THE country’s education sector is expecting a boost in the provision of service and infrastructure investment this year through funding support thanks to our traditional donor partners.
This was announced by the Minister of Education and Human Resource Development (MEHRD) Lanelle Tanangada in her speech to commemorate International Education Day in Honiara this morning.
The event is being commemorated at the SIBC Conference room and was broadcasted live and through livestream.
She said, for the 2023 budget, Solomon Islands Government is allocating SBD$1.8billion for education in the current budget and a further SBD$67million in the development budget to finance existing programs, activities and projects.
The Minister also announced a total of SBD$96milion coming from the two main overseas partners Australian and New Zealand Governments for this year.
Another new partner, the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) will support the education through a SBD$9million support that will go towards school infrastructure projects, she added.
She also acknowledged another long-time traditional partner – the Japanese Government for its support towards the grassroot education sector.
“I wish to thank all the partners for their support towards the education in Solomon Islands,” she said.
Minister Tanangada also took the time to acknowledge parents and guardians for supporting their children and schools through the provision of paying school fees and tuitions.
She said, this obligation comes with a lot of sacrifices and blessings.
“Our sacrifices to support our children is important because there is something urgent to care and benefit from,” she said.
And she encourages all parents to ensure they send their children to school and learn skills and gain knowledge.
“We must not relay on substance farming. We must strive for changes.
“We must be ready to send our children to schools,” she said.
It’s the first time for Solomon Islands Government through the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) to host the event.
The theme for the event is ‘Invest in People, Prioritise Education’.
The event is to recognise stakeholders for their support to the education sector in the country over the past years.
International Day of Education is observed on January 24 every year. It looks at education from a broader perspective.
The quality of education varies for children around the world, with millions still deprived of this basic human right.
The day is created to campaign for better education reforms and improve access to education for all. It’s a day to celebrate and advocate for access to education.
By MOFFAT MAMU
