The METT has coordinated the non-formal education sub-sector since 1993 from its offices in Tarawa, and acts as the official focal point for collabourative efforts by outsiders, NGOs and the community on all education matters (UNESCO 2000). Non-formal adult education is provided mainly through women’s organizations run by churches and the National Council of Women. To help meet the demand for non-formal education, a system of rural island education centres is also being established. The issue of adult education is very important in Kiribati due to the need to expand livelihood opportunities in both the informal and formal sectors. Still, most attention is given to childhood education (UNICEF 2005).
As with the Kiribati education system as a whole, the non-formal sector is constrained by poor quality, lack of clearly established policies (MoE 2008b), unqualified professionals, and a clear framework for delivery. A lack of access and opportunities obstruct development of the non-formal sector. Kiribati has been working with international organizations and NGOs to further develop this sub-sector of education (UNESCO 2008).
