The Minister for Education, Heritage and Arts and Local Government, Premila Kumar, today received IT related equipment and teaching resources valued over USD 200,000 from H.E Young-kyu Park, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea.
The Korean Government under its Special Grant Assistance Programme 2021 has provided assistance to 65 schools in Fiji. These schools, mostly in the rural and remote areas, were identified by the Ministry that are in need of this assistance. The items that have been donated include computers, projectors, teaching aids and many other forms of necessary learning tools.
This assistance comes at an opportune time for the Ministry, as it is planning to re-open schools once clearance is obtained from the Ministry of Health and Medical Services. Students will return to well-equipped computer labs and classrooms when they return to school.
Speaking at the event this afternoon, Minister Kumar said, “I am grateful to the Government of the Republic of Korea and its people for this donation facilitated through the Embassy of Korea.”
“This will not only benefit our students but also our teachers, who will be better equipped with resources to enhance their classroom delivery. The IT related equipment will motivate and encourage children to return to their classrooms when schools re-open. We see it as an incentive for their resumption of studies”.
“Today’s event is more meaningful as we get to commemorate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Fiji and Korea this year. Improving Education Environment is one of the three main areas of cooperation for Korea with Fiji. The Korean government’s donation of IT related education equipment and learning tools would be one of the excellent examples of close cooperation between our two countries”, said H.E Young-kyu Park.
Minister Kumar urged the Heads of Schools receiving these items to appreciate, value and take proper care of them so that they last longer and benefit as many students as possible. She also encouraged students to make good use of the resources to maximise their learning and appreciate the assistance as special gifts from the Government and people of the Republic of Korea.
The Ministry will work with Heads of Schools through its Divisional and District Offices to facilitate the delivery of these items following the COVID Safety Protocols.