MEHRD, UNICEF chart way forward in digital transformation for children in Solomon Islands

BY NED GAGAHE

The Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development (MEHRD), with support from UNICEF, has entered the final stage of developing the Solomon Islands Education ICT Master Plan 2026–2030, which will guide the integration of digital technologies across the country’s education system.

A two-day participatory workshop is currently underway in Honiara, bringing together key stakeholders and partners to refine the plan’s strategic priorities, review proposed actions, and strengthen national ownership of the digital transformation agenda in education.

The workshop builds on extensive consultations, baseline studies, and feedback from stakeholders across the education sector.

Speaking at the opening of the workshop at Mendana Hotel on Monday, August 4, 2025, MEHRD’s Deputy Secretary (Corporate Services), Coldrine Kolae, said the workshop is both a reflection on progress and a critical step in charting the way forward.

“We gather to reflect on our shared journey in integrating ICT into the education sector in the Solomon Islands, and to chart our course forward together,” he said.

Kolae acknowledged UNICEF in partnership with the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) under the System Capacity Grant (SCG) for financial and technical support.

He also acknowledged the valuable contributions of government partners including, the ICT Support Unit (ICTSU), Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA), and the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) whom he described as “key implementers” of the digital transformation process.

“Each of these institutions have played a critical role—from infrastructure to policy development and capacity-building. To all those who have contributed, thank you. Your work has laid the foundation upon which we now build,” Kolae said.

The Deputy Secretary described the ongoing efforts as “building a home together—a space that must be strong, inclusive, and ready to support all learners regardless of where they live or what tools they have.”

UNICEF Pacific Chief of Solomon Islands Field Office, Benjamin Grubb, praised MEHRD’s commitment to transforming education through technology.

“This workshop reflects MEHRD’s strong commitment to digital transformation in education. It is a valuable platform for collaboration as we shape a forward-looking plan aligned with both national and provincial priorities,” Grubb said.

He emphasised the importance of equity, noting that every child, no matter where they live, must have access to inclusive, quality digital learning.

“This plan is key to bridging the digital divide and enhancing teaching and learning across the country. UNICEF is proud to support this process. Together, we can build a resilient and equitable education system—one that enables every child in the Solomon Islands to thrive,” said Grubb.

Initial consultations and a comprehensive situational analysis have already highlighted the sector’s strengths and challenges, helping to identify priority areas for investment and reform.

Grubb described the ICT Master Plan as “more than a roadmap.”

“It is a catalyst for digital change in the education sector. Achieving digital transformation requires sustained effort and partnership—across ministries, schools, communities, and development partners,” he said.

The two-day workshop will allow focused group discussions on the four key strategic areas in the plan, enabling participants to translate strategic priorities into practical, resource-aligned action items.

Grubb expressed gratitude to the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) for its financial support and partnership with UNICEF and the Solomon Islands Government in advancing education transformation.

The final ICT Master Plan is expected to serve as a national framework to enhance access, equity, quality, and system efficiency in education through digital innovation.

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BY NED GAGAHE

Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) has confirmed significant progress on the West Honiara Road rehabilitation, with asphalting works completed over the weekend on the stretch from Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC) building to St. John School (landside).

The works are being carried out by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) under the ongoing Land and Maritime Connectivity Project (LMCP).

In a statement issued over the weekend, MID urged residents, pedestrians, and motorists to use the designated temporary entrances and driveways while the freshly sealed section remains closed.

The newly paved section opened for public use on Sunday, August 3.

MID acknowledges the continued patience and cooperation of the public during the road upgrades, particularly residents, businesses, and daily commuters in West Honiara, who have faced months of traffic congestion and detours.

“We appreciate your patience as we steadily progress with the rehabilitation works from White River to Townground,” the ministry stated.

MID also assures the public that all efforts are being made to ensure effective traffic management and to minimise further disruption.

The West Honiara upgrade is part of the government’s broader infrastructure push to improve key transport corridors across the capital.

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

Solomon Islands Rangers Association (SIRA) continues to give school dropouts a second chance by inspiring their interests in being a ranger and conservation work.

Recognizing that many school dropouts return to their communities with limited opportunities, SIRA’s Program Manager, Edward Haikau Huitarau, said the association remains committed to visiting communities and providing practical training.

He said SIRA continues to upskill a wide range of rangers across the country.

“This includes young people who have dropped out of school as well as older community members who hold valuable customary knowledge about managing and protecting natural resources,” said Huitarau.

He emphasized that the association also includes the elderly, highlighting that traditional knowledge is vital in both a ranger’s duties and broader conservation work.

“Conservation is not only about scientific approaches but also about traditional knowledge,” he explained.

Huitarau said SIRA also works closely with the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) to support aspiring rangers in pursuing further education, including diplomas in environmental or fisheries studies.

“This is about building a generation of rangers who understand both the science and the culture behind conservation. By doing this, we ensure that the country’s biodiversity is protected by those who know it best,” he said.

Huitarau noted that many young people are often disengaged and involved in other social issues.  

However, when conservation training is brought directly into communities and is hands-on, many have shown interest.

“These trainings have helped a lot of these young people by translating the knowledge from the classrooms into practical skills they can use to protect their environment,” he said.

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Premier of Guadalcanal province, William Atu calls on the national government to revisit the proposal to increase the number of constituencies in the country and the Revenue Sharing Bill.

The premier recently made the call, highlighting the support of his government behind this very two important undertakings.

He said in 2009, the national government through the Constituency Boundary Commission (CDC) proposed an additional 17 constituencies to the current 50 constituencies.

Atu stated that they also reiterate their call to the Constituency Boundary Commission and National Government to revisit the 2009 proposal for 17 new constituencies.

“I believe this is across the country, and three of which was proposed for Guadalcanal province.

“This proposal was made prior to the 2019 Solomon Islands National Population and Housing Census,” he said.

Atu explained that Guadalcanal province has a growth rate of 3.2 percent annually, surpassing the national population growth rate of 2.7.

He added that the population of Guadalcanal province now is approaching 200,000.

“Thus, Guadalcanal growing population and rural development demands to make this as a national imperative call,” said the premier.

On the same note, he also calls on the national government to prioritize the revenue sharing bill for the provinces.

“We would like to urge the retailing of the revenue sharing scheme bill to ensure provinces receive funding that matches the demographic and geographic realities, such as landmass, population density, poverty levels and economic contributions to GDP,” said Atu.

He stated that he understands that a preliminary discussion with the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS) estimates that 15 percent of the domestic national revenue to be used for the revenue sharing scheme.

The Premier furthered that as far as Guadalcanal province is concerned, the province welcomes this proposed arrangement.

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

Long seen and dominated by men, the work of rangers in Solomon Islands is now being carried out by women as well who are steadily stepping up to the challenge.

Edward Haikau Huitarau Program Manager of the Solomon Islands Rangers Association (SIRA), said the long-standing view that ranger work is only for men no longer holds true.

“Solomon Islands is predominantly a Melanesian country and usually ranger work is normally seen as men’s work. But this is not true in many instances,” he said.

Huitarau explained that the work done by rangers today is not new.  

Similar duties were carried out in the past, but with the introduction of the term “conservation” it is often misunderstood as a foreign or “Whiteman’s” concept.

“In reality, our different languages and dialects have their own words to express the concept of conservation, and women have always played a key role in it,” he said.

Through his work, traveling and engaging with rural communities, Huitarau found that many women are interested in becoming rangers but feel discouraged.

“They feel like their spouses don’t allow them to take part, because of the mindset that it’s men’s work. That affects their morale. But if we create an enabling environment like what we’re doing now, they will slowly start joining, and we are already witnessing that shift,” he said.

Huitarau recalled that in some areas they visited for the first time, there were no women involved at all but now there is a shift

“We’re starting to see the number of women grow.

“Ranger work is not just for men. It’s important that women are included. There is definitely space for them,” he said.

According to SIRA’s records, only about 20 to 30 percent of registered rangers in the country are women.

“You’ll find that in most conservation groups, there are no women at all,” he said.

Huitarau noted that in Malaita Province, female rangers are especially rare.

“Maybe you’ll come across only one woman in some areas. But in Guadalcanal, Isabel, and Western Province, we’re starting to see more balance, and we appreciate that,” he said.

Huitarau stressed that women are natural partners in both home and community life, and this extends to conservation work as well.

“Women carry traditional knowledge about the environment, how to care for it and manage it sustainably. That knowledge is vital,” he said.

Huitarau encourages more women to join the ranger workforce and urges men to support their involvement.

“This is a call to not just men, but to any aspiring woman who wants to become a ranger. Make up your mind and come join our association. Be part of the work to protect your environment and your community,” he said.

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BY NED GAGAHE

The Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) has thanked local contractors currently undertaking drainage maintenance works along the main highway in Honiara.

In particular, MID has acknowledged Sinbad Construction for its dedicated efforts in cleaning and maintaining the roadside drainage system from Ranadi Roundabout to the Honiara City Council (HCC) Roundabout.

“A big thank you to Sinbad Construction for their ongoing commitment to ensuring our road drainage systems remain clean and functional,” a statement from MID said.

Photographs shared by the ministry show Sinbad Construction crews working in tough conditions, cleaning out blocked culverts at key trouble spots including Kukum-Didao and near the Kwaimani Building.

MID said the maintenance works are vital in preventing flooding, especially during periods of heavy rain, which often results in traffic disruptions and road damage.

The ministry also took the opportunity to issue a strong reminder to communities living upstream and along the drainage lines.

“We kindly remind all residents, please do not throw rubbish into the drains. Proper disposal of household waste is essential. Dumping rubbish into the drainage system leads to clogging, which causes flooding and damages public infrastructure,” the ministry warned.

MID says it will continue to monitor and support efforts to keep Honiara’s road network in good condition but emphasised that public cooperation is critical to long-term success.

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