BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Australia’s partnership with Solomon Islands in supporting education is long-standing and is set to continue.
This reassurance was uttered by Australian High Commission Minister-Counsellor Lindsay Buckingham at the handover of the two-storey classroom building to GS Faisi Technical Vocational and Education Training (TVET) School last week.
She said that the SBD1.2 million project was made possible through AusAID under the Solomon Islands-Australia Community Partnerships and is built on shared values of cooperation, respect and mutual benefit.
“It’s based on an idea that education can be the cornerstone for development,” said Ms Buckingham.
She said that Australia is proud to work together with the government and people of Solomon Island for educational support.
She also highlighted that High Commissioner Rod Hilton had signed a new phase for Australia’s support for education for Solomon Islands with Education Minister Tozen Leokana.
“Australia will deliver 50 more essential school facilities in every province inside Solomon Island over the next eight years and will support Solomon Island’s National University, SINU, for providing world-class training for school teachers. Education is key for the future. Everyone you stand here today, you are future leaders, innovators and change makers for Solomon Island.
“The knowledge you gain here at GS Faisi TVET will shape the country, building dreams and for achieving great things for your life, and your country. That is why Australia will continue to invest in education infrastructure,” she said.
She said that Australia has been committed to supporting the Solomon Islands through such programmes.
“We will continue to work together to improve communities, for building a better future and for ensuring that you have the tools and school you need for success,’’ she said.
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