Four local primary school teachers are among a group of eight educators set to graduate from the University of the South Pacific (USP) with a Bachelor of Education degree after years of struggles and sacrifices.

This achievement is seen by many as a testament to their resilience and dedication. They balanced full-time teaching with their studies, while some were teacher aides aspiring to grow and improve.

The eight confirmed graduates include Rangi Mariri teaching at Apii Avarua, Mere Thomson Vakalalabure teaching at Nukutere College, Dawn Crummer teaching at Apii Arorangi, Marie William with Apii Avarua, John Toleafoa with Apii Arorangi, Paiere Tangata with Apii Nikao, and Lisa Witcher with Apii Anuamanu (Atiu).

The USP’s Bachelor of Education programme, which is accredited by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) and recognised by the New Zealand Teachers Council, has been a critical part of this success.

The programme’s flexible design has allowed some teachers to complete their studies in three years, while others took up to eight years due to various personal and professional commitments.

Marie William, a teacher at Apii Avarua, highlighted the invaluable support provided by local USP staff and visiting lecturers.

“We had local staff who were not only teaching us but also helping us understand the material, especially for those of us who had no prior knowledge. They would teach each student according to their capabilities, building us up from there,” William said.

The personalised teaching approach inspired her to adopt similar methods in her classroom, ensuring her students are taught according to their individual capabilities and guided to meet curriculum expectations.

Wiiliam also acknowledged the challenges, particularly time management and the strain of balancing studies with professional and personal responsibilities.

“We had overwhelming, maniac days where we had to sacrifice family time and staff caring time.”

Despite these hardships, she expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Education and the government for their support, noting that the difficulties made the accomplishment even sweeter.

Dawn Crummer, a teacher at Apii Arorangi, emphasised the importance of contextual understanding in her studies.

“There were times when we needed help because the material was coming from Fiji and wasn’t always relevant to the Cook Islands context,” she explained.

Crummer appreciated the support from experienced teachers and ministry advisors who dedicated their time to assist the students.

She also highlighted the critical role of accessibility in the programme, advising future students to seize opportunities when they arise.

Rangi Mariri-Cowen, another teacher at Apii Avarua, spoke about the sacrifices required to complete the programme.

“It’s the sacrifices you make, and even when you’re talking with other teachers who have been teaching for a long time, the conversation doesn’t continue because they use school as an excuse,” Mariri-Cowen said.

Mere Frances Thomson-Vakalalabure, a teacher at Nukutere College, echoed similar sentiments about the demanding nature of the programme.

“There were times when we would stay up until 3am and overdose on coffee, and then get ready to go to school at 7:30am,” Thomson-Vakalalabure recalled.

Despite the exhausting schedule, Thomson-Vakalalabure remained dedicated to her goal, motivated by the prospect of bettering herself and her students.

Debi Futter-Puati, USP Cook Islands Campus director, praised the programme’s impact on the local community.

“Being local and having the influence of local teachers and advisors provides a reality check that other university students may not get,” Futter-Puati said.

She emphasised that students who complete their degrees locally are more likely to stay and contribute to the community.

The local nature of the programme supports the economy by employing Cook Islanders and utilising local facilities, said Futter-Puati.

The Ministry of Education’s funding of the programme has been crucial in making these opportunities available, she added.

Futter-Puati further explained that by co-owning the university and investing in local education, the Cook Islands is building the capacity of its people and ensuring that skilled educators remain within the country.

USP’s first two Cook Islands graduates in 1971, who earned Bachelor of Education degrees, were the late Dr Majorie Crocombe and Lionel Browne. They dedicated their lives to Cook Islands education.

Futter-Puati said: “It made me think about how this little campus has been providing undergraduate and postgraduate education qualification for more than 50 years to the Cook Islands community, no doubt this is one of the reasons why the Cook Islands government became a co-owner of the university.”

It is estimated that the USP Cook Islands has graduated approximately 60 graduates in Bachelor of Education, close to 100 postgraduate education qualifications, as well as numerous certificates and diplomas.