The Fiji Volunteer Service Programme, administered by the Public Service Commission continues to garner interest from government agencies, the private sector and neighbouring Pacific Island countries.
A high powered delegation from Papua New Guinea met with permanent secretary for the Public Service, Mr Parmesh Chand today to discuss the possibility of engaging retired school teachers in an advisory capacity.
Mr Chand said the interest shown by PNG is in line with the Fijian government’s desire to grow this scheme as part of our development co-operation efforts to assist our neighbouring Pacific Island Countries.
“Currently the scheme has 28 volunteers in the region, six in Nauru, nine in Vanuatu, nine in Tuvalu and most recently four in the Republic of the Marshall islands,” Mr Chand said.
“PNG’s interest in this scheme provides Fiji with an opportunity to expand and upgrade this programme.”
PNG Teachers Service Commission chairman Mr Baran Sori confirmed that there were 50,000 teachers in Papua New Guinea and the engagement of Fijian volunteer teachers was primarily on a complementary basis to enhance capabilities in that area.
“We are interested in engaging retired teachers with the appropriate qualifications, experience and skills to fill the knowledge and skills gap in our education system,” Mr Sori said.
“We are looking for teachers specializing in secondary school education in mathematics, ICT, science, hospitality and tourism.”
PNG Teachers Association general secretary Mr Yalawabu Mowana said the possible engagement of volunteers under the FVS was not meant to jeopardize the labour force of PNG but to be able to build the capacity of their school systems and teachers.
He encouraged ongoing and fruitful consultations between the two governments and offered the support of the PNG Teachers Association.
“It is not about industrial relations but national development and the delivery of services to the people of Papua New Guinea,” Mr Mowana said.