Under the guidance of the Constitution set aside by the Church regarding its education system, this Committee in tandem with the office of the Director of Education, is vested the power and prerogative of decision-making and legislation for the development and progress, as well as fulfilling the goals and objectives of Independent State of Samoas Education System.
There are 6 secondary schools namely Leulumoega Fou College (LFC), Maluafou College (MFC), Nuuausala College (NSC), Tuasivi College (TSC), Congregational Senior College (CSC) and Papauta Girls’ College (PGC). The Church also has a vocational school called Leulumoega School of Fine Arts (LFA). All schools come under the administration of the church education portfolio and usually enrolls close to 3000 students every year.
The year 2012 saw a huge jump in the student roll for these six schools, the direct result of progressive administration and commitment of the Church through its Board of Education.
The education department takes pride in its ability to provide transparency and accountability in its administration procedures and plans set aside for CCCS schools. The success of the church schools in the overall education system of our society is a direct result of consistent consultations and support given to principals and teachers where necessary. The CCCS education department and school system as a whole is a firm believer and a huge advocate in the spiritual well-being of students and the drive to alleviate and eliminate crime and violence within our society, hence the drive to produce and support religious learning as a major part of its curriculum planning and implementation. The Religious Knowledge syllabus is firmly in place and thoroughly reviewed every year and taught as a compulsory subject in all of the CCCS schools.
WORKFORCE:
As a non-governmental organization or institution, the education system of the CCCS employs more than 200 workers to fulfill the goals and aspirations of the schools and the Church itself. Of this number, 155 classroom teachers including 6 principals, with the strong drive to attract enough skilled teachers to fulfill the ongoing needs of the school catered for by the Church. Like any other educational institution, there is always a shortage of specialized teaching personnel very much needed to cater for the advanced and special areas of learning. And thus the drive by the Board and department of education to contract teachers from overseas as well as send suitable teachers to the National University of Samoa to train under the scholarship system of the CCCS in their specialty areas.
The constitution set side by the Church and the Manual of Instructions compiled by the Board of Education, provides the platform for all the Church employees to operate from as well as the structure and framework of the education department and schools. Operations in every component of the system run on well-oiled wheels because the procedures, policies and regulations specified within the constitution and manual must be adhered to at all times.
INITIATIVES:
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES:
The Education Department policies and procedures for accepting and enlisting its employees are consistent with those employed by the government and any other institution. Employees are selected by the Board of Education based on skills and capability as well as potential to fulfill the needs of the schools and able to adhere to the Church expectations and policies. The department through the approval of the Board aims to provide the best opportunity and support to every teacher or anyone under its employment by enforcing further trainings and financial support through its salary package on top of many other sources. The Department of Education is always welcoming and has always been under its procedures and manual of instructions, a great advocate of equal opportunities and development of teachers and employees in any area where assistance is required. The door is left open to anyone who is prepared to serve the church and contribute to the betterment of education for the students under the tutelage of the church schools. The goal of advancing teacher development and progress is carried out through consistent monitoring and feedback from the Education Department as well as through a teacher performance appraisal done twice a year.
ASPIRATIONS:
The Congregational Christian Church puts a lot of emphasis on quality learning and in every opportunity enforces quality assurance in its quest to provide the best education to the youth of Samoa. As a great advocate of the physical, social and spiritual well-being of the youth, the security of the young people and provision of quality learning have been priorities of the CCCS through its education department hence the readily available quality resources available at the schools. The education department seeks to create and maintain the most secure foundation of learning and positive working atmosphere to every student and employee from any denomination within the system in accordance with the constitution and aspirations of the Church and its schools. Notwithstanding the many and varied responsibilities of the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa, the Education Department and welfare of the schools continue to be a major priority and passion hence the continuous drive to aspire and achieve at the highest level and with the best facilities available to the students.
ACHIEVEMENTS:
Like any other educational system, good performance and successful achievement are the driving forces behind every venture or goal set for its schools and learning institutions. The education department takes pride in the achievement of schools under its administration and ensures constant support is readily available at all times. Schools belonging to the Church have continuously excelled both academically and in every area of learning in sports such as rugby, netball, cricket and athletics and takes pride in their prominent performances and achieving at the highest level in sports.
The number of students qualified for the national university continues to increase every year as the CCCS Education Department puts more and more emphasis on the academic development of both teachers and students. There is obviously a lot of constructive competition among the CCCS schools as a result of programmes put in place by the Education Department and the Board of Education to enhance individual performances and support school achievement. As well, local competitions conducted by various government organizations and ministries such as Battle of the Minds, Science Fair and many others have seen CCCS schools featuring quite prominently and a force to be reckoned with.
This year, the School of Fine Arts at Leulumoega Fou College was accredited and recognized as a training provider by the Samoa Qualification Authority, and this is translated into the fact that qualifications from this training centre of the Congregational Christian Church Samoa are officially recognized both nationally and internationally. This is a giant leap into achieving the CCCS goal of providing employment opportunities for our young people who are struggling academically and could not make it to the university level.
Through the CCCS enthusiastic support and strong drive to provide the best for its schools and ensuring that our students learn and develop in the best environment possible, our schools will continue to thrive and operate at the highest level.
