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$230m education programme funded by Australia set to go

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AUSTRALIA’S NEW SBD230 MILLION EDUCATION PROGRAM SET TO GO

Honiara, Solomon Islands [15 January 2025] – Australia’s new eight-year SBD230 million (AUD 44 million) Stronger Education Together (SET) program was launched today, Wednesday, 15 January 2025, with the signing of a partnership agreement between the Governments of Solomon Islands and Australia.

The Minister of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD), Honourable Tozen Leokana and the Australian High Commissioner, His Excellency Rod Hilton, signed the agreement, formalising the commitment of both countries to implement this ambitious new program under the broader Solomon Islands-Australia Education Partnership.

The eight-year program aims to improve equitable school access and enhance the quality of education across Solomon Islands.

The investment will assist MEHRD to deliver critical school infrastructure, increase its strategic management capability, and improve teacher training facilities at Solomon Islands National University (SINU) to better equip teachers with critical skills. The program will also support non-governmental organisations to meet the needs of school children with disabilities more effectively.

In his remarks at the signing ceremony, Minister Leokana said the signing of the new program is a testament to the partnership between Solomon Islands and Australia in the education sector and both Governments’ commitment to increase access to quality education for all children in Solomon Islands.

“As we embark on this transformative journey, collaboration will be key. We must work together across government, communities and development partners to create a brighter, more inclusive future for all our children.

“With the support of Australia and other partners, we can ensure that education remains a powerful driver of growth, equality and harmony across our nation,” he said.

High Commissioner Hilton highlighted that building a stronger Solomon Islands – Australia education relationship at all levels is a priority for Australia.

“Over the past 18 months we have sat around the table with you, to tok stori, to reflect, to listen and learn about your vision for delivering a stronger education system, one that can equip the students of today with the skills and knowledge they need to address the challenges of tomorrow. I am very proud to announce that today, we are committing significant new resources to help make this vision a reality,” he said.

The intention is to focus Australian support on delivering quality education infrastructure across the Solomon Islands, strengthen pre-service teacher training, and provide long- and short-term training opportunities aligned with Solomon Islands’ skills needs.

Australia has been Solomon Islands’ most significant and longest-standing partner in the education sector for over 20 years, supporting a range of investments and institutions.

 From 2020 to 2025, the Solomon Islands Education Sector Support Program (ESSP) has been Australia’s flagship basic education program – delivered in partnership with MEHRD and New Zealand and is due for completion in March this year.

The new SET program will build on the achievements and lessons learned from ESSP, strengthening Australia’s support to Solomon Islands, and reaffirming its commitment to improve basic education outcomes for all.

ENDS///

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