The woman who has been at the helm of Samoa's Qualifications Authority over the last two years, Leali’ifano Easter Manila Silipa has officially exited the organisation.

Leali'ifano, who was appointed to steer the authority through challenging times since 2020, has resigned from her position as the C.E.O. for S.Q.A. to become the APTC Country Director for Samoa and Tonga. 

Friday this week was her last day on the job at the S.Q.A. and she has left after clocking over 16 years. 

The authority's Chairperson, Gatoloaifaana Tilianamua Afamasaga, confirmed Leali'ifano's exit earlier this week saying that the S.Q.A. hosted a farewell for her last week Friday. 

"She is just finishing up some stuff this week before her last day which is Friday this week," Gatoloaifa'ana told this newspaper. 

In an exclusive interview with Leali'ifano, she said leaves with confidence as the organisation is in good hands while also crediting God for his blessings upon her and her family. 

"S.Q.A. has a very enthusiastic Management Team and [I] am sure they have the potential to continue S.Q.A.’s work," Leali'ifano said when responding to questions from this newspaper. 

Asked to describe her time as the C.E.O. of the organisation, Leali'ifano said: "As C.E.O. it's not what I have achieve, it's what I have overcome, that's what defines my time as C.E.O. of SQA.

"For the 16+ years with SQA, I leave my ego at the door every morning, and focus on doing great work. The secret of happiness in work is contained in one word – excellence! 

"To know how to do something for the betterment of education in Samoa is to enjoy it and just like how I enjoy my time in SQA."

Leali'ifano then listed some of the highlights during her tenure aside from the "normal daily achievements and activities" of the organisation. 

This includes accreditation of Higher Education programmes that is inclusive of the National University of Samoa (N.U.S.), Malua Theological College, Piula Theological College and Malua Theological College, completing initial step towards the international recognition of Samoa Qualifications.

"PSET Strategic Plan 2020-2024; Draft SQA Amendment Bill 2022; new Apprenticeship Scheme structure delivered by NUS and administer by MCIL; reviewed of the Quality Assurance Policies and Standards 2022; TVET Trainers Registration and Licensing Policies and Guidelines; Recognition of Current Competency Policies & Guidelines; Development of Samoa Qualifications with embedded National Competency Standards in ICT.

"Review of Samoa Qualifications in Trade Areas; development of Educational Learning Pathway: Development Guidance for Samoa; increase in the number of TVET providers delivering Samoa Qualifications."

Furthermore, Leali'ifano believes that her new position is a "God-given opportunity" and vows that she will continue to serve the education sector in Samoa through her new post. 

"It’s a God given opportunity and I believe moving across to APTC will benefit Samoa greatly and our people especially with the currently Government emphasis on strengthening the TVET sector. 

"I’m still moving within the education sector and I will do the best I can to continue to assist where I can from my new role."

Leali'ifano then paid tribute to those who have supported her during her time as the C.E.O. of the S.Q.A. 

She acknowledged her, the late Autagavaia Vaipou Tanielu and Eseta Manila as well as her siblings for their prayers and continuous support and encouragement. 

"My husband Muaautau Raie Silipa and our three beautiful children for their love and support that push me to continue to do achieve more. 

"The Government of Samoa for the opportunity to work in S.Q.A. and to lead SQA. The S.Q.A, Board of Directors Chairperson, Afioga Gatoloaifaana Tilianamua Afamasaga and Directors for their trust in me to lead SQA and for their continuous support which encourage and motivate me to ensure SQA continues to do well in the education sector and in Samoa.

"To the Education sector Heads – thank you for your support; to the PSET providers and all SQA stakeholders – without your support I wouldn’t have achieve all these for SQA, and I thank you all sincerely and continue to do well for PSET in Samoa.

"To my Management Team, what more can I ask for, your support and team work enable us to produce better results for SQA.

"To the SQA staff – you’re all unique in your own different ways, thank you for your support and the friendship.

"To my families and friends – each of you have contributed one way or another to the person I am today, and to the work I have done for SQA and Samoa."

Prior to her appointment as the C.E.O. back in 2020, Leali'ifano was the Assistant C.E.O. for the Research Policy and Planning (R.P.P.) Division in the authority. She took up the role from Letuimanu’asina Dr. Emma Kruse Vaai.