On the digital divide: Role of the University of the South Pacific in enhancing education in the Pacific countries

The initiatives for the use of information and communications technology (ICT) by the University of the South Pacific (USP) have a singular goal of bridging the gaps within and between South Pacific islands. Only ICT is able to overcome the remoteness and narrow the disparity of quality of life between the South Pacific and the rest of the world. As an important regional organisation, the USP plays a key role in enhancing education across the South Pacific region. However, this task encounters a number of challenges, including geographically dispersed locations covering 33 million square kilometres and four time zones, a varying economic, linguistic and cultural milieu with more than 200 languages and approximately 60 distinct cultures. The USP has devoted its efforts to education through the use of ICT as the main tool for development.