The Ministry of Education and Training (MoET) of Vanuatu has officially signed a memorandum of understanding with Respond Global’s HELPR-1 program to improve education access and services for remote and isolated communities across the nation.
Vanuatu’s unique geography, consisting of more than 80 islands, presents significant challenges in providing equitable education. This new collaboration with Respond Global will see HELPR-1, a specialized vessel designed to provide logistical and operational support, helping to address these challenges and enhance educational delivery across the country.
The HELPR-1 vessel will play a key role in ensuring remote schools receive vital supplies and resources, as well as facilitating the transportation of teachers, principals, and MoET officers for training to improve the quality and management of education. The initiative will also enable supervisory visits and technical assistance to early childhood education centres, vocational training, and higher education institutions. Additionally, HELPR-1 will assist with assessments of vocational education needs, and strengthen Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) and oral health programs in schools. Furthermore, the vessel will provide rapid response capabilities during natural disasters or emergencies to support the education sector.
MoET Director General, Mr. Bergmans Iati, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “This agreement marks a significant step forward in our efforts to support quality education across all the islands in Vanuatu, regardless of location. HELPR-1’s support will enhance our ability to deliver essential education resources, services, and training, ensuring no child is left behind.”
Dr. Ian Norton, Managing Director of Respond Global, echoed Mr. Iati’s excitement, saying, “HELPR-1 is delighted to support education in Vanuatu. We recognize the vital role that education plays in shaping the nation’s future, and we are proud to contribute by ensuring that learning resources, teacher training, and essential support reach even the most remote communities.”
This collaboration is part of MoET’s commitment to achieving Vanuatu’s National Sustainable Development Plan (2016-2030), aligned with the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The initiative ensures equal access to quality education through well-managed schools and demonstrates MoET’s dedication to empowering educators and strengthening Vanuatu’s education system.
