Foreign Minister Bob Carr has announced a further $7 million
to repair or rebuild 18 schools and nine health clinics damaged by Cyclone Evan
in December 2012.
Senator Carr visited villages devastated by the cyclone during a
two-day trip to Samoa. "Rebuilding these facilities will enable more than 5,300
students to continue their studies and more than 25,000 people to access health
care in the coming months," Senator Carr said. "It will also support the Australia Pacific Technical
College to provide training courses for those most affected by the disaster. "Carpentry training will enable those who have lost their
houses to gain skills to rebuild their communities.
Training in hospitality will allow those who are temporarily
unemployed to improve their skills and earn income while hotels and small
businesses are being rebuilt." This latest package of assistance is in addition to the $1.65
million in immediate emergency supplies delivered in mid-December.
Senator Carr today met with Prime Minister Tuilaepa for an
update on Samoa's recovery. The cyclone affected more than 12,700 people, killed four people
and destroyed 250 homes.
Senator Carr met with Australia Awards scholarship alumni,
highlighting Australia's efforts to increase education opportunities for
Samoans. Each year 40 Samoan
students receive scholarships to study at universities in Australia and the
region in fields vital to Samoa's development, such as medicine, engineering,
commerce and education.
Aust govt media
