The Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education are seeking assistance from Australia to improve skills of nurses and teachers.
Australian Ambassador to Palau, George Fraser in his visit to the island nation last week met several officials and leaders including ministers.
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Fraser lauded the new Health Minister Emais Roberts plan on reactivating health dispensaries in the states and with this program a need to equip the states with nursing practitioners.
Although no specific request has been made yet, Fraser said the health minister has brought up the issue of assistance for nurses training.
Australia in the past has provided Palau with aid program on health initiatives such as the drafting and endorsement of a national Health Human Resource Development Plan, strengthening health sector human resource management, and the provision of nurse education programs.
As for the Ministry of Education, Fraser said there is a “request from the books” for technical assistance training.
Fraser said that the ministry has been very pleased in the assistance that Australian government provided in the past to improve and development teachers’ skills.
“I think in line with my wish to see education develop more, I will recommend that to my government,” Fraser added.
In Fraser’s visit to Palau, he also conveyed Australia’s desire to have a seat in the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNCHR).
It is seeking support from Palau for a seat in the council.
According to a press statement from the Office of the President, Ambassador Fraser conveyed to President Remengesau, “Australia’s desire to push for five pillars in areas of gender equality, freedom of expression, migration, indigenous rights and stronger institutions for human rights in its campaign to the UNHRC.”
In an interview, Ambassador Fraser said Australia has a strong track record in promoting the fundamental human rights principles. [/restrict]