CONCERNED PARENT CALLED ON NTU TO SETTLE STUDENT ALLOWANCES

A concerned parent has called on responsible authorities to quickly settle the outstanding allowances of 13 students who are studying at the University of the South Pacific’s Emalus Campus in Vanuatu.

A daily paper reported yesterday it has been nine weeks into semester one and the students are still waiting for their living allowances.

An emotional Finley Fiumae from Malaita Province told SIBC News this is sad.

“It’s a sad situation that shouldn’t have happened because the students expect that their future should be bright and the Government should be serious in trying to look after them in terms of finance to help groom them as the country’s human resource.”

Meanwhile, Mr. Fiumae urged the responsible authorities to quickly address the situation.

“As a concerned parent I urge the responsible authorities to quickly address this issue because it’s impossible for us parents to help them in any way as they are not in Honiara that we could send them food to keep them going, but since they are in Vanuatu, we are so concerned.”

Meanwhile, Director of the National Training Unit (NTU), Clement Tito confirmed to SIBC News, a Telegraphic Transaction (TT) for the student’s allowance has been completed.

He says the affected students were late in formalising their transfers from Laucala to Emalus Campus, resulting in their allowance delay.

But Mr. Tito adds they are taking good care of the students in terms of food and lodging as government funds are available in Vanuatu.

The NTU Director assures concern parents the situation has been addressed.

Mr. Tito says media reports yesterday were one-sided and they should have been consulted for a response.