MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
I am pleased to announce that the Australian Government and the World Bank
have agreed to establish a feasibility study to promote educational
opportunities for people in developing countries using information and
communication technologies.
Sometimes referred to as a latter-day Colombo Plan, this proposal arose from
discussions the Treasurer and I had with Dr Mamphela Ramphele, Managing Director
of the World Bank, during her recent visit to Australia. The Government has
agreed to undertake a joint feasibility study with the World Bank to look at how
technology can be used to alleviate poverty, with a particular focus on
education.
The Australian Government recognises that information and communication
technologies can expand education opportunities for people in poor countries,
through distance learning methods. Improving access to education is one of the
major objectives of the Australian Government's overseas aid program.
New technologies also offer a range of other opportunities to contribute to
the development process in the region. The initiative would utilise Australia's
knowledge and experience to develop practical, targeted activities in
cooperation with our developing country partners.
The study will consider building on existing distance learning activities
such as the World Bank's Global Development Learning Network and the Australian
Government Overseas Aid Program's support for distance learning through the
University of the South Pacific's USPnet.
The initiative could include 'virtual scholarships' to enable disadvantaged
students from developing countries to undertake university studies. It could
also offer targeted training courses in key areas such as governance, private
sector development, health, education and rural development. These and other
approaches will be considered during the feasibility study.
AusAID, which manages the Australian Government's overseas aid program, will
conduct the feasibility study in cooperation with the World Bank. The study is
expected to commence in early 2001. It will involve wide consultation with
stakeholders and interested groups in the Australian community, including a
broad range of educational institutions, to ensure the initiative makes
effective use of Australian expertise.
Media Contacts:
James Baker (Ministerial) 02 6277 7500 / 0419 206 890
Fionna Douglas (AusAID) 02 6206 4960 / 0412 804 489