Cant do any better i think.
When I was first interested in flying also, my heart skipped a beat when I was told the price and school leaving requirements back in 2003. This is how I proved my case to the US embassy and convinced them that at this cost I could get my PPL and IR in the States for what CATC charges. Last I spoke with them (2011), AVGAS was at 8USD/gallon, so thats why the high price.
Your better off in the states paying (depending and who you fly with) 110-130 solo and (130-145 dual) for a C172. The east coast flight institutes have the highest prices, while midwest places are bit lower.
Good Luck.