The University of the South Pacific has received close to $20 million from the New Zealand government to support the implementation of its Strategic plan 2010 2012.

Radio New Zealand reports that in addition to the funding agreement, 185 students are studying at the USP under New Zealand Government scholarships for 2010.

New Zealand Acting Head of Mission in Fiji, Philip Taula said the financial support is part of an on going commitment by New Zealand to support the university.

Taula said their funding will be used to support the budget of the university, focussing on enhancing teaching, learning outcomes and improved governance, planning, evaluation and that sort of thing.

He said the overall idea is to improve the development outcomes of the region through providing assistance to the Premier in an educational institute in the region.

Taula said New Zealand's financial assistance is important as it enables students to get higher education and gain the ability to contribute to economic development in their own country.


Story by: Roneel Lal