Despite the fast integration of technology and education in the Pacific region, distance between lands remains a challenge.

The Commonwealth of Learning (COL) and University of the South Pacific (USP) are working in collaboration for a teaching and learning approach that is highly relevant and important to meet those challenges.

These were the opening remarks made yesterday by the University of the South Pacific deputy vice chancellor, Professor Richard Coll, at the Commonwealth of Learning (Pacific) Focal Points Meeting at the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa on Denarau, Nadi.

“These are exciting times for the Pacific region as the world focuses on our participation and contribution to global sustainable issues from climate change to sustainable economic participation,” he said.

“USP continues to have a strong bond with COL working in partnership to bring important chance to the Pacific through education with the aim of generating quality educational programmes that are affordable and accessible and which will strengthen sustainable development.”

Through this partnership, he said, it allowed USP to serve the Pacific community more effectively, particularly their students from different economic and social backgrounds.

The president and chief executive officer of COL, Professor Asha Kanwar, said: “These focal points meeting are very important event in the life of COL.

“COL has been making special efforts to deepen its work in your countries and this targeted approach is beginning to deliver results.

“The Commonwealth organisation is part of our mission to promote Commonwealth-wide co-operation.”

Edited by Naisa Koroi