BY CHRIS ALEX

The Bethesda Disability Training and Support Centre (DTSC), a special school in the Solomon Islands dedicated to educating and supporting children with disabilities, has made a strong appeal to the government and key education stakeholders to address long-standing inequalities in funding, training, and infrastructure for special education.

Bethesda DTSC provides critical services to students with physical, intellectual, and developmental challenges.

Despite their essential role in promoting inclusiveness and empowerment, special schools like Bethesda face significant disparities in government support compared to formal schools.

While formal schools benefit from larger student populations and greater autonomy in income-generating programmes, special schools often rely heavily on teachers to take on multiple roles, including fundraising and gardening.

Formal schools also receive significantly higher grants from the Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development (MEHRD), due to a funding model that prioritises student numbers and perceived capacity over actual need.

“Special schools are doing more with less. Our students face greater challenges, and our teachers carry heavier responsibilities with far fewer resources,” said Mr Baddley Kimmy Keretau, Deputy Principal of Bethesda DTSC.

He raised this during a recent Solomon Islands National Teachers Association (SINTA) Annual General Meeting at Honiara High School Hall.

Keretau expressed concern that disability education was overlooked during the AGM discussions. He called on MEHRD to:

-Recognize the unique contributions of special education teachers

-Clearly categorize their professional roles within the national education system

-Include special schools in national education policy discussions and advocacy

He thanked both SINTA and the Government (GNUT) for acknowledging his concerns and incorporating disability-related issues into their seven-point advocacy agenda.

Keretau also highlighted the lack of training and professional development opportunities for special education teachers. Unlike their counterparts in formal schools, special school teachers have limited access to government-funded scholarships and tertiary education programs. Currently, there are no special education programs offered by the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) or the University of the South Pacific (USP), leaving special educators under-supported and under-qualified despite the complexity of their roles.

In addition to education concerns, the health and safety of students in special schools remain at risk. Many students lack access to necessary health services, medications, and assistive devices. Health workers often lack the training to address disability-specific needs, leading to mistreatment or neglect.

Bethesda DTSC recommends that government health teams conduct annual visits to special schools to provide:

-General health check-ups

-Health education sessions

-Distribution of medications

-Assessments for assistive devices

“Annual health visits can prevent secondary complications and ensure the well-being of our students,” Keretau emphasized.

The physical environment of special schools is also a pressing concern. At Bethesda DTSC, dormitories are often threatened by flooding during the rainy season due to poor location and infrastructure. Emergency evacuations to school halls are becoming a frequent occurrence, highlighting the urgent need for safer, more accessible facilities.

Bethesda DTSC calls on MEHRD, SINTA, GNUT, and all relevant stakeholders to urgently:

-Review and reform the education funding model to ensure fairness and equity

-Support inclusive policy development that reflects the needs of students with disabilities

-Invest in infrastructure upgrades and staff training for special schools

“Let us move forward together, recognizing the unique needs and contributions of special schools, their students, and the passionate teachers who serve them,” Keretau urged.

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BY CHRIS ALEX

A three-day Annual Operation Planning and Budgeting Workshop was held recently by the Guadalcanal Provincial Health team.

The workshop brought together key leaders and stakeholders to set strategic priorities for the year 2026.

This workshop was successful in gathering six zone supervisors, 24 heads of Department (HODs), program coordinators, senior managers, and clinicians, who worked collaboratively to review operational challenges, identify practical solutions, and chart a clear path forward.

Ray Seleso, Director of Guadalcanal Provincial Health highlighted the critical role of the workshop in driving progress.

“In a resource-limited setting like ours, this process is essential. It helps us make the most of what we have, while focusing on what matters most; better health outcomes for our communities,” he said.

A central theme that emerged during the discussions was ensuring integration and stronger alignment across health programs and departments.

Participants emphasized the need to break down silos and promote a more unified approach to planning, budgeting, and service delivery.

“By integrating our efforts, we can reduce duplication, improve coordination, and ultimately provide better and more consistent services to the people of Guadalcanal,” one program coordinator noted during group discussions.

With challenges clearly outlined and strategic priorities agreed upon, the focus now shifts to finalizing a more integrated operational plan and developing a balanced budget for 2026.

The plan aims to address core service delivery issues such as workforce shortages, infrastructure needs, and logistical gaps, while ensuring that resources are distributed more efficiently across the province.

The Guadalcanal Health team will now begin compiling outcomes from the workshop into a final planning document for submission to the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS).

“We’re proud of the commitment shown by our team this week. This workshop has laid the groundwork for a stronger, more unified health system in Guadalcanal.

“The priorities we’ve set will guide us in 2026 and help ensure our services reach those who need them most,” Seleso said.

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BY MORRIS NAFU

The Minister of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD), Tozen Leokana, delivered a heartfelt keynote address at the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) graduation ceremony last week.

Upon warmly congratulating the 2025 SINU graduates, he said the ceremony is a celebration of their resilience, dedication, and remarkable achievements.

“It marks both an ending and a new beginning — a step into a future filled with limitless possibilities,” said the Minister.

He praised the university’s leadership, faculty, and staff for their tireless commitment to nurturing critical thinking, innovation, and community engagement.

“Through education, research, and service, SINU shapes minds and builds stronger communities, advancing the noble cause of national development,” the Minister noted.

Reflecting on the year’s theme, “Charting New Horizons: Our Stories, Our Future”, Minister Leokana reminded graduates that their success is not only personal but also foundational to the nation’s shared future.

He highlighted inspiring stories from provinces like Boracay and Malaika, where graduates have turned challenges into opportunities—working with local farmers to improve food security and building successful businesses that employ family and community members.

Minister Leokana urged graduates to use their skills to create jobs, grow the economy, and lead by example, inspiring others to dream big and make lasting impacts.

He also acknowledged the vital support of families, lecturers, and staff who helped to make this day possible.

Addressing the broader national context, the Minister outlined key government initiatives supporting education, including the Solomon Islands Funded Scholarship Programme and reforms to strengthen Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET).

He emphasised that TVET is not a second option but a vital pathway equipping youth with practical skills in agriculture, fisheries, construction, technology, and the emerging blue and green economies.

The Minister also spoke about the government’s focus on STEM education and innovation as drivers of national development, alongside efforts to improve quality assurance and scholarship frameworks to better align with labour market needs.

Challenging SINU’s management, Minister Leokana calls for further strengthening of TVET programs, suggesting the possibility of a dedicated campus focused on technical and vocational qualifications to meet the country’s technological and economic demands.

He highlighted five pressing challenges facing the nation, youth unemployment and skills mismatch, climate change and environmental sustainability, healthcare and education inequalities, the digital divide, and preserving culture amid modernisation.

“Graduates, you are well positioned to lead, innovate, and serve in addressing these issues,” he said.

Minister Leokana reminded graduates that leadership is a responsibility rooted in service, humility, and integrity.

“Your education is for yourself, your family, your community, and your country. Serve with humility. Lead with integrity. Remain lifelong learners. Mentor others.

“Use your knowledge for the greater good,” he said.

In closing, he encourages graduates to write their own stories of hope and success, never stop learning or serving, and thanked families and faculty for their sacrifices and guidance.

“Education is a collective investment.

“Together, let us chart new horizons for a stronger, smarter, and more resilient Solomon Islands,” he said.

On behalf of the government, Minister Leokana congratulated the class of 2025 and wished them courage, wisdom, and success in their journeys ahead.

“May God bless you all,” he said.

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BY MORRIS NAFU

Seaweed farmers in Fanalei and surrounding communities in South Malaita, Malaita Province are enjoying benefits after making more than $300,000 in just two years.

The establishment was initiated by the South Malaita Constituency office along with the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) in 2023 with first two harvests made in 2024 and three harvests in 2025.

Port Adam Seaweed Farmers Association (PASFA) chairman John Suiga told Island Sun the initiative has brought new opportunities and jobs letting the people make money for their own benefit and family needs.

“Before this initiative came to existence, we always caught up with school fees and other financial demands depending on our relatives working in town to support but now our community members in this programme have benefited and started paying for the children school fees and other family needs.

“Unemployed youths especially young boys who have involved much in illegal activities in the communities are now getting hands on, started participating in seaweed farming activities,” Suiga told Island Sun.

PASFA is made up of 150 families spanning six communities including Fanalei, Fauele, Ro’one, Pariki, Kalona and New Valley Village.

Suiga added that the Ministry of Fisheries has seen positive feedback from recent data collected from their seaweed farms and have supported the association with farming materials like ropes to help boost farmers in their farming.

He mentioned that with the support, they expect to see an increase in the sale of their seaweed products later this year.

Suiga acknowledges Honorable Rick Houanibwela and the Office of Small Malaita Constituency and the Ministry of Fisheries for the initiative as it really boosts the livelihood of the communities who have participated in the programme.

He calls on local farmers to put more effort to and to invest more in the program as it is their source of income.

Small Malaita Constituency Development Committee member representing ward 22 Beven Aieili acknowledges the Association for promoting the program.

He expressed that with only a day’s training held in Fouele in 2023, the impact value from January to August 2025 totaling to 244,00 Dollars is a great achievement for the community.

Aielili acknowledge the local farmer for their determination and commitment and urges the farmers to continue with their farming activities as a way forward and source of income to help sustain their daily living in the community.

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

The “Prosecutor Qualifying Course”, is back after it was first conducted in 2018, eight years ago.

Yesterday a total of 22 police officers from the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) anticipated their first day of the course set for six weeks and expected to be completed later this month on the 25th.

Of the 22 police officers, eight are females and are all ready to participate in the Australian funded course.

Prior to sitting down, anxious for the first day of the course, a small ceremony was held.

Speakers at the ceremony, were Inspector Rodney Wheatney, Director of Police Prosecutions Department, Andrew Kelesi, Director of Public Prosecutions and representing the Australian High Commission, Nicole Smith, Councillor for Governance and Stability.

Inspector Wheatney in his remarks stressed that the Prosecutor Qualifying Course is a direct contribution to building the professional capacity of the country’s police force.

He said prosecution is a very unique and specialised field within RSIPF.

“Unlike lawyers, police prosecutors do not spend years in law school, yet they are required to stand in court every day and perform legal work of the highest standard”, said Wheatney.

Meanwhile, Kelesi, Director of Public Prosecutions explained that the course will teach the officers important roles and responsibilities like how to become a prosecutor, how they should act, how they should manage their files and the expectations of court.

“So, it is very important for all of us to go through this intensive course, because to be a prosecutor is very different from being a lawyer”, he said.

Councillor Smith in her remarks, voiced that Australia is incredibly proud to support RSIPF’s Prosecutors Qualifying Course as part of the Solomon Islands and Australia’s broader partnership.

“We recognise the vital role that prosecutors play in upholding the rule of the law and access to justice for all Solomon Islanders,” she stressed.

Speaking to the paper were two police officers, Ellen Anina from Malaita province and Clifford Mark Sanguh of Guadalcanal province.

Ms Anina said the course is very important for police officers who are interested in working in prosecution.

“From this course we will be able to gain legal knowledge needed while working in the prosecution department and court,” she said.

When asked how she felt about joining the course, Anina explained that at first, she felt nervous but upon learning she would be in class alongside some officers she had worked with and listening to their words of encouragement, she is now more than happy to a part of this course.

Clifford Mark Sanguh from Guadalcanal province is also among the 22 police officers taking the course.

Interestingly, by profession, he is a lawyer but has been working in the police force for 5 years now.

For him, being a part of something like this is a dream.

“As a lawyer, I came to realize that participating more in prosecution work will help me to serve my people better,” he said.

Sanguh highlighted that from this course, he wishes to gain knowledge about advocacy, how to interpret cases in court and sharpen his skills of interpreting law.

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BY CHRIS ALEX

Solomon Islands joined the world to celebrate international democracy.

This year’s event took place on Monday, September 15, 2025 at FOPA Village in East Honiara under the powerful theme “Youth in Democratic Action”.

The event brought together hundreds of young people from across the country in a spirited call for greater youth involvement in shaping the nation’s democratic future.

Acting Prime Minister Fredrick Kologeto highlighted the vital role of youth in building a positive and inclusive Solomon Islands.

“You, our youth, are a vibrant and energetic part of our population. Your voices carry innovation, diversity, and hope,” he said, encouraging young people to see themselves as agents of change.

Kologeto stressed that democracy extends beyond the ballot box, pointing to the importance of civic education, public dialogue, and peaceful advocacy.

“These are not just aspirations; they are the very principles on which democracy stands strong,” he added.

He calls on young people to inspire and shape collective choices grounded in equality, justice, and transparency values he described as essential for a thriving democratic society.

“Your participation today is an investment in the peace, stability, and progress of tomorrow,” the Acting Prime Minister said.

He also noted that youth engagement is key to ensure that Solomon Islands’ democracy remains responsive to all citizens.

Highlighting the constitutional foundation of the country’s democratic values, Kologeto reminds people at the event that the Solomon Islands Constitution guarantees essential rights and freedoms including liberty, security, freedom of expression, assembly, and protection of the law.

He however, points out that these freedoms come with responsibilities and limitations, meant to safeguard public interest and protect the rights of others.

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BY MORRIS NAFU

Former Member of Parliament for Central Kwara’ae Constituency, Jackson Fiulaua, has been called to rest on Sunday.

Born on October 13, 1957, in Raiako, Malaita, Mr. Fiulaua was 67 years old at the time of his passing.

In an official statement yesterday, the Speaker of Parliament, Patteson John Oti, together with members and staff of the National Parliament, extended their heartfelt condolences to the family of late Fiulaua.

Parliament staff expressed their “deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences” to Mrs Mary Fiulaua, their children, and the extended family in Honiara and Okwala Village, Central Kwara’ae, Malaita Province.

After completing primary school, Fiulaua began his career as a builder and went on to become a successful entrepreneur, managing one of the leading local construction companies in the Solomon Islands.

He entered politics in the August 2010 general election, winning the Central Kwara’ae seat as an independent candidate, unseating the incumbent Deputy Prime Minister Fred Fono, who had held the seat for twelve years.

Fiulaua served as a committed representative of Central Kwara’ae in the Ninth, Tenth, and Eleventh Parliaments, holding office from 2010 to 2024.

During the Ninth Parliament, he was appointed Minister for Infrastructure Development under Prime Minister Danny Philip. He also served as Chairman of the DBSI Sub-Committee and Deputy Chairman of Caucus under the Manasseh Sogavare-led Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement (DCGA).

The Speaker’s message paid tribute to the late Fiulaua’s roles as a husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, acknowledging the profound loss felt by his family and the wider community.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The community of Eliote Village buzzed with excitement on August 29, 2025, as it hosted Tolosi Hokutenikeni Women’s Association’s (THWA) official launching program.

This significant event marks a new chapter for the women of the Apuilalamoa tribe, highlighting a powerful, community-driven initiative set to bring holistic development to the region.

Held under the theme “Empowering Women, Enriching Lives”, the event celebrates the formal establishment of a grassroots organisation founded in 2022.

The ceremony was a testament to the strong community support for the association, drawing representatives from various sectors across the southern region of Malaita Province, including those from the Afio substation and Maka.

The event was attended by two parish priests from the Catholic parishes of Rokera and Tarapaina, joining community leaders and people from surrounding rural areas and along the Maramasilke passage.

The launch also saw a strong turnout of both national and provincial leaders, signalling official endorsement of the association’s work.

The guest of honour, the Member of Parliament for Small Malaita Constituency, Rick Nelson Houwenipwela, delivered a keynote address.

He was joined by the Member of Provincial Assembly for Ward 22, Martin Mae, and representatives from the Development Committee for Ward 21.

Their attendance highlights the crucial alignment between local grassroots efforts and broader governmental development goals.

The Tolosi Hokutenikeni Women’s Association operates on four foundational pillars; worship, service, education, and recreation.

The organisation is structured into two zones of rural and urban.

This innovative model is intertwined with the Solomon Islands’ National Development Strategy (NDS) 2016-2035, which aims to improve the social and economic livelihoods of all Solomon Islanders.

The THWA’s four pillars align directly with key NDS objectives, particularly those focused on poverty reduction, social development, and gender equality. 

The THWA has already begun implementing a range of activities under each of its core functions, demonstrating a commitment to its mission.

The association’s framework is designed to empower women to lead, organise, and create sustainable change from within their own communities.

The launch is more than just a ceremony; it is a declaration of a powerful, community-led movement, positioned to become a catalyst for lasting, positive development within the Apuilalamoa tribal communities and beyond.

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