THE Second bi-annual grants for schools in the country this year may likely be affected.
This was stated by a senior educationist and school leader from Malaita Province after attending a high-level meeting in Honiara recently.
The senior educationist who spoke on the condition of anonymity said schools in the country may be affected because the national government has turned its focus on the 2023 Pacific Games to be held in Honiara later this year.
He said senior government officials and Permanent Secretaries told the meeting that the government has turned its funding focus on the games and this will affect other government services, including schools.
The games are scheduled to commence on the 19th November and conclude on December 2nd, 2023.
Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare, had stated that up to 5,000 athletes and officials from 23 countries from the region will arrive in the country to take part in the games.
The educationist added that other areas of development and services for schools such as school stationery supplies and students’ learning resources will also be affected.
Solomon Star understands that schools nationwide will go for an early close this year due to the games as some schools in Honiara will be used as accommodation venues for the regional sporting contingents.
Schools will close on Friday 27 October till the commencement of the 2024 academic year on Monday 15 January 2024.
By SOLOMON LOFANA
Solomon Star, Auki
