The University of the South Pacific is grateful to the Government of India (GOI) which has provided a US$1 million grant to USP through the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
The tripartite agreement between ADB/Government of India/USP was signed in April 2009. It was agreed than that while some portion of the funds will be used by the ADB to engage consultants to undertake feasibility studies, the major portion of the grant will be used primarily for (a) improving connectivity through conversion to iDirect technology for upgrading USPNet; (b) curriculum alignment and conversation to e-learning; and (c) developing strategic partnerships and alliances with institutions in India. The Government of India has pledged its support to the USP's Strategic Plan and agreed to support the identified areas through the grant.
The University is pleased to announce that acquisition of the new technology has been successfully completed and ADB has already paid US$400,000 out of this GOI grant. When completed, the upgrade of USPNet will treble its speed and allow it to reach rural and outer island areas, substantially increasing access to higher education in the Pacific Islands. The University also wishes to acknowledge the assistance of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for jointly supporting the new technology under a Memorandum of Understanding signed by ADB/JICA/USP.
The University has also made good progress on other areas and these will be discussed during the joint USP/ADB mission to India starting 30 August to 6 September. The USP Team led by Professor Rajesh Chandra, Vice-Chancellor and President will be joined in India by the ADB team led by Mr.Kiyoshi Oswin Nakamitsu, to discuss and finalise proposals with institutions in India for assistance in areas of curriculum alignment and conversion to e-learning and forging strategic alliances with key universities in India. Approximately US$400,000 has been set aside for acquisition of courses, course writing and conversion of courses to Moodle platform.
Professor Chandra said "the visit to India follows months of discussions with Indian institutions both by USP and ADB to work out strategic links and areas of collaborations with such institutions as Indira Gandhi National Open University, Jawarhar Lal Nehru University, IIT/IIM Kharagpur; National University of Educational Planning and Administration and with Institute of Economic Growth". The mission will also have discussions with the Government of India on future assistance.
Professor Chandra further said that "I am hopeful to have constructive discussions with institutions in India and sign a few MOUs during the visit for future cooperation and assistance. It is clear that we are entering a period of expanding co-operation with both India and ADB which should broaden the support base of the University and strengthen it strategically".
Professor Chandra acknowledged Government of India's grant, which is administered through ADB. He further acknowledged ADB for its assistance and support to the University --- and in particular towards the preparation of feasibility studies and documentations for future assistance.
Source: USP Media
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
0 comments:
Post a Comment