The Government’s additional VT2 billion allocation for education in the 2027 Budget has drawn a response from Opposition Leader Hon. Ishmael Kalsakau, who says clear payment arrangements and transparent processes are needed to address teachers’ outstanding entitlements.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Johnny Koanapo outlined the additional funding in Parliament, saying VT1 billion would go towards teachers’ legal entitlements.
A further VT861 million is allocated to fully fund school grants and grants to the University of the South Pacific (USP).
The allocation also includes VT100 million for legal entitlements owed to teachers who are not members of the Vanuatu Teachers Union (VTU), and more than VT75 million for approximately 600 teachers who were not included in the 2024 Government Remuneration Tribunal (GRT).
Koanapo said the additional funding for the education sector would total VT2 billion.
The additional VT2 billion is included in the Ministry of Education’s total 2027 Budget allocation of VT19.3 billion, the largest allocation among government ministries.
Opposition calls for transparency and consultation
Responding to the commitments, Kalsakau said the teachers’ strike had raised serious questions about the Government’s communication, decision-making and response to public sector concerns.
He said the disruption had placed teachers, students and families under pressure.
“Teachers’ entitlements are an important budget commitment, but they cannot replace timely engagement, clear information and fair processes.”
He called on the Government to publish a clear payment schedule and explain how it would verify eligible teachers across the country.
Kalsakau also said the Government needed to provide regular updates on the process, adding that teachers must be able to understand how their claims would be assessed and addressed.
Questions over how the additional funding will be delivered
Kalsakau further called for the Government to clearly define the additional VT2 billion allocation, including which items represent new funding and which relate to ongoing commitments.
He said the Government should explain when the funds would reach schools and institutions.
“The Government must also set out how it will prevent similar disputes from happening again, so they do not escalate and affect not only children but teachers as well.”
He called for meaningful consultation, reliable processes for resolving claims and transparent reporting on outstanding obligations.
Parliament passed the 2027 Appropriation Bill on 9 November 2026.
