Tuvalu consists of nine small islands in the Western Pacific, just south of the equator. The islands include Nanumea, Nanumaga, Niutao, Nui, Vaitupu, Nukufetau, Funafuti, Nukulaelae, and Nuilakita and the Tuvalu Education Department has provided education opportunities to these communities since independence in 1978.

The Honorable Timi Melei is the current Miniter of  the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports (MEYS)  and he is ably supported by the Permanent Secretary (PS) Permanent Secretary Tufoua Panapa.

Education is the largest of the ministry’s departments, which include, sport, youth, library and archives, and pre-service training (Scholarships).