Cook Islander back at UNESCO in Paris

Cook Islander Kirimoke Drollet is enjoying a well earned holiday back at the family home in Upper Tupapa with her husband Kane Epati and two sons Etua and Kelvin.
It was back in August 2011, that the Herald reported that she had just completed a stint in Cambodia for UNESCO and had been posted back to UNESCO headquarters in Paris, France.
Speaking to the Herald on Tuesday afternoon, she said she enjoyed her time in Cambodia, working in the field and when her contract with HQ is up in about a year’s time, she would like a field position again.
At the Paris HQ she is in the Financial Policy and Compliance Division and is working more on the policy side. She is able to speak French better while at present her husband is learning to do so.
All up, Kirimoke has spent five years at the Paris HQ and there have been some changes in that time.
UNESCO’s budget is around $653 million but last year the USA withheld its funding contribution when Palestine was admitted as a member.
Structural changes have been taking place with a big push to streamline and cut administration costs.
UNESCO is still focusing on education at all levels however, there is more attention now to sustainable development.
Education is the biggest programme, attracting the most funding, with Science, Culture and Communication having smaller programmes.
UNESCO has a field office in Apia, Samoa but positions there are filled.
Kirimoke said she would like to return to live and work in Rarotonga at some future time.

Herald Issue 608 21 March
- Terms of one China Policy document should be reviewed
- Pacific Media Assistance Scheme Seeks Innovation
- Successful NZ visit by PM
- Rerekura Teaurere New Climate Change Coordinator
- News Briefs