The Department of Education is implementing a programme to strengthen literacy, numeracy, and bilingual education across Niue’s education sector, from early childhood through to secondary schooling.

The Department of Education is implementing a programme to strengthen literacy, numeracy, and bilingual education across Niue’s education sector, from early childhood through to secondary schooling.

This work forms part of Workstream 3: Curriculum Alignment Review under the Digital Education Transformation Programme, which began in 2025 in partnership with Teach AI. To deliver this focus area, the Department has established two strategic partnerships that will guide a two‑year national implementation of structured literacy, structured numeracy, and Vagahau Niue bilingual education pathways.

The first partnership is with Rowandale Primary School, which will lead the rollout of the PR1ME Mathematics Programme for Years 1–8 over eight terms (2026–2027). Led by Principal Karl Vasau and Deputy Principal Mac Ikitule, Rowandale brings strong experience and cultural expertise essential for this transition. The second partnership is with Va‘atele Education Consulting, led by Dr Rae Siʻilata. Her team will support the development of a bilingual education pathway and structured literacy programme from creche to Year 8, aligned with national priorities for Vagahau Niue revitalisation. This includes training, resources, assessment tools, and community‑centred strategies grounded in evidence‑based bilingual pedagogy.

The partnerships will deliver professional learning and development (PLD), onsite training, resource development, assessment alignment, and study tours to strengthen teacher capability. The first on‑island PLD sessions for both partnerships have already begun. Dr Rae Siʻilata led the initial workshop for the bilingual and structured literacy pathway during Education Week on 19 January 2026, while Principal Karl Vasau and Deputy Principal Mac Ikitule are currently delivering PLD on the PR1ME Mathematics Programme for Years 1–8. These activities mark the beginning of a coordinated rollout aimed at strengthening teaching practice, improving student achievement, and building a sustainable bilingual learning pathway across all Niue schools.

Dr Rae Siʻilata said the Va‘atele team was grateful to work with Niue educators, acknowledging the creativity and commitment shown during the Education Week workshops and their shared vision for producing bilingual and biliterate Niuean graduates. Rowandale Principal Karl Vasau noted that the two‑year partnership will support Niue schools through a major shift in mathematics teaching, transitioning from current approaches to the structured, evidence‑based PR1ME Mathematics Programme.

The Department of Education acknowledges the collective support of principals, managers, staff, and key education stakeholders, all recognising this work as an important step in Niue’s broader education transformation.

For further information, please contact:
Natasha Tohovaka, Director of Education, Department of Education, Email: Natasha.Tohovaka@gov.nu

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