BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
The Honiara City Council (HCC) Education Provider (EP) has clarified concerns surrounding the high number of student enrolments in its schools, following public complaints about overcrowded classrooms, limited resources and allegations of financial misconduct.
Concerns have been raised that the increasing enrolment numbers are deliberate and financially motivated.
However, HCC has strongly refuted those claims, saying that the situation is driven by the new education act and growing urban migration rather than financial gain.
In an interview with Island Sun, HCC City Clerk, Justus Denni said overcrowding is not something the council encourages.
“We do not want to overcrowd our schools because we are mindful of the limited resources and facilities available.
“However, when parents and students come to us seeking space in Honiara City schools, we cannot simply turn them away. Every child has the right to access education,” Mr Denni said.
Denni explained that access to education is a key pillar of the Education Act, which obligates education providers to ensure that no child is denied schooling.
“While we are aware of the challenges that come with high enrolment, we must uphold the principle that education is a right. Many of these students travel from the provinces to Honiara in search of better opportunities. As an education provider, we have a responsibility to accommodate them,” he said.
HCC Chief Education Officer (CEO) Ellison Mane said enrolment numbers are determined by the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD), through its National Education Assessment Division.
“The allocation of student numbers is handled by MEHRD. HCC does not control those figures. Our role is to assess our facilities and resources and work with the Ministry to find solutions that ensure students continue to access education despite capacity challenges,” he said.
HCC Principal Education Officer Luke Maefiti said rapid urbanisation is a major contributing factor to overcrowding in city schools.
“Honiara hosts people from all provinces of Solomon Islands. As a result, our schools inevitably face pressure from increasing enrolment. MEHRD’s policy is clear no child should be left behind. Every citizen has the right to education,” Mr Maefiti said.
Maefiti added that enrolment pressures on HCC schools would ease if development and education opportunities were strengthened in the provinces.
“If provincial and mission schools strictly limit their enrolments, the burden shifts to HCC schools to absorb those students,” he said.
The HCC officials said that while overcrowding remains a challenge, their priority is ensuring equal access to education for all children, in line with national policy and the Education Act.
For feedback, contact: [email protected]
Editor: [email protected]
