Around 8,701 students across Vanuatu are taking their national exams this week into next week.

Of this number, 4,805 are Year 10 students, 2,335 are Year 12, and 1,561 are Year 13 students.

The exams were originally scheduled to finish last month, but the Ministry of Education said that a teachers’ strike caused delays, and some new teachers needed extra time to complete lessons.

Director General of the Ministry of Education, Cherol Ala, offered strong encouragement to all students sitting the exams:

“Focus, trust the hard work you have done, and take your exams with confidence and determination.”