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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