PM: WE WILL ROLL OUT FREE EDUCATION DESPITE THE CHALLENGES

PRIME Minister Hon. Matthew Wale has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to rolling out free education from Early Childhood Education (ECE) through to the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) and TAFE/TVET institutions.

Speaking in Parliament today, Prime Minister Wale acknowledged that the rollout will come with challenges but said the Government is determined to implement the policy in a realistic and sustainable manner.

“We must roll it out. We will roll out with some difficulty and challenges,” the Prime Minister said.

He said skills development must be an integral part of the policy, with Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) strengthened within TAFE, TVET institutions and SINU to ensure the country has a steady supply of skilled workers.

The Prime Minister said developing a skilled workforce will be critical to the Government’s ambition of doubling the country’s GDP over the next four to five years.

“We can do it. So let us together put our minds and aim to do that,” he said.

Prime Minister Wale said the Government is also considering the broader foundations required to achieve its economic ambitions, including a healthy and secure population.

On the costing of the free education policy, the Prime Minister revealed that the Ministry has estimated an additional $1.1 billion would be required for the rollout from ECE through to SINU and TAFE.

However, he said the Government has raised concerns over some of the assumptions underpinning the costing and has returned it to the Ministry and education sector for further review.

“We have serious questions on some of the premise, the foundations of the costing,” he said.

Prime Minister Wale said the Government wants to ensure the final costing is realistic, reasonable and supported by the necessary administrative systems and instruments to implement the policy effectively.

He said once the work is completed, the Government intends to hold bipartisan discussions to agree on what will be included in the definition and scope of free education.

The Prime Minister also reaffirmed the Government’s intention to return to Parliament before Christmas to pass the 2027 Budget, while allowing some flexibility should the process take slightly longer.

He said the outstanding work on defining what is included and excluded under free education must be completed before the Government can provide a final response.

ENDS//