THE Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) says it will ensure allowances for student studying overseas are paid in time as of this year.
Minister John Moffat Fugui made the assurance this week.
He said his ministry is already working to make sure this is happening.
“The allowances for this year have been already prepared and ready to be delivered to scholarship recipients,” Fugui said.
He said allowance delays in past years were due to the ministry being not fully aware of the students’ different stages.
“But for this year and on ward, we have a new director and we will ensure the allowances are delivered before the students leave for their studies overseas,” Fugui said.
Furthermore, Fugui said the ministry will also consider the situation of scholars who are married.
“We also want married people who have scholarships to encourage their spouses to also apply because we want both of them to go together and do their studies.
“We want to humanise policies to help families,” he added.
Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary Franco Rodie said the first charter flight for overseas students left on Saturday.
He said all continuing students plus a few new ones travelled on that flight.
“Orientation is important for the students and so we want to send them as early as possible,” he said.
By IAN M.KAUKUI
