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Media Releases 2006
09 March 2006
Minister Sees Australian Development Assistance in Action
“It is very encouraging to see Australian development assistance to Bangladesh at work in the important sectors of education and health. Australia views these sectors as central to improving the lives of millions of Bangladeshis” said Senator Amanda Vanstone, Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs following visits to the Centre for Health and Population Research (ICDDR,B), and a UNICEF education project in Gazipur.
On 8 March Senator Vanstone visited the ICDDR,B and met a number of local scientists educated in Australia who had returned to contribute to the development of Bangladesh. Currently six Bangladesh students from ICDDR,B are undertaking post-graduate degrees in Australia under the Australian Development Scholarship program in fields such as public health and demography.
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During the visit Senator Vanstone was briefed by senior staff on the Centre’s population and reproductive health programs, including its HIV/AIDS research. Australia has been a regular financial contributor to the ICDDR,B since 1963. Senator Vanstone also met Mr Adrian Cameron, an Australian Youth Ambassador for Development, who is currently working at the ICDDR,B to help strengthen institutional capacity in the areas of biostatistics and analysis of epidemiological study data.
On 9 March Senator Vanstone visited the Joydebpur Jokey Smrity Government Primary School in Gazipur. Senator Vanstone was enthusiastically greeted at the school by headmistress Ms Mahbuba Rahman, and a cheerful group of girl guides and cub scouts. Senator Vanstone was impressed by the efforts of the all-female teaching staff, and commented favourably on the number of girls and boys in attendance at the school. To the delight of the children and staff, Senator Vanstone presented a “Kanga Cricket” set to the school.
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“The best start we can give to the girls and boys of Bangladesh is a proper education. The Australian Government is proud to be able to work with our partners in this very important sector” she said.
Since 1998 the Australian Government and UNICEF have been working together with the Government of Bangladesh and other donors to improve the quality of primary education in Government schools. Australian funding to UNICEF contributes to the provision of teacher training programs, curriculum development and initiatives to increase the participation of girls, children with disabilities and indigenous children in classroom activities.
For further information please contact during office hours:
Deputy High Commissioner
Australian High Commission Dhaka
184 Gulshan Avenue, Dhaka – 1212.
Tel: 8813101, Fax: 8811125
E-mail: [email protected]