BY MORRIS NAFU

Savo Russell Constituency Office has conducted its screening for 2025 project applications over the weekend marking the beginning of its development planning for the year 2026.

The announcement was made by Savo Russell Member of Parliament, Oliver Salopuka last week during the official opening of a new community hall for Nukufero community in West Russel.

In his address, Salopuka emphasized his office’s commitment to serving all constituents, calling it his top priority, even while navigating challenges with the timely release of government funds.

“Despite the late release of funds, my office started off our development plans with its constituency housing projects as its major project for the constituency for the next four years,” Salopuka said.

The MP outlined a significant housing initiative set to roll out across the islands.

The constituency is currently working on constructing 40 double bedroom houses on Savo Island, with proposed 60 houses planned for 13 other communities around the island.

Following the completion of the proposed housing on Savo, the focus will shift to the Russells Islands. Salopuka confirmed that consultations will be held with communities there before the project delivery begins.

“This project will be prioritized during my term in office,” he affirmed.

He also noted that other key areas, such as scholarship and church funding, will be addressed as part of his comprehensive development strategy.

In a call for unity, Salopuka urged all residents to support the initiatives, stressing that this is for the benefit of everyone in the constituency.

“I need your cooperation for us to complete this project.

“This project is for everyone whether you vote or not, as long as you are from Savo Russell, you are under my constituency,” he said.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

For families of Oliveti, education has become more than just a way to learn.

It has become a way to grow, and as their children continue to walk the mountainous paths to live with relatives in coastal communities to attend school, they carry with them the belief that they, too, can change the world with one lesson at a time.

Settled far from access to education, children from Oliveti community have to leave their parents behind at an early age to go and live with relatives in coastal communities just so they could have a chance at a better and brighter future.

Situated in the centre of the North West Choiseul, Choiseul Province in the Solomon Islands, Oliveti community has been facing a crisis that echoes a growing challenge in many remote areas: the absence of a local school.

The community is without a school of its own and situated in the remote bushlands of North West Choiseul, for them, this means walking far to access education in coastal communities.

Oliveti community is also very much isolated, making it nearly impossible for a school to be established there.

The mountainous landscape presents significant challenges for development, forcing parents to send their children to attend school which means trekking along the rough track for a four-to-six-hour journey to school.

For many children, the journey to school is often one of both physical and emotional endurance.

“I attended Voza Primary School, completing classes one to five. However, after, I decided to quit because of the long way from home and staying away from my parents. But if a school is established here at Oliveti, I will resume my education. I’m more than willing to attend school,” 16-year-old Madalyn Vatokomala recalled.

Despite the hardships, parents in Oliveti view education as the best opportunity for their children to build a better future.

Two of the schools in the coastal communities that the children attend are Voza and Sasamunga Primary and Senior Secondary Schools.

Given the distance, many children have to live with relatives in coastal communities during the school term and become part of their relatives’ households without returning to their families in the village. It is a sacrifice that the children, as well as their families, make to secure an education.

“I went to live with my relatives in the coastal communities to attend education since my childhood, Jackson Qusakesa recollected. As a kid, life was tough, unlike living with your parents. When you return home, you can do anything, cook food or feel free to do as you wish. But living with relatives is different.

“I want a school to be established here so that our children can receive education. That is our plea. The majority of the youths here do not attend school. So, I wish a school is built here,” Mr Qusakesa, who completed his form five at Sasamunga and wishes to pursue his education journey in a Rural Training Centre (RTC), expressed.

While families push for their children to attend schools, it wasn’t always easy. The geography of Oliveti poses a real barrier to education.

“The only way to show support to our children is to send them to live with our relatives on the coast and to visit them as often, walking miles to attend their end-of-year programs and bring them home or whenever we can, bring food or little money for them,” said 53-Nathan Rapekesa.

Until then, families in Oliveti will continue to make the difficult decision of sending their children away, hoping that one day, their children will no longer have to leave their homes in search of education. The need for a school is not just a desire but a pressing necessity for the future of their children and their community.

*Reporting for this story was supported by Pacific Media Assistance Scheme (PACMAS)

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

Casper Diau, Operator and Director of Vilu World War Two Outdoor Museum in Northwest Guadalcanal says he appreciates the government, Minister of Tourism and officers of the ministry for seeing the importance of tourism in the country.

In an interview with the paper late last week, he said they recently received a visit from 14 TV stations from Europe.

Diau said they came to film the museum and get specific documents detailing how the battle of Guadalcanal unravelled in Solomon Islands.

Speaking of battle, he said a lot of people in the world might of have heard about World War 2 and where it happened but they don’t really know how it happened.

“It’s our pride to have this unique history which a lot of the world do not know. While they know about WW2, they don’t know how it actually happened or turned out in Solomon Islands,” he said.

Diau added that people will only understand more about the war when they come to the museum in Solomon Islands and see the relics and the significance of its history.

“When they come and see the relics or reach where the battle was fought, only then can they actually feel a sense of history of the WW2 when it happened here in Solomon Islands,” he said.

Diau said the Visitors Bureau recently travelled abroad to expand marketing in terms of tourism.

“This shows gov’t heart and emphasis in putting more emphasis on tourism, and it shows that visitors are very serious to come into the country,” he said.

Diau said the Visitors Bureau trip will help to inform more people, especially those who want to find Solomon Islands but don’t where it is located.

“Through this, they help people who struggle to find the location of Solomon Islands so it makes it easier for people to know more about Solomon Islands and where the country is located,” he said.

Diau mentioned that their visitors also appreciate Visitors Bureau for their work in Australia as it will help to link Solomon Islands and the rest of the world especially European countries.

He said their visitors who came from Ukraine, Russia, Israel and Palestine appreciate the Ministry of Tourism for preserving relics of the World War 2 battle.

Diau also thanks schools that visited Vilu World War 2 Museum namely; Woodford International School, Visale Community High School and Marist College from Melbourne, Australia.

He said in schools, school principals should ensure that students learn more about the Solomon Islands history during World War 2 instead of what happened in European countries.

Vilu World War 2 Museum is home to a number of relics depicting the events that unfolded during the Second World War as well as documents.

Visitors Bureau is a government entity and a statutory authority that was rebranded as “Tourism Solomons” in 2018 which today is responsible for marketing and promotions for the tourism industry.

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

A three-day capacity-building workshop aimed at enhancing financial literacy and leadership skills among leaders of the United Church in Solomon Islands (UCSI) Bilua Circuit concluded successfully at South Vella Lavella last week.

The training brought together representatives from 13 congregations spanning Lajaka to Buleana. Participants included pastors, church elders, congregation treasurers, and treasurers from affiliated organisations such as the Men’s Fellowship, United Church Women’s Fellowship (UCWF), Youth Fellowship, and Sunday School ministries.

Facilitators from Tabaka Technical Institute – Mr. George Ngimaika and Mr. Joash Lawrence – delivered the sessions under the institute’s community outreach programme.

Their presentations covered financial management, transparent record-keeping, stewardship based on biblical principles, effective leadership, team building, and conflict resolution in church contexts.

Bilua Circuit Superintendent Minister, Hasol Makape, applauded the initiative in his closing remarks, saying the workshop delivered timely and essential knowledge to strengthen church ministries and governance.

“This training has come at the right time. It will strengthen our leaders so they can better transform the lives of people in their communities.

“The content also perfectly aligns with our United Church theme for this season: ‘Come Holy Spirit, Transform and Unite Your Church in God’s Mission,” he said.

Participants described the workshop as both eye-opening and practical, noting that they now feel more confident in managing church finances responsibly and providing strong leadership within their congregations.

The Bilua Circuit leadership expressed gratitude to Tabaka Technical Institute for its continued support and said they look forward to further collaboration to strengthen church governance and leadership across Vella Lavella.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Ghaobata Primary School in North Guadalcanal has received grant assistance that will go towards the construction of a classroom building.

Member of Parliament for North Guadalcanal, Dr Paul Popora Bosawai, has described the grant assistance from the Japanese Embassy as a magnificent milestone.

He made the statement in his remarks at a signing of an 80,679 U.S.D grant contract for a Ghaobata Primary School’s classroom building.

Japanese Ambassador to Solomon Islands H.E. Keiichi Higuchi and the Ghaobata Head Mistress Ms Emillian Papasa signed the grant at the Japanese Embassy office in Honiara on Friday last week.

The project is funded by the Government of Japan through the grassroots grant initiative and facilitated by the Japanese Embassy in Solomon Islands.

“As the Member of Parliament for the people of North West Guadalcanal constituency, I truly thank you for this magnificent milestone for our community. The Ghaobata Primary School project is worth 80,679 USD, which is equivalent to around 664,000 SBD,” Bosawai told Japanese Ambassador H.E. Keiichi.

“Our heartfelt thanks to the people of Japan and your great government for this life-changing investment in our children as well as in our future,” he said.

He said that Ghaobata Primary School stood as a pillar of learning for generations of students in the North Guadalcanal constituency, educating minds, nurturing values, resilience and a sense of belonging among the indigenous people and their neighbours.

Bosawai said the project is a direct investment in the human capital for the community and a critical boost to upgrading classroom resources and facilities for a conducive learning environment for children, teachers and families.

“This project will strengthen school infrastructure, act as a communal hub, supporting parents’ ability to work, pursue livelihoods and participate in the life of the community, while ensuring every child has a fair chance at a brighter future.

“This project embodies that vision. It reinforces our commitment to ensuring every child has access to quality education, while building the foundation for sustainable livelihood in our region or constituency.

“Your support is more than financial assistance. This project is a testament to the enduring friendship between our peoples and our nation, and it reflects a sheer commitment to education development and a brighter tomorrow,” said Bosawai.

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