On June 6, 2024, the government of the Republic of Marshall Islands (RMI) renewed its Memorandum of Understanding with The University of the South Pacific (USP), a move that will boost and promote the delivery of higher education on the island nation.
The MOU sees USP receive USD $600,000 for teaching, and to support operational costs, and other expenses to continue the RMI-USP Joint Education Programme for the next three years, delivering Preliminary and Foundation courses and the College of Continuing Vocational Education and Training (CVET) Certificate programs.
The RMI government also approved an additional USD $100,000 for the purchase of a new school bus to make transportation accessible to USP students.
The USP Campus on RMI will also be upgraded thanks to additional grant funding of USD $596,062.25 from the World Bank, through the RMI National Training Council’s Educational and Skills Strengthening Project (ESSP).
The financial assistance will go towards establishing a CVET Centre with a state-of-the-art learning facility, accommodating both face-to-face and online learning.
USP RMI Acting Campus Director Setoki Qalubau said the financial support from the World Bank is not only for much needed IT equipment but “There is a separate allocation for developing an induction programme for the RMI workforce to focus on work ethics, employment relations, and customer service”.
“The funding will also support the establishing of a child care centre that will also make available up to four certificate programmes this year (Cert. IV in Information Technology, Accounting, Human Resource Management, and Hospitality) available free for those enrolled in the programme.”
As the island nation prepares to host the Micro Games, USP has received additional financial and equipment support from the RMI government and their National Olympic Committee with the provision of USD $50,000 for the renovation of the RMI USP Tennis Court, an additional USD $10,000 for gym equipment to be used by athletes and USP Campus students, and a Genset Generator worth USD $100,000 for power backup at the Hall and Tennis Court that will host wrestling and tennis practice, and to accommodate Micro Games technical officials at the Campus Lodge.
The University extends its sincere appreciation to the RMI government, stakeholders, and partners for their continued support in promoting education in the island nation.
