However, my Government is consolidating efforts with the various cultural organizations, as we try to bring in greater knowledge of history and pride in the culture of the Marshall Islands. This culture has at its basis the respect for the elders, for the community and mutual respect of individuals. It will therefore revitalize the guidance that the breakdown of the family can cause. The Marshall Islands has therefore instituted a youth policy to educate and socialize our young people from an early stage, to make them feel part of the larger community, and to be active participants in the development of society. Furthermore, as a State Party to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, we have recently enacted legislation that will strengthen our commitments under that Convention.
Basic education is mandated under our Constitution.
We have therefore prepared a Ten Year Education Plan, a policy which aims to encourage community-based education. We are building more schools in the rural areas to reduce the trend of the urban migration for those seeking education. Moreover, secondary education is now compulsory, and it also encourages the youth of our country to get themselves a higher education. Our scholarship program provides assistance for those youth who wish to continue on to higher education. My Government is further required under the Constitution to provide basic health care, thus we have instituted a Comprehensive Health Insurance scheme.