The Vanuatu government has announced a significant allocation of 1 billion Vatu to address the outstanding claims of teachers. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Hon. Johnny Koanapo, confirmed that the government had already committed 800 million Vatu last year for these claims, and the new allocation under the 2025 budget brings the new amount of 1 billion Vatu.

Koanapo explained that the claims were being verified, as some teachers had received payments but were still submitting claims. He emphasized the importance of ensuring all claims were properly verified, citing past administrative challenges. “Unfortunately, previous ministers did not address the issues within the Teaching Service Commission, and political interference led to delays in resolving these claims,” said Koanapo.

The breakdown of the 1 billion Vatu allocation includes 330 million Vatu for remote allowances, 292 million Vatu for child allowances, 313 million Vatu for housing allowances, and 63 million Vatu for salary increments tied to positions like principals and deputy principals.

Koanapo clarified that these payments were essential to covering the costs associated with teacher remuneration and benefits. “These costs are not cheap, but they are necessary to ensure that teachers are fairly compensated for their work.”

The Vanuatu Teachers Union, through Secretary General Johnathan Yonah, acknowledged the government’s decision to allocate 1 billion Vatu. Yonah noted that the figures could change depending on the results of the ongoing claims verification process. “This decision was made in October last year, with the Council of Ministers agreeing to the allocation over a four-year period,” Yonah said. “However, the final figures will depend entirely on the outcome of the verification process.”

The government’s efforts to resolve these claims are part of a broader push to address long-standing issues within the education sector and improve teacher welfare.