Project Leader: Linda Austin
Recipient Institution: Media Centre, University of the South Pacific, Fiji Islands
Amount: USD 26,562
Duration: 24 Months
Commencement Date: February 2006

Project Abstract

The situation of the Republic of Nauru is extremely difficult. This isolated island state was once one of the richest nations per capita in the developing world due to its phosphate resources. Those resources are now nearly depleted. Nearly 80 percent of its land mass has been devastated due to mining activities. Its central plateau is considered one of the most
degraded areas in the Pacific region. Poor management and fiscal misuse of financial resources generated by phosphate mining have plunged the country into dire economic times. The country is heavily subsidized by foreign aid. Political instability is growing. Electricity supplies are hugely unreliable, the public water-purification plant frequently does not function, public transportation is non-existent, and fuel shortages are common. There are few natural resources. Nauru imports its drinking water and most of its food.

Nauru’s population is around 13,000. Primary education is compulsory but attendance rates are declining. Many first-year university students fail their studies. Unemployment and underemployment is estimated around 90 percent. Life expectancy on Nauru is among the lowest in the Pacific region.

This proposal aims to combine existing satellite-communication networks at the University of the South Pacific with proven radio technology so students and the general public can receive educational materials and community development information. The University of the South Pacific (USP) is the regional leader in distance education and is the only institution of higher education serving Nauru. A successful radio project could serve as a model for similar projects in other regional countries.

The project aims to:

• Establish a solar-powered educational radio station.
• Create and deliver targeted audio-based educational materials to University of the South Pacific students and others residing in Nauru.
• Create and deliver targeted community-development programming in cooperation with regional non-government organisations and similar groups.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of audio-based instructional methods and assess what “blended media” materials work best in Nauru.
• Create the precursor of a community-based radio station; to train interested community residents in the management and operation of such a facility.
• Enhance the training of primary and secondary teachers through targeted audio programmes.
• Use radio broadcasting to increase public awareness in a number of critical areas such as health matters, business entrepreneurialism, environmental awareness including coastal resource management and climate change, and human resource development and good governance.