New Caledonia’s President Germain commits to supporting AUF

The President of the Government of New Caledonia, Phillippe Germain, has said he is committed to his Government’s partnership in the Agence Universitaire Francophonie (AUF)’s Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and Social Administration program of Vanuatu.

Speaking at the unveiling of a foundation stone for the construction of two additional classrooms for the AUF’s bachelor’s program at the compound of AUF opposite the Vanuatu Institute of Technology in Port Vila Sunday, President Germain said he was glad to be at the campus to unveil foundation stone for AUF.

“New Caledonia is a close neighbour of Vanuatu and a good friend with good relations, sharing culture, in Melanesian art, and having strong ties,” he said.

He said AUF has been in Vanuatu 25 years already and New Caledonia was glad to join other partners, including the Government of Vanuatu, the French Government, the University of Toulouse, the USP and others of the institution and its bachelor program.

The New Caledonia Government head said since the AUF bachelor program began five years ago, the Government of New Caledonia’s supported to the institution and education in Vanuatu in both the primary and secondary education has reached Vt50 million.

“The future of every boy and girl in Vanuatu depends on good education and also on good training of teachers. And we are working hard to ensure Francophone is spreading around the Pacific through our projects with AUF now in its 5th year.

“Vanuatu is strategically placed in the Pacific in terms of the development of the French language and culture. And New Caledonia is working hard with AUF and Vanuatu Government to develop and maintain Francophone in education in Vanuatu. The New Caledonia Government also supports the development of Primary and Secondary education in Vanuatu,” he said.

He admitted that the work with AUF cannot be done by one organization or government. Hence, they have been happy to join with partners including the University of Toulouse that today has seen the first graduates as the first fruits of AUF.

Out of 33 students who started, 18 have successfully completed the three-year program last year.

On behalf of Vanuatu and the French-speaking community of Vanuatu, Prime Minister Charlot Salwai Tabimasmas thanked the President of the Government of New Caledonia for their support to AUF.

“The Government of New Caledonia is a big supporter of the program and the results are very encouraging,” he said.

“Since the University of Toulouse came on board, this institution is continuing to grow and we are very proud of it.”

The Vanuatu Prime Minister said the location of the Agency of Francophone University was strategic as it is close to the Ministry of Education.

The foundation stone was jointly unveiled by the Vanuatu Prime Minister and the President of the Government of New Caledonia.

Also present at the unveiling ceremony the Minister of Education, Jean-Pierre Nirua, Minister of Finance, Gaeton Pikioune, French Ambassador to Vanuatu, Alain du Boispéan, the Director of AUF — Timothee Kolomule, National Coordinator of the AUF’s Bachelor program – Metsan Pierre, teachers and students of AUF, former Prime Minister Carlot Korman — a pillar of Francophone in Vanuatu and senior officials of Francophone in Vanuatu.