Hon. Jacinda Ardern, Prime Minister of New Zealand announced a package of NZ$ 9 Million to make it easier for Pacific students to access education.

As part of the package, Jacinda Ardern has also announced a partnership with the University of the South Pacific (USP) and the Commonwealth of Learning to expand open, distance and flexible learning opportunities at secondary and tertiary levels. “We are pleased to be able to draw on the considerable expertise of the University of the South Pacific and the Commonwealth of Learning to increase access to high quality secondary and tertiary education in the Pacific.” said Ardern.

COL and the University of the South Pacific have a long history of successful partnership in ODL in the Pacific countries.

The Prime Minister announced this package at the Pacific Islands Forum in Nauru. The package includes a project to support teachers to deliver an interactive e-learning science curriculum for year 10 students in Samoa, Vanuatu, Cook Islands and Solomon Islands.

More details at http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1809/S00044/nz-to-provide-9m-support-for-pacific-education.htm