Lami Fijian School benefits from Australian Government assistance

20 August 2010
The staff and students of the Lami Fijian School put on a colourful program of entertainment to thank the Australian High Commission for its assistance during the official opening of the library earlier today. The children dressed up as characters from their favourite stories, performed a meke and gave speeches about the importance of libraries.

The Lami Fijian School is the latest beneficiary of continuing Australian Government support to schools in Fiji. The school received $7,725 from the Australian High Commission’s Direct Aid Program (DAP) to upgrade facilities at the school library, which included book shelves, furniture, computer tables and carpets.

In addressing the students, Australian High Commission Third Secretary Ms Claire Scott said education was fundamental to meeting development challenges in the Pacific and the Australian Government was pleased to have been able to contribute to the school library as a part of this effort. Ms Scott said school libraries were crucial in developing a child’s passion for learning and giving them the basic educational skills to build themselves a bright future.

DAP is a small grants program funded by the Australian Government that aims to support small-scale projects with a strong development focus in complement to Australia’s broader aid program.

Over the past year, the Australian High Commission has provided funding totalling $320,000 to 36 projects across Fiji and Tuvalu through DAP.

ENDS