BY JOSES SAREN
The Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development (MEHRD) has announced an international opportunity for Solomon Islands students to showcase their English communication and leadership skills on the world stage through the English Olympiad Global 2026.
According to MEHRD, the English Olympiad is an international competition that challenges participants in public speaking, creative expression, critical thinking, and leadership.
Open to students of any age, the competition begins with a free online selection round that students can complete from their school or home, with no travel required during the initial stage.
The ministry said students who perform strongly in the selection round may be shortlisted as national finalists and invited to attend the World Final in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, tentatively set for December 2026, with opportunities for scholarships and international recognition for finalists.
According to the organisers’ proposal document shared by MEHRD, the competition has drawn more than 175,000 students from over 103 countries since it began in 2012, supported by a network of over 7,000 campus leaders, and offers up to 100 scholarship places.
MEHRD has requested education providers and schools to share this opportunity with students under their authority. Interested schools are advised to:
– Review the official English Olympiad information
– Identify interested students
– Assist students with the official registration process
– Obtain parental or guardian consent for students under 18
– Provide appropriate supervision during the online competition
– Inform their Education Provider if any student registers or is selected as a finalist
While the initial online selection round is free, the ministry has highlighted that organisers have not yet clearly confirmed whether international airfare, accommodation, visas, meals, insurance, and other costs for finalists will be fully funded.
Schools and parents should understand that participation in the online round or selection as a finalist does not automatically mean MEHRD will meet travel expenses. The ministry has indicated it will seek further clarification from the organisers regarding scholarships, travel costs, and arrangements for any Solomon Islands finalists.
Interested education providers and schools are encouraged to carefully read the attached proposal before registering students.
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