Over the past three years, Australia has supported the Government of Nauru to make a major investment in the country's school curriculum, teaching facilities and resources. These changes are helping to improve the quality of education and create greater opportunities for Nauruans.
One of the most substantial changes to the education system took place at the beginning of the 2013 school year, with the introduction of the Queensland Certificate of Education at Nauru Secondary School.
Students can now complete their high school education in Nauru to an Australian standard, and be eligible for a variety of tertiary scholarships and entry to Australian universities without having to complete long bridging courses.
Nauru's Department of Education has been developing and trialling a new curriculum across all of Nauru's schools, from early childhood to the secondary level, in the lead-up to the transition to the Queensland Certificate of Education.
The curriculum is more interactive than what was previously taught, meaning students are better engaged with what they are learning.
'Now, children are talking more and more about what they're learning in school. This wasn't happening before,' said Dr Maria Gaiyabu, Secretary for Education.
'We are looking at these students as our future.'
The first group of students completing their certificate will graduate in 2015.
Australia is the largest aid donor to Nauru. In 2012–13, Australia provided $3.4 million to support the Government of Nauru's vision for education reform through technical and vocational training for 211 students, and special needs education services for 39 students at Nauru's Able Disable Centre.
Australian funding also provided Australia Award Scholarships for 13 students to gain a tertiary education in the Pacific.