The Vanuatu Minister for Education, Honourable Bob Loughman today visited the Public Service Commission (PSC) headquarters at Berkeley Crescent, Suva.
PSC permanent secretary, Parmesh Chand welcomed the Honourable Minister and said that it was an honour that the Minister visited the Commission.
The meeting that took place between PS Chand and Hon. Loughman centred on the Fiji Volunteers Scheme (FVS), whereby the Education Minister confirmed that the retired school teachers from Fiji will be in Vanuatu by the first week of February next year.
The Fijian Government will be responsible for the airfares of the retired school teachers and their allowances will be jointly paid by both Governments.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ratu Inoke Kubuabole signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) under the FVS with Honourable Loughman on December 12, 2013 in Vila.
Vanuatu became the first country in the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) to sign the volunteer service agreement which will see the engagement of experienced teachers from Fiji to teach in Vanuatu.
The FVS is becoming increasingly popular both locally and in the neighbouring Pacific Island Countries. It is helping to build capacity both in the industry sector and in public service in the hosting organizations/ countries and simultaneously provide Fiji an opportunity to respond and assist those seeking assistance given our human resource capacity and experiences.
The Prime Minister has granted a two and half fold increase in the 2014 Budget for the Scheme to allow it to achieve maximum impact and results for all stakeholders.
-END-