The Vanuatu Broadcasting and Television Corporation (VBTC) and the Ministry of Education and Training have signed a one-year partnership agreement aimed at improving public access to education information across the country.
Under the agreement, VBTC will publish and broadcast the Ministry’s content across its television, radio and digital platforms, ensuring education programmes, announcements and important information reach communities throughout Vanuatu.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, VBTC Chief Executive Officer Francis Herman described education as one of the broadcaster’s highest priorities and said the partnership reflects VBTC’s commitment to national development.
“There are three pillars for VBTC. Education is number one, agriculture is number two and health is number three,” Mr Herman said.
Strengthening Public Access to Education
Director General of the Ministry of Education and Training, Cherol Ala, welcomed the partnership, saying it will help ensure the Ministry’s work reaches more people across the country.
She said the agreement was signed to strengthen communication with the public and increase awareness of the Ministry’s priorities and achievements.
“This partnership is to ensure that the priorities and achievements of the education sector are amplified and shared across multiple platforms so the people of Vanuatu can better understand what is happening in the education sector in the Republic of Vanuatu,” Ms Ala said.
She added that the contract signing between the Ministry and VBTC marks an important step towards improving public access to education information.
Improving Access for Rural Communities
Mr Herman highlighted the important role of radio in reaching people living in rural and remote areas, noting that many communities still face challenges accessing information online.
He said around 70 per cent of people living in rural Vanuatu do not have easy access to social media because of the cost of mobile data, making radio one of the country’s most important communication tools.
To strengthen access to information, Mr Herman announced that VBTC is in the process of bringing 50,000 shortwave radio receivers into the country, which will be distributed free to rural communities.
He said the initiative will help ensure people continue receiving critical public information, particularly in areas where internet access remains limited.
Public Broadcaster Committed to All Ni-Vanuatu
Mr Herman encouraged government ministries, public institutions and development partners to make full use of VBTC’s platforms to communicate with the public.
“This is the Government station, so it should be used and not abused.”
He said VBTC remains committed to promoting the welfare and wellbeing of all people in Vanuatu, regardless of political affiliation, province or background.
Mr Herman also called on all media organisations to work together in supporting national development and ensuring important information reaches communities across the country.
Operating as a Commercial State-Owned Enterprise
Mr Herman said VBTC officially became a Government Commercial Business Enterprise on 1 January this year and now operates under the Government Business Enterprise Act.
While continuing to fulfil its role as the national broadcaster, he said VBTC is also required to operate sustainably as a commercial entity and return dividends to the Government.
Despite those commercial responsibilities, he reaffirmed that serving the public remains at the heart of VBTC’s mission.
“Use us. The platforms are there. They are funded by public funds, so the people should receive a return on that investment.”
The partnership agreement marks another step in strengthening collaboration between VBTC and the Ministry of Education and Training, with both organisations committed to improving access to education information and supporting learning opportunities for communities across Vanuatu.
