A new draft Education Bill aimed at replacing the existing Education Act of 1978 will be circulated soon for further nationwide consultation.
Minister for Education and Human Resources Development Dr. Derek Sikua announced this new bill last week at a two-day Tertiary Education Think Tank meeting in Honiara.
This new Bill envisions a more desirable, coherent and linked education system.
Dr Sikua said the proposed Education Bill makes provision for managing and administering the education sector with wider community participation.
“The broader involvement of Education Authorities and community and schools in the governance and operations of schools is prominent and paramount,” Dr Sikua said.
The tertiary education sub-sector which was discussed by the Education Think Tank last week is covered by new provisions in the draft Education Bill, which were entirely absent from the existing Education Act 1978.
The new Education Act will support the 2013 Act that established the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) which has been the center of attention as a provider of tertiary education in the country.
Dr Sikua said it is now time to ensure that we take a more integrated approach to how tertiary education is planned, funded, delivered and monitored in the Solomon Islands.
– GCU
