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Education to probe missing school results

Written by
Ofani Eremae
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Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development (MEHRD) Mr James Bosamata .

BY NED GAGAHE

The education ministry (MEHRD) will investigate why some schools are missing in this year’s form-one placement results.

The form-one placements (or grade-six results) were released this week by MEHRD, but some schools were reported missing.

Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development (MEHRD) Mr James Bosamata they will probe this matter ‘as soon as practical’.

Bosamata confirmed that they are aware of the issue and officials at MEHRD have been directed to look into the matter and resolve it as soon as possible

“That was true, some schools might not in the list, the work on the year six (grade 6) for placement into year seven (form 1) is very challenging for us,” Bosamata said.

Basamata said the task involves a lot of processes and collaboration between schools, education authorities and MEHRD which relevant documents are transferred and processed before actual placement is made.

He said along these process things might go wrong which has resulted to the missing schools.

Bosamata assured affected schools and individuals to they are currently working on it and will resolve accordingly before the academic year begins on January 23.

“During these process documents might go missing.

“At the moment we are get in touch with the education authorities why those schools did not appear.

“So that we ensure placement of the schools appear.

“It’s not too very late, we have two weeks more to go. In fact, we’ve already contacted the schools concerned through their education authorities why their documents have gone missing.

“Hopefully in the next two weeks we will rectify that and ensure that it will appear and published,” Bosamata said.

DELAYED SCHOOL RESULTS

Written by
Ofani Eremae
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Deputy Secretary MEHRD James Bosamata

November 7.3 earthquake blamed

BY NED GAGAHE

Placement results for forms four, six and seven will be delayed, the education ministry (MEHRD) has announced.

The huge 7.3 earthquake in November last year is the main cause.

Speaking at a media conference yesterday, Acting Permanent Secretary of MEHRD James Bosamata said the cause of the delay was due to the late administration of all the exams in November last year and the 7.3 magnitude earthquake that forced MEHRD to cancel work on results for almost three weeks which he said is beyond their control.

Bosamata said no date has been promised yet as to when the results will be released, but it could be after January 23 when all schools begin the academic year.

He also confirmed that marking was completed yesterday and clarified that marking is just one part of the process.

He said despite completion of marking, other underlying tasks and steps of the process are yet to be completed which leads to the delay.

Bosamata calls on parents to be patient and as ‘MEHRD is working hard and doing everything to ensure results are released soon as possible’.

Bosamata urged parents, guardians and fee payers to ‘get prepared and plan ahead before school starts and not to wait until the last-minute when results come out’.

“In fact, by the look of things will delay further but our staff are working really hard to complete the task but will inform the public about the possible dates for the release of those results.

“In fact, the year 2022 was a challenging year for all of us, for us at the Education Sector there is no exception that also affected us, our work. You know it’s a global pandemic.

“The impacts were hugely felt in the Education Sector and really affected our work. For example, the late administration of the exams.

“Despite the late released of the exam results but the start of the academic year will still remain as it is on the 23 January.

“We remained firm that schools will open on that date.”

Bosamata urged all schools, (Primary, Secondary and ECE) to return on that date.

He said forms one (result already out), two, three, five will commence classes on January 23.

“Forms four, six and seven will wait until the placement results are released,” Bosamata said.

MPCW  to kick off programmes for 2023

Written by
Samie Waikori
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President of Malaita Provincial Alliance (MPA) who also the President of Malaita Provincial Council of Women (MPCW), Ms Martha Rurai.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

MALAITA Provincial Council of Women (MPCW) is set to kick start its programmes for 2023.

President Martha Rurai said yesterday this includes ongoing projects as well as new ones which centre on Gender Based Violence (GBV). 

“This year, we are heading for GBV and human trafficking project that will be funded by International Organisation for Migration (IOM) for selected communities in the province.

“It will be a six months project and communities to work with are Waisisi, Kware and Rufoki. These communities were selected based on experienced they encountered on the issue,” she said.

Rurai said the projects include counselling for victims of GBV and trafficking, followed by trainings for communities.

She said people to carry out counselling and trainings are specialists provided by IOM. IOM is one of the UN agencies supporting civil society groups and organisations on areas of migration and trafficking.

Rurai said still under the project, IOM will liaise through National Council of Women on infrastructure set-ups like counselling space and accommodation for Malaita province.   

The president adds that this year, Oxfam through MPCW will resume work with 10 communities they worked with in five wards in the province on Safe Family project.

She said the project focused mainly on GBV and communities they have been working with were two each from wards one, two, three, 28 and 29 in the province.

Rurai however said that based on their findings last year, they will be adjusting communities they worked with based on their participation in the project.

She said they will look only at communities are willing to take on the project.   

Moreover, Rurai said the UNDP Women Outstanding program will also happen this year.

She said the program will be funded by UNDP where programmes will support women within wards affiliate to MPCW in the province. 

Rurai said under the programme, they will liaise with women in the communities and work on areas they will come-up with to be supported.

She said the support will be to try and address issues face by women in the communities. 

Rurai said the program supposed to begin last year and trainings, but not eventuated and they hope for this year as per its rescheduling.

MPCW looks forward to working together with MPG

Written by
Samie Waikori
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MPCW newly elected president Mrs. Martha Rurai

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

MALAITA Provincial Council of Women (MPCW) is looking forward to strengthening its partnership with Malaita’s government and other partners this year.

President Martha Rurai told SunAuki yesterday that a close partnership with stakeholders is paramount to boosting their work on women’s issues.

She said MPCW as known was a local organisation supporting Malaita provincial government with its women’s policies.

Rurai said MPG supports MPCW with its programmes on 16 days activism and others that advocate and promote women issues in the province.

She said MPCW is eager to work closely with the Women Development Desk (WDD) officer under MPG to establish a recognised connection between them.

Rurai said through the link the two stakeholders can work stronger to deliver services through programmes to people especially women in the province.

She said MPCW only implements its plans and activities through support from donor partners.

She said another important area provincial government should look closely on is to increase allocation for women in its new budget for 2023.

“Being a non-profitable local organization, they need partnership with other stakeholders and work to address issues of gender Based Violence in the communities,” Rurai said.

On that note, she called on women in the province to uplift and support each other in all challenges face and continue and face them again this year.

Arnon Atomea to provide USP courses starting 2023

Written by
Ofani Eremae
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Arial view of Arnon Atomea Provincial Secondary School in Malu'u Station North Malaita. Picture supplied.

BY NED GAGAHE

Principal of Arnon Atomea Provincial Secondary School in Malu’u North Malaita Mr Henry Bare has thanked The University of the South Pacific (USP) for approving the school to franchise the Foundation Arts Programme commencing this year.

Bare told  Island Sun from Malu’u yesterday that he is pleased after learning that the school was successful in its application to host the programme.

“I am really pleased and grateful indeed for accepting our application.

“The community was so thankful because their vision has become a reality.

“Such a setup is really needed to allow access and reduce the gap due to lack of space,” Bare said.

Bare said the community, school and people will immensely benefit from the establishment.

He said such move is not only welcoming but timely as well because it will provide  access to University programmes at the students’ doorstep.

He said this is really rewarding where fees will be cheaper and it will ease fee payers’ multiple burdens.

On January 9, in a letter USP’s Deputy Vice Chancellor and Vice President (Education) Professor Jito Vanualailai has informed the school that their application was approved in accordance with the USP Pacific TAFE Franchise Policy and Procedures.

Arnon Atomea and Kilusakwalo Christian High School were the two schools first to provide such programmes in the province commencing this year (2023).

Principal of Kilusakwalo CHS Christian Mekope also echoed similar sentiments following the approval of the school.

Mekope told The Island Sun on Wednesday this week that he is also excited about the outcome.

He said it’s a dream come true for him under his leadership to secure such a vital programme that will improve access to a university programmes.

Meanwhile, Pacific TAFE Campus Coordinator in the country Primo Ugulu also welcomed the news and describing it as very timely.

Ugulu said he is pleased to work with the schools that have interests in providing University like Education accessible to the rural communities who have the required technology.

He said he really appreciated the effort and the leadership of both schools in requesting the accreditation process to take place which consequently led to the approval.

“Their preparation is timely and that they met our essential requirements to Franchise Pacific TAFE

Foundation Arts program. Foundation Business Program will also be available to students who intend to pursue the business stream.

“In giving the offer to franchise our programs, the schools have obtained a higher status equal with any other schools around the country that offer our Foundation programs.” Ugulu told The Island Sun this week.

Premier Tabe names executive

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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The new Government of Choiseul Province led by Premier Tongoua Tabe, after their appointment on Wednesday. Photo Tabe.

By EDDIE OSIFELO

PREMIER Tongoua Tabe on Wednesday named his ministerial line-up to lead Choiseul province for the next four years.

This was following his election as the new premier on Monday, after defeating David Deva, 10-6 during the election.

Tabe was given a full responsibility to lead the 30,000 people of the province after being bestowed with a shell money (Jiku Kesa).

Tabe said his government is still working on their policy.

He said it should be ready in few weeks’ times.

“We want to launch a do-able and realistic plan, priorities, policy; hence, we are now consulting our key stakeholders to help my consultative executive government,” he said.

The ministerial arrangements are:

Tongoua Tabe – Premier and Minister responsible for Planning and Administration;

Harrison Ngosu Pitakaka – Deputy Premier and Minister responsible for Forestry and Natural Resources;

Lincoln Galo – Minister of Finance and Investment;

Patson Sualalu – Minister of Education and Training;

Jones Galo Sepu – Minister of Health and Medical Services;

Simon Polotovae – Minister of Works, Transport and Communication;

Samson Takubala – Minister of Agriculture and Lands

Deputy Speaker – Stiudy Salekana

IT’S AN INJUSTICE

Written by
Ofani Eremae
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0
MP Silas Tausinga. Photo: Opposition.

Tausinga hits out at proposed pay rise for MPs

MEMBER of Parliament for West New Georgia & Vonavona Silas Tausinga has described the proposal to increase MPs’ salaries and entitlements as an ‘injustice’ to Solomon Islanders.

In a statement yesterday, the Opposition MP joined his colleague Opposition members, unions and citizens around the country in condemning the proposal by the Parliamentary Entitlement Commission (PEC).

The Opposition MP said the proposal does not justify the need for any increase to MPs’ salaries and entitlements when ordinary citizens in this country are struggling to make ends meet.

“It is embarrassing, shameful and insensitive to be in this situation when nurses, teachers, police, public servants, our private sector and even people in our rural villages are struggling as a result of the current economic decline faced in our country,” he said.

“I had been admitted several times at the National Referral Hospital and I have experienced the hardships faced by our people and the sacrifices by our nurses and doctors.

“These are the very people that need a pay rise and not us MPs.”

He said if extending the life of parliament was not controversial enough then this proposal would add more salt to the wound for citizens of this country.

Tausinga called on the PEC to reconsider and revoke its proposal.

“I am calling on PEC to revoke the proposal.

“I believe the 50MPs of this current House does not need a pay rise given our current economic status and the injustice this will have on our citizens,” the Opposition MP said.

Opposition Press Statement .

Malaita health workers still waiting for covid allowance

Written by
Samie Waikori
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0

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Direct staff under the Malaita provincial government and provincial health authority at Kilu’ufi hospital are still waiting for their covid-19 allowance.

These allowances date back to last year, and the workers are questioning authorities when they will be paid.

They are pleading for authorities to stop giving false reassurances and promises to settle them.

The workers convened a meeting yesterday to follow up on a letter submitted to the director of Malaita’s Health last year.

Outcomes for the meeting will be made known today.

Concerns noted in the letter submitted last year are:

“We all know the situation encountered during the covid-19 lockdown and we also well understand the formal arrangement done with us Director Workers to assist Provincial Health covid-19 operation team at the high-risk zones.

“We wanted to stress important point of concern in which all of us should fully aware of, that we all did the same job and for same purpose helping our citizens in the fight against covid-19.

“We also faced challenges when working under pressure from our divisional heads and makes it worse we had some sleepless nights and very tiring moments.

“By far, we now know that all provincial health officers (seconded staffs) served during the height of covid-19 (SOE) had received their due allowance.

“This raised question for clarification from your office as head, chair of PEOC and member to the PDOC.

“We heard rumors and received information which are likely to be untrue with promises of fortnights after fortnights making false expectations and hope within ourselves which raised anger and frustration to us.

“With all due respect, we have felt been misled and such if continue is of inhuman cause of action that immediately needs attention,” it reads.

According to one of their leaders, its 2023 and they don’t think there is still budget for covid-19 that even slim their hope to get their allowances.

Even then, he said they will exhaust all resources available in pursue of their claim ensure it addresses accordingly.

Marking of national exams underway

Written by
Ofani Eremae
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0

BY NED GAGAHE

Marking of examination papers for forms three, five and six is ongoing, says National Education Assessment Division (NEAD).

Speaking to this paper yesterday an official in NEAD said marking will continue next week as well.

It is unclear when marking is expected to complete and 2023 school placement results available for public.

When asked how soon the results will come out the official said “not yet”.

She said “at the moment marking is still continuing and will depend on the progress of marking”.

The official said that they will give an update tomorrow, Friday Jan 13.

She said hopefully the results will be available before the 2023 academic begins in January 2023.

Parents over the recent week have eagerly anticipated the results before the academic year begins.

Most parents and fee payers said that they need to know the results to allow them to plan ahead and sort out school related issues such as travelling, school fees, stationeries and other important things before school starts.

Meanwhile, all schools in the country are expected to resume normal classes by January 23. Just two weeks away.

MEHRD Deputy Secretary James Bosamata was contacted yesterday for comments but was in a meeting. He said he would get back after the meeting.

Attempts to contact him in the evening was unsuccessful.

Tabe given mandate to lead Choiseul

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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New Choiseul Province Premier, Tongoua Tabe, being bestowed the shell money (Jiku Kesa) to lead the 30,000 plus people in the province. Photo: Tongoua Tabe/Facebook.

By EDDIE OSIFELO

NEW Choiseul Premier, Tonguoa Tabe, a descendant of the minority Kiribati community living in the province’s Wagina ward, has been given full responsibility to lead the 30,000 people of the province.

This was after the caretaker government that looked after the province for the last six months, led by Provincial Secretary, Nelson Kere handed a shell money (Jiku Kesa) in a short cultural ceremony in Taro, yesterday.

“Please do accept to wear our shell money (Jiku Kesa) to symbolize that you are the paramount leader of Choiseul Province for the days and years to come,” Kere said.

“This Jiku in our Lauru custom, only the Chiefs can wear,” he added.

“So today you carry the full responsibility of looking after the 30,000 plus people of Choiseul Province.”

Premier Tabe accepted the shell money graciously by kneeling down to receive it.

Speaking after receiving the shell money, Tabe said it is the proper time to undertake this ceremony because “I can now affirm you that my Executive is in full force, full position”.

“I have all the support from the backbenchers,” he said.

Tabe said this is a consultative government and this is “your government and we will make sure to make you happy to work extremely hard to please everyone in this province”.

“Together with the shell money, this is a test that the spirit of our forefathers of this land will bless us as we deliver for the next four years and beyond in Jesus’ name, thank you,” he added.

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