The Soroboilo tribe, a landowning group of the Gold Ridge Mine, brought much-needed relief to its members by releasing payments to support school fees.
This initiative, driven by the tribe’s commitment to education, has been warmly welcomed by families facing financial strain.
Last Friday, the tribe disbursed a total of $200,000.00 to 18 family groups, specifically earmarked for school fee payments.
The decision followed a meeting of the tribal executive last Thursday, where leaders deliberated on how best to utilize tribal resources to support their community’s needs.
“Our tribe recognizes the importance of education in building a brighter future for our children,” said Nelson Pae, the tribe’s chief and representative in the Gold Ridge Community and Landowners’ Council [GRCLC].
“I believe the funds distributed will help ease the burden on parents and ensure our children can continue their education without interruption.”
Chief Pae emphasized that education is a cornerstone of the tribe’s development priorities, noting that investing in young people is an investment in the future of both the tribe, the Gold Ridge community and nation.
The payment comes at a critical time for many families, especially those grappling with the rising costs of school fees and other school related expenses.
Several parents expressed gratitude for the support, describing it as a lifeline that would allow them to focus on their children’s education without the constant worry of financial constraints.
A mother of three, who received part of the payment, shared her appreciation: “This assistance means the world to us. It has lifted a heavy burden off our shoulders and given us hope that our children can achieve their dreams through education.”
The Gold Ridge Mine has been a significant source of income for the Soroboilo tribe, one of the 16 landowning groups, and this initiative underscores the tribe’s dedication to using its resources for the betterment of its members.
The tribal executive highlighted that the decision to prioritize education aligns with their long-term vision of empowering their community.
“Our resources from the mine are not just for today’s needs but for building a sustainable and prosperous future. By investing in education, we are ensuring that our next generation is equipped with the skills and knowledge to lead,” Chief Pae explained.
Chief Pae also called on other stakeholders, including the company, government and donors, to complement their efforts by investing in education and providing scholarships for students from Gold Ridge and other resource-owning communities.
“While we are proud to support our members, we believe broader partnerships can amplify the impact of such initiatives,” he added.
The Soroboilo tribe’s commitment to education serves as a model for other resource-owning communities in the Solomon Islands. Their proactive approach demonstrates how revenues from resource extraction can be channelled into meaningful investments that uplift entire communities.
As families breathe a sigh of relief, the message from the tribe is clear: education is not just a priority—it is a pathway to empowerment and progress.
- GRML
