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New SI-NZ education partnership to be launched this year

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By Loretta B Manele

New Zealand is set to launch a new education partnership with Solomon Islands this year.

Rebecca Williams, acting New Zealand high commissioner made the announcement while speaking at a function marking the end of ESSP (Education Sector Support Programme) at Mendana Hotel on Wednesday last week.

ESSP was a partnership between Solomon Islands, Australia and New Zealand.

She expressed that their support for ESSP in the country has come to an end, however as a committed partner to Solomon Islands in the education sector, they intend to launch a new Solomon Islands and New Zealand education partnership this year.

Williams said that through this partnership, they will provide an on-system budget to support the ministry of education on agreed areas.

She said they will support work for the implementation of the Education Act 2023 and ensure that education providers and schools have the resources and capacity they need to fulfill their role in delivering high quality education.

“This involves strengthening teacher management and welfare of teachers so they can improve their work and be ready to share their knowledge with the next generation.”

Another objective of this partnership as stated is to support the work of the education ministry in terms of data management to understand the needs of students and teachers in every village so as to make good allocation of resources.

Williams emphasized that strengthening sector coordination to make investments with development partners and agencies across Solomon Islands must also involve work collaboration.

She voiced that this is very important and it is not just about the opening of a new classroom or delivering new school books but about delivering effective education that will remain for a long time in Solomon Islands.

Williams stressed that it is also to ensure that we have foundation; a place where a child is able to access quality basic education.

She said today, Solomon Island students are achieving above average rates in the region for literacy and numeracy.

“This achievement is something that the education ministry, teachers, parents and every student in Solomon Islands must be proud of.”

However, Williams also pointed out that there is still a long way to go and that it is involves work to remove barries to ensure that children in Solomon Islands complete their education, teachers have the tools they need inside the classroom and that schools are provided with the resources they need.

She also took the opportunity to thank everyone who was involved in ESSP.

“To the minister, congratulations for your astonishing achievements under this partnership and thank you very much for your excellent working relationship we have fostered over the years.

To Australian colleagues, thank you for the opportunity to collaborate and for your commitment to best practice development principles.”

“To the ESSP programme management team, thank you for your hard work and unwavering dedication for supporting the programme over the last five years.

To partner organisations, thank you for the contribution you have made to the programme and sharing your expertise across a range of activities.”

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Australia ahead with new partnership with SI for education

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By Loretta B Manele

Australia has commenced on a new partnership with Solomon Islands in the education sector.

Rod Hilton, Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands revealed this at a function held to mark the end of Solomon Islands partnership with both Australia and New Zealand through Education Sector Support Program (ESSP) on Wednesday last week at Mendana Hotel.

Prior to making the announcement, he said in regards to the Education Act 2023, Australia stands with the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) and other friends to prioritise and provide access to education for every child in Solomon Islands.

“Regardless of where they come from and what kind of disability they have.”

He stated that education is key to unlock potential and to empower children, to shape their lives, their families, communities and the nation.

Hilton said they have recently kicked off the brand-new Solomon Islands Australian partnership “Stronger Education Together”.

Under this partnership, he expressed that in the coming years they will tackle a lot of key challenges faced in the education sector.

Hilton said they will also continue to build school facilities across every province and comprehensively, will upgrade teacher training at SINU.

“We will provide teachers of the next generation with a modern state of the art training environment and with a curriculum and tools to perfect their teaching skills before they transition to classrooms around the country.”

Hilton noted that they are very proud of the many ways ESSP has directly benefited thousands of students and teachers from remote areas to Honiara.

“I would like to acknowledge the ESSP team. We know the significant role you play to support three partners and for providing your expertise.

Thank you so much for helping to make the work of ESSP successful.”

Hilton stated that we can look back with pride and look forward with anticipation and excitement of a new chapter ahead.

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ESSP a remarkable milestone that deserves recognition and celebration: Leokana

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By Loretta B Manele

The Solomon Islands Education Sector Support Programme (ESSP), a partnership with Australian and New Zealand governments has been hailed as a remarkable milestone and one worthy of recognition and celebration.

Tozen Leokana, the minister for Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) expressed this at a function marking the end of the ESSP partnership on Wednesday last week at Mendana Hotel.

He outlined a number of achievements of the programme since its implementation five years ago.

Leokana said “Through ESSP, we have strengthened early childhood education, ensuring that our young learners receive the strong foundations they need to succeed.”

He added that primary and secondary schools have benefited immensely with enhanced infrastructure, improved learning materials and teacher training programs have also been strengthened.

Leokana highlighted that one of the most inspiring achievements of ESSP was its contribution to enhance gender equality and inclusivity in education.

In this regard, he said “we have more girls in secondary schools than ever before and children from remote and rural communities are being given a fairer chance to education”.

Leokana went on to state that these are not just statistics but lives that they’ve seen been transformed, barriers being broken and futures being reached.

“This is a success. A story where we must not only celebrate, but we must build upon as we work together on an education system that truly serves every soul.”

Leokana stated that ESSP has also been supportive of Solomon Islands crucial education policy reforms that align with our national priorities.

He stressed that “by enhancing our curriculum and strengthening education governance, we are also crafting an education system that is more responsive to the demands of our evolving economy and workforce”.

Leokana mentioned that “this is not just about today but about securing our future where every child has the tools and knowledge to contribute meaningfully to our nation’s prosperity and stability”.

He emphasised that “going forward as we celebrate these successes, we must also acknowledge that that our journey in education is far from over”.

Leokana said “whilst we have made significant progress we must not rest or stop here as there is still more that needs to be done”.

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Consumer and price control urges public to report price complaints

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Director of Consumer Affairs and the Price Control Division, Geoffrey Dan Hou’ua, has strongly called on customers to report any price inconsistency or influx they come across in shops.

He made the call in light of ongoing price discrepancies experienced by customers buying goods from shops in Honiara.

Many social media commentators said this has been happening now and then for many shops in Honiara, where prices on the shelves differ from what is in the cashier system.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Island Sun, Mr Hou’ua said that no one has reported such cases to them when they come across the issue.

“Most of the times we do our follow up on such issue depends very much on when our officers’ heard stories that the price they displayed was different from their cash register or system,” said Hou’ua.

He further stressed that such matter usually comes under the Consumer Protection Act, and they have approached a few businesses in the past to address the issue.

“We called it misleading. Whether it is intentional or a mistake, it is an error, and even though they aren’t aware, we still take it as misleading. If it is intentional, we call it deception. This means that they try to lie to customers,” explained Hou’ua.

He said that under the price control Act, prices displayed by businesses on the shelves must be the same with the prices in their system.

“Businesses must display prices. So, it can be a mistake or intentional to mislead customers. But to solve it, it is either the customers to sort out with cashier or business in concern, otherwise if unaddressed customers can come to us and report it so we can deal with it,” he said.

He stressed that in such incidences, the Division’s inspectors can consult with affected customers and investigate the matter.

He also mentioned that the division does not have the power to impose spot fines on businesses but has the authority to bring the case to court.

“Businesses usually use prices we give them under the Price Control Act. They can go below, but they cannot go above,” he said.

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Discussions held to address butane gas can pollution

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Ministry of Mines and Rural Electrification has discussed a regulation to help address the increasing number of empty butane gas cylinders causing pollution around the country.

Wendi Beti of the Conservation Division within the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECCDMM) said that this comes under the Petroleum Act.

“At the moment, in terms of Butane Gas canes, the MME under the petroleum Act, I believe there was some discussion on how they would address and regulate the butane Gas,” said Beti.

She said that to address proper waste disposal and promote recycling, the Ministry of Environment is currently reviewing the draft environment bill 2023.

“We hope it will go into parliament this year. And during our consultation, we also received similar issues raised on how the bill will be taking into consideration butane gas,” she said.

She said that there is a provision for the minister to make regulations if he sees a need to address specific types of wastes under the current environment act.

“So similar to the plastic ban, because of the issue of single use plastic, the minister has the power and this is how this regulation come into place and similarly if we have the data and the information at hand to provide to the minister to make regulation in place to ban this butane gas, he has can make it,” said Beti.

She said that GEO Gas usually collect back the butane gas they imported into the country.

“I don’t know for other importer of butane gas. But if the product stewardship is in place, and butane gas is identified as one of the wastes under the system, then it can help to manage this butane gas canes,” she said.

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GIVING BACK TO COUNTRY

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Seasonal workers donate wheelchairs to National Referral Hospital

A group of Solomon Islands workers under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme have generously donated wheelchairs to the National Referral Hospital (NRH) and Kilu’ufi Hospital in Malaita.

The workers, employed at a farm in North Queensland, Australia, raised funds through Sunday fellowships and volunteer work, enabling them to purchase a total of 15 wheelchairs.

Nine were officially handed over to the NRH yesterday, while the remaining six will be shipped to Kilu’ufi Hospital, a statement by Foreign Affairs (MFAET) yesterday said.

The workers are part of Top of the Crop Labour Hire and are employed at Pirrone Brothers Zucchini Farm in North Queensland, the statement said.

Team leader Vincent Isa described the donation as a gesture of gratitude to the Solomon Islands Government for the opportunity to work in Australia under the PALM scheme.

“Our team consists of 95 workers, including Solomon Islanders, as well as colleagues from Vanuatu and Timor-Leste.

“I would like to acknowledge and thank the workers from Vanuatu and Timor-Leste for also contributing to this initiative,” Mr Isa said.

He expressed hope that their contribution would inspire other seasonal workers to give back to their communities, the statement said.

The wheelchairs were presented to NRH Acting Director of Nursing, Hellen Orihao.

Director of the Labour Mobility Unit (LMU) within MFAET, Christina Marau commended the workers’ efforts, stating that their generosity highlights the positive impact of the Labour Mobility Programme.

“The LMU is proud of these workers’ initiative, and we hope their actions will inspire others to contribute to their communities,” Mrs Marau said.

In 2024 alone, Solomon Islands workers participating in labour mobility schemes in Australia and New Zealand have contributed an estimated SBD $431 million in remittances to the local economy.

FIRST IN THE PACIFIC

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Solomon Ports aims for efficient operations with launch of its new overhead gate

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA) is striving to ensure that its port operations are more efficient and reliable.

Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA) Chief Information Officer (CIO) and Manager Special Project Ellison Pade told media during the commissioning of the new Ports overhead exit gate last week.

He said that Solomon Islands Ports Authority’s overhead exit gate comes after they had previously built a terminal entry gate.

He said that the new SIPA overhead exit gates have a three-floor office on the top and two gates underneath.

“In the future, if there is a truck inside the terminal, two trucks will come out at the same time. So, actually, with the gates, we provide for the future of growth and development inside the port,’’ said Mr Pade.

He said that the port operation system is also installed at the new exit gate.

“With the double-exit gate, two container trucks can come out and process and verify the document at the same time. So, for the processing, we have to improve the gate,’’ he said.

He said that Solomon Islands Ports is the first to have an overhead gate compared to other regions in the Pacific.

He said that the cost for building and the pavement is about SBD 1.5 million, and it took about eight months to complete the project.

“It’s quite an achievement where SIPA has taken on board to try and improve every infrastructure in the port. It’s an ongoing plan for modernizing and port development,’’ said Pade.

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Turner new international commissioner of SI Scouts

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British High Commissioner to Solomon Islands and Non-Resident Commissioner to the Republic of Nauru, His Excellency Paul Robert Turner is the new International Commissioner of the Solomon Islands Scout Association.

Mr Turner who was a member of Scouts in his teenage days, in Worcester, England, says – “It is a first for me!”

He says he is excited and honoured to be Solomon Islands international commissioner, and will be looking to try and help young boys get a sense of community and belonging.

“Today is so different to the 1970s England I grew up in.

“More challenges, more alienation for young people. I think Scouts and I working on anything that can give a sense of purpose for youths is good but it is difficult, I have no illusions of that.”

Turner took his Oath at Government House on Thursday before Chief Scout and Governor General Sir Rev David Tiva Kapu in a brief investiture and installation programme, a statement by the UK High Commission yesterday said.

Chief Commissioner of Scout Joe Billy Oge welcomed Turner to the Scout Movement:

“Welcome to the worldwide brotherhood of Scouting your Excellency British High Commissioner as the newly appointed International Commissioner for Solomon Islands Scout Association.

“We look forward to a close working relationship with you during your term in office in Solomon Islands.”

In his brief remarks for the ceremony Turner said:

“I was once in the scouts as a boy and I know the huge value the scouts can bring, both to young people and local communities.

“The scouts offer wonderful opportunities for boys to develop a range of life skills and to be a key part of the community.”

The Oath of Office ceremony was administered by the office of the Chief Commissioner before Governor General Kapu.

He was assisted by the Chairman of the Scout Council William Barile and National Commissioner for Training Edward James Anisi.

The appointments were approved by the Scout Council and signed by Governor General Kapu.

The Solomon Islands Scout Association was admitted as the 172nd member of the World Organisation of Scout Movement (WOSM) with voting rights as of June 30, 2021.

‘Residents must be innovative towards urban agriculture’

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

Residents in urban areas, such as Honiara, have been urged to adopt innovative approaches to urban agriculture.

Alex Makini, a researcher and lecturer at the Solomon Islands National University (SINU), emphasized this point during a discussion at the recent FALA seminar.

The conversation stemmed from concerns over the lack of space for backyard gardening, commonly known as “supsup gardens.”

Makini acknowledged that limited space poses a significant challenge for many urban residents. However, he highlighted practical solutions such as vertical farming and other techniques that enable the cultivation of crops and vegetables, even in confined areas.

He also stressed the importance of urban agriculture in combating the rising rates of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in the region.

 According to Makini, prioritizing health and well-being is essential, and urban agriculture offers residents access to fresh, nutritious food, which can play a critical role in achieving this.

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SINU to launch report

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

THE Solomon Islands National University (SINU) will be launching the 2024 Solomon Islands Elections Research Report this coming Thursday.

According to SINU, the launch, set to take place at SINU’s Kukum Campus from 4pm to 6pm, will showcase key findings and insights from research conducted during the country’s first-ever joint election.

The launch will also involve the opportunity to learn and discuss with researchers, academics and the general public.

This event is open to students, staff and the general public.

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