the reform is important and teachers must continue working together to support and sustain the progress already being made.

He says the Curriculum Improvement Program is not introducing something entirely new, but is instead strengthening and improving the way existing teaching practices are delivered to create better learning outcomes.

The Curriculum Improvement Program is a collaborative effort between school principals, teachers, and the Ministry of Education, and is currently being applied across all provinces in Vanuatu.