Members of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communication visited the Embassy for a courtesy call and were welcomed by Minister Renster P. Andrew, Deputy Chief of Mission. The purpose of their visit was to convey Japan’s appreciation for the continual support shown by FSM in Japan’s bid for the seat of Secretary General for APT.
Minister Andrew thanked the visitors for their tremendous contribution to the island’s telecommunication as well as hosting an APT workshop in which members from our own TC&I were represented. Minister Andrew informed the visiting group that telecenters that were installed with their assistance are a great asset to the education of school children and concerned communities.
The group further informed that they will be visiting our islands from October 18 for a survey tour to identify additional locations for future projects under the APT scheme. Two members of the group, Mr. Kawasumi (Advisor) and Ms Kaneda (Officer) will be visiting FSM and are schedule to meet with Secretary of TC&I along with the Secretary of Foreign Affairs.
~~~~~~~ Background information ~~~~~~~
Under the Asia Pacific Telecommunity scheme, Japan assisted in providing broadband connections to various places in our islands. These “telecenters” were setup as pilot projects for community/school based centers where people can enjoy the benefits of broadband connection. In Pohnpei, schools in Madolenihmw as well as municipal offices were equipped with broadband connection. In Kosrae and Chuuk, school-based telecenter were erected in existing schools of Walung elementary school and Sino Memorial elementary school to serve the students as well as the communities.
