Free Education for Palau...for now

A few weeks ago, in Education Finance class one evening, our whole class got into small groups to present their arguments either in support or against cost-sharing. The class was given a scenario in which we looked closely into the economic and demographic aspects in Ethiopia and its institutions of higher education. By the time it came for my group to present our argument against cost-sharing, I was even more confused in trying to understand how arguing against cost-sharing would be beneficial to the institution in Ethiopia. We ended our argument presented in front of the class and returned to our chairs. I sat down, and only after hearing my group-mates speak on our behalf--I had not said a word--I exclaimed in understanding, "FREE EDUCATION!" Well...I didn't say it quite as loud in exclamation, but I then completely understood what was going on in Ethiopia. Other fellow students and classmates mentioned how free education, instead of cost-sharing, would be a better strategy for the institutions in Ethiopia because economically, people, families, students, and communities are not ready to share the cost of education.


As arguments against cost-sharing in Ethiopian institutions present a similar idea for Palau, Palau is not ready to share the cost in education among the people and organizations of the small island nation. Palau proclaimed its independence from the United States in 1994 and signed the Compact of Free Association (CFA). The CFA allows continual ties with the United States and provision of resources--i.e., financial and [intelligence]--to aid in the development of Palau. Although Palau claims independence, apparently, Palau remains underdeveloped and dependent on foreign aid. Minimum wage is significantly low while cost of living is moving upward due to the people adopting to a more westernized way of living.This strongly suggest that Palau is definitely not ready to share the cost of education in higher education.


There are more public schools that make up the education system of Palau. There is only one institution of higher education. Palau Community College (PCC) offers associate degrees in majors such as liberal arts, tourism, office administration, environmental studies, and even vocational degrees. It is a post-secondary vocational/academic school accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. In a press release dated in June (2011), Frankie Reed, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the United States, highlights the underlining meaning behind the relationship established between the United States and the Republic of Palau under the Compact of Free Association (CFA). Reed is basically presenting an argument as to why this relationship should continue during this review of the CFA. Once again, Palau  receives a trust fund from the United States to improve development as well as continue in eligibility in federal programs and agencies, such as the US Postal services and Federal Financial Aid for students of Palau attending institutions in higher education.


Johnstone and Marcucci (2010) lists characteristics of low income countries that define Palau: inequality of wealth and income, poor schools and low industrialization, and "dependence on donor nations and organizations" (p. 260-261). These all, in turn, define higher education in developing nations, such as Palau, with lower higher educational standard and inadequate learning resources. The authors mention that there is great resistance in cost-sharing in these nations. Well...because the nations cannot afford school. Palauan people, most of them, cannot send their children to school and pay the full amount of tuition. Right now, I believe Palau needs free education. It has no choice. The question is whether the people and the island can continue to win the heart of the people of the United States in order for the Palauan people to attend schools in the US and receive a higher education.