Education boost for Islanders

The Government has announced extra education funding for Pacific Island people.

Prime Minister Helen Clark said the money would be provided in the May 23 Budget and would include:

* $1.2 million over four years to increase the New Zealand Qualifications Authority's work with Pacific people.

* $126,000 over two years for the professional development of Samoan teachers.

* $412,000 over four years for Anau Ako Pasifika, to provide home-based early childhood education as well as parental development for Island families with young children.

The Minister of Pacific Island Affairs, Mark Gosche, said the extra money would bring long-term benefits to Pacific Island children and their communities.

Associate Education Minister Steve Maharey said many more Pacific Island people had taken up education and training opportunities through the framework of the authority.

There were 52,267 now, compared with 34,493 in January 2000.

- NZPA