Koror – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Government of Palau launched on 6 February a project to refurbish a school building to serve as a teacher training centre. The occasion was attended by President Surangel Whipps Jr., senior Government officials and representatives of embassies.

Supported by the India, Brazil and South Africa (IBSA) fund managed by the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation, the Palau High School Teacher Training Centre will be renovated into a modern training facility with the capacity to train 80 high school teachers. 

High-quality education is critical to the future success of Palauan students. For disaster-prone Small Island States like Palau, in particular, it is paramount to ensure school buildings and communal centres are safe, secure and equipped with the capacity to minimize damage during emergency situations.  

Implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure and Industries and the United Nations Office of South-South Cooperation, the project will address infrastructure challenges related to teachers' growth and development with the goal of supporting teachers’ preparation and performance and leading to improved outcomes for students. 

Palau’s Minister of Education, Dr. Dale Jenkins, expressed appreciation for the collaboration with IOM and partners. He acknowledged the project will support the implementation of Palau’s 2017 to 2026 Education Master Plan which calls for investing in training to strengthen the capacity of teachers.   

“Access to such a facility will also assist the Ministry in planning more cost-saving training schemes for teachers, as we currently spend a considerable budget to hire private venues for teacher-training programmes,” Dr Jenkins said.  

Attending the project launch, IOM Micronesia Chief of Mission, Salvatore Sortino said, “Such shelters make a more conducive learning environment possible and help create a climate-resilient future. We are pleased to see the commitment of the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Public Infrastructure and Industries to realizing this goal and making schools safer spaces for Palauan teachers and students alike.”  

Once completed, the teacher training centre can further serve as an emergency evacuation shelter for students, school personnel, as well as families and community members to take shelter during emergency situations.  

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For more information, please contact at IOM Micronesia: Haimanot Abebe, Email:  haabebe@iom.int, +691 320 8735