Non-formal education: is it relevant or obsolete?
Introduction 
The importance of non-formal education in the Pacific Region cannot be overemphasized. This presentation argues that it is very relevant and contributes significantly to national developments and in its flexible approaches, seen as a means of addressing some of the pertinent global issues facing the nations in the Pacific Islands. As global issues affect the people culturally, socially, economically and politically, the role of non-formal education becomes very critical in how these issues are addressed. The role of non-formal approaches to adult learning, gender equality, health, sustainable environment and peace and conflict resolution are being widely advocated by both government and non-government organizations in the Pacific Island nations. 
Broadly conceived, non-formal education is not a new concept but an educative process that has been in existence in pre-literate societies. Increasing evidence exists to substantiate the claim that non-formal education is an old concept with a new name. In the Pacific Island nations non-formal education is integrated in the life style of the people. This article first examines non-formal education in the traditional context, and then discusses the reasons for NFE in the region, its conceptualization, and its contribution to the needs in the Pacific Region.
The conceptualisation of non-formal education
In this paper it is argued that non-formal education has been evident in Fiji and other Pacific Island nations but has not been adequately conceptualised. As non-formal education has emerged as an international phenomenon (Khawaja and Brennan, 1990), an examination of some concepts of non-formal education was made to determine a general concept of non-formal education which would be relevant for the Pacific island nations. However, the importance of the localised nature of the ways in which a specific concept of non-formal education would develop is recognised. In examining the concept of non-formal education, various definitions, purposes and perspectives that have been developed in relation to the concept are examined.
Extent of East-African Nurse Leaders' Participation in Health Policy Development
This paper reports part of a bigger study whose aim was to develop an empowerment model that could be used to enhance nurse leaders' participation in health policy development. A Delphi survey was applied which included the following criteria: expert panelists, iterative rounds, statistical analysis, and consensus building. The expert panelists were purposively selected and included national nurse leaders in leadership positions at the nursing professional associations, nursing regulatory bodies, ministries of health, and universities in East Africa. The study was conducted in three iterative rounds. The results reported here were gathered as part of the first round of the study and that examined the extent of nurse leaders' participation in health policy development. Seventy-eight (78) expert panelists were invited to participate in the study, and the response rate was 47%. Data collection was done with the use of a self-report questionnaire. Data analysis was done by use of SPSS and descriptive statistics were examined. The findings indicated that nurse leaders participate in health policy development though participation is limited and not consistent across all the stages of health policy development. The recommendations from the findings are that health policy development process needs to be pluralistic and inclusive of all nurse leaders practicing in positions related to policy development and the process must be open to their ideas and suggestions.