Children of Rah Education Fund

Free education for Vanuatu primary school children from 2010.

Thank you to Marg for providing this information confirming a newspaper report we read on Mota Lava in July this year (2009).

"The Vanuatu Government has given an undertaking to introduce its free education policy from next year 2010.

In his budget speech yesterday in Parliament, Finance Minister Sela Molisa said he is working closely with the Minister for Education, Charlot Salwai in preparing for the introduction of this policy next year.

He said the government will be increasing school grants and phase out the contributions made by parents at the primary level of education."

It is unknown at this stage how quickly school fees will be phased out. When it does come through it looks like it will be for years 1 to 6 only.

The Children of Rah Education Fund will assist families where the greatest need is - for example helping students with their grade 6, 7, and high school studies. There are no high schools in the local region and students must move to Santo, Pentecost, Ambae or Port Vila to complete their high school education.

It costs approximately $66 AUD per year for school fees for children grades 1 to 6. I believe grades 7 and 8 are around $130 AUD per year. Highschool costs are approximately $660 AUD per year per student plus living expenses - which is a huge jump in fees for local villagers who have almost no source of vatu income.

Thank you to everyone who has travelled with Vanuatu Custom Travel. VCT makes a small donation per guest per day on the island. A big "Tankyu tumas" to the guests who have made additional contributions and also donated material supplies to the schools, kindergartens and medical clinics. Your assistance is greatly valued.

Keep posted to this blogsite for photos and stories from guests and their recent trips to Rah Island.

Lemtapnua.

Lukim yufella.

Simon.