BY CHARLES KADAMANA
The proposed John Coleridge Patteson University will create a better future for future generations in the country, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry Education and Human Resources Dr Franco Rodie says.
He made the comment during the dedication and laying of the foundation of the university at Kosu land, North Guadalcanal on Saturday.
He said he is honoured to witness the laying of foundation of the university that will be established soon in the country.
He said this is not the first time for the Anglican Church of Melanesia to plant a seed in education.
“I am pleased that you have planted the seed because it means to me and my ministry that you are creating a future for our future generation.
“We are creating futures but they have to determine the future that they want.
“It is our responsibility to create a future by establishing this institution so that they too can realise their full potential,” Rodie said.
He said the university once completed will create opportunities for future generation to access higher qualification.
He said it is important the country increased the participation rate of Solomon Islanders to do tertiary education.
He said the participation rate of Solomon Islanders in tertiary education is only 3.5 percent which is way behind compared to other pacific countries like Papua New Guinea, Cook Islands, Samoa and Fiji.
With the emerging university coming ahead he is looking forward for young generation to take up opportunity to access better education.
He acknowledges the landowners for recognising the important of education by allowing their land.
