MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Gallus
More children in Fiji will receive schooling as a result of $20 million in
Australian aid, the Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs Mrs Chris Gallus
said today.
'Most children in Fiji currently only reach an average education level
equivalent to Australia's grade six. It is essential for the development of Fiji
that they stay in school longer,' Mrs Gallus said.
The $20 million program is designed to upgrade student assessment and
examination procedures, provide technical and vocational support and a more
practical curriculum.
'Fiji's high unemployment rate is a deep concern for their government. The
development of the nation's young people is the key to economic growth and a
stronger civil society,' Mrs Gallus said.
'The emphasis on basic education will ensure that all children in Fiji have
the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to develop their
potential.
'The education program is part of an Australian Government strategy to reduce
poverty by boosting education in disadvantaged and remote areas in our
Asia-Pacific region,' Mrs Gallus said.
The project has been formally launched in Suva with the signing of a
Memorandum of Understanding between the Fiji Ministry of Education and AusAID.
Contacts:
Shane Fairlie (Office of Mrs Gallus) 02 6277 4840 or 0408 680 442
Jo Elsom (AusAID) 02 6206 4960 or 0412 804 489