The bilingual curriculum places greater emphasis on English at the secondary level. Private pre-primary and primary schools are available. Those who have attended primary school can go to one of eight community training centres. A maritime school trains merchant seamen, and the University of the South Pacific, based in Fiji , has an extension centre on Funafuti Atoll. Health and Welfare Dispensaries staffed by first aiders are located on all outer islands, and Funafuti Atoll has a hospital.
Health care is free.
The population is generally healthy, owing to a good basic diet and a strong tradition in medicinal skills and natural remedies.