IN a move to improve equitable school access and enhance the quality of education in Solomon Islands, a signing ceremony was held on Wednesday.
The deal dubbed ‘Direct Funding Agreement’ (AFD) was signed by Minister of Education and Human Resource Development (MEHRD), Tozen Leokana and the Australian High Commissioner Rod Hilton in Honiara on Wednesday.
AFD now paves the way for the implementation of the new Solomon Islands-Australia Education Partnership “Stronger Education Together” (SET) programme.
The programme aims to improve equitable school access and enhance the quality of education in Solomon Islands, said Minister Leokana.
He highlighted the signing of the new partnership marks a significant milestone in ongoing efforts to improve equitable school access and enhance the quality of education.
He said the Government of Unity and Transformation (GNUT) recognises Australia as a valuable and steadfast development partner in the education sector for more than 20 years now.
“The Solomon Islands Education Sector Support Program (ESSP), which will conclude at the end of March this year, has been instrumental in strengthening education infrastructure and reforms in curriculum development, teacher professional development and information management system.
“The Solomon Islands Australia Partnership builds on the success of ESSP and focuses on three key areas: expanding access to quality school infrastructure, strengthening teacher training at the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) and providing scholarship and skills development opportunities for Solomon Islanders,” Minister Leokana said.
He said through the SET initiative, the Government of Australia will invest up to AUD 44 million over eight years to improve school access inclusive infrastructure and teacher quality.
He said the partnership will play a crucial role in addressing the shortage of qualified and well-prepared teachers by providing targeted support to SINU to improve teacher training programmes and enhance lecturer capacity, curriculum development and research.
“As we embark on this transformative journey, collaboration will be key. We must work together across the government, communities with development partners to create a brighter, more inclusive future for all our children.
“With the support of Australia and other partners, we can and will ensure that education remains a powerful driver of growth, equality and harmony across our nation,” Minister Leokana said.
High Commissioner Rod Hilton said Australia and Solomon Islands have been friends for a long time in education.
“Today, I see this signing as new step for this partnership. It shows our commitment together to support education of you Solomon Islanders for another eight years.
“We have been working together closely to strengthen education. During this time, we have built a strong friendship, mutual respect and big appreciation for working together in this sector,” he added.
By AGNES MENANOPO
Solomon Star, Honiara
