FIJIAN PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION COMMITS EDUCATION ASSISTANCE TO MORE THAN 1400

29/02/2012

Suva, Fiji – The Fijian Public Service Commission has committed $15.5 million of assistance to more than 1,400 students. This is in addition to the Fijian Government’s social welfare programmes that provide assistance to schoolchildren throughout urban, rural, and outlying island areas.

“The recently-announced budget will promote new programmes,” said Parmesh Chand, Permanent Secretary for the Public Service <http://www.psc.gov.fj/> . “Our commitment to providing Fiji’s youth with access to education underlines Government’s successful efforts to expand tertiary education , and bring vocational training to rural and outlying island areas.”

The process through which candidates are chosen for these grants and loans includes an annual analysis to determine the most productive study areas for receipt of scholarships and loan assistance.

The existing Student Loan Scheme and Multi-Ethnic Scholarship programmes in Fiji are reserved for individuals whose households are below the $15,000 income line. This year, a total of 7,845 applications were received for education assistance programmes.

The Public Service Commission actively supports the Bainimarama Government’s commitment to increase access to education ; expanding the quality of teaching ; and decreasing drop out rates