Wellington Welcomes Indian Minister Of Education

Wellington Welcomes Indian Minister Of Education

On Tuesday 13 April, Wellington Institute of Technology (WelTec) CEO, Dr Linda Sissons extended a warm welcome to Hon. Shri Kapil Sibal, Minister of Human Resources Development (India’s equivalent of the NZ Minister of Education) during his visit to the country’s capital.

The minister visited Wellington Institute of Technology as part of a brief visit to New Zealand to discuss opportunities for collaboration with New Zealand in the area of vocational training and technology.

During his visit to WelTec, the minister spoke about India’s immense demand for education and training with a population of over 546 million under the age of 25. The education exchange between India and New Zealand could also work both ways, said Hon. Minister Sibal who welcomed both kiwi educators and students to take advantage of the many education opportunities provided in India.

WelTec CEO Dr Linda Sissons, found the visit to be highly beneficial to gaining a greater understanding of the specific needs of India’s education sector. Discussions were also held around mutually beneficial opportunities for cooperation between India and The Metro Group of ITP’s in the area of technical and vocational education and training.

“India and New Zealand share a special relationship in the fields of vocational education, applied research and innovation. New Zealand and India both face unprecedented social and economic challenges and also have tremendous opportunities in co-operation, especially in the technical and vocational education and training sector.

“International relationships are important to future growth and development. As the world emerges from the global recession, those who have invested in the skills and talents of their people will be far better equipped to create a stronger, more innovative and competitive economy.”

The New Zealand government has also recently reaffirmed its commitment to an international relationship with India. In April 2010 India and New Zealand confirmed their commitment to deepening education cooperation with the resigning of an Education Cooperation Arrangement, which was first signed in 2005.

Initiatives discussed during the visit to WelTec were further outlined in the joint statement between the Minister of Human Resource Development of the Government of India and the Minister of Education and Minister for Tertiary Education of the New Zealand Government, which is anticipated to further strengthen the bilateral education relationship. For further information please visit www.minedu.govt.nz, search term: Education Cooperation Arrangement.

Local Indian Dance Group, from the Natraj School of Dance welcomes Hon. Minster Sibal and delegates to Wellington Institute of Technology.

ENDS

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