BY TONY IROGA

The Shortlands Alu/Mono/Fauro Disaster Committee has received bags of donated items and $1,000 in cash from the Naha Women’s Football Club during a presentation held Tuesday evening at Woodford School.

The donations were received on behalf of the Committee by Fundraising Committee member, Frances Do’oro.

Do’oro expressed sincere gratitude for the timely support, noting that both the items and cash will directly assist families affected by the recent disaster.

The Shortlands community has warmly acknowledged the generosity of the Naha Women’s Football Club and extends its heartfelt appreciation for their support during this challenging time.

The Shortlands Alu/Mono/Fauro Disaster Committee continues to appeal for further donations from the public.

A second fundraising event will be held this Saturday at the National Auditorium (Outdoor Venue).

Card games start at 11am, Food sale starts at 12noon. Fundraising will conclude at 5.30pm.

Shortland islands were hard hit by Cyclone Maila with reports of unprecedented damages to homes, properties and the environment.

The Disaster Committee is made up of selfless members of the Honiara-based Shortlands community.

Their first fundraising event was successfully held last Saturday.

Photo: Supplied

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

The youth of Solomon Islands is our greatest treasure says SINU Vice Chancellor, Dr Transform Aqorau.

Delivering the “New Academic Year Opening Address” earlier this month at Panatina campus, he shed light on the importance of youth participation across all sectors.

Aqorau said with the majority of Solomon Islanders under the age of 30, we are a young nation.

He said this also means that the decisions we make today, the investments we choose to prioritise and the values that we impart will echo for decades through the lives of this youthful nation.

“Our young people brim with potential.

“I see it every day in the geekiness of students on our campuses, in the ambition of young professionals starting their careers, in the creativity of our youth groups and communities,” said Aqorau.

He emphasised that he also sees the challenges young people face which vary from shortage of jobs, the lures of harmful behaviours, to sometimes the disillusionment with the face of change.

In this regard, Aqorau said we owe our youth not only hope, but concrete pathways to help them achieve their dreams.

And while one pathway is education, mentorship and leadership are other pathways.

Aqorau said this is why SINU and other institutions must engage the youth as partners and not just as recipients.

He said that at SINU, they have made it a point to include student representation in decision-making.

“Student representatives now sit on faculty boards and pending enactment soon in the University Senate.

“Their voices matter in shaping academic life,” he said.

On a national level, Aqorau said he would like to encourage government and the private sector to also include young people in advisory roles in dialogue, noting that whether it is about climate policy or digital strategy, fresh ideas often come from the young.

He also said there is need to cultivate leadership potential in young people.

Aqorau said leadership is not reserved for those with titles as it can be practised by anyone with vision and intent.

“We must provide platforms for youth leadership. We need to include youth parliaments, student associations or community projects where they take charge. And we must model the leadership we wish them to emulate,” he said.

Aqorau also put out a message for leaders.

He said our young people learn more from what leaders do than what leaders say.

“If we see leaders behaving selfishly or without principle, they will believe that it is acceptable.

“But if we see leaders living out service leadership, acting with integrity and working hard for the people, they will be inspired to do the same,” he said.

The Vice Chancellor said as one writer noted, leading by example is perhaps the greatest lesson we can leave for future leaders.

“Let us embody this national mantra into our actions so that, convincingly, the next generation cannot help but follow suit,” he said.

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BY JUNELYN KELLY

High Commissioner William Soaki has met with Solomon Islands medical students studying at the University of Papua New Guinea.

The meeting took place at the university’s Taurama Campus in Port Moresby on Saturday.

A statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET) yesterday said the visit focused on students’ welfare, academic progress, and their future roles in strengthening the country’s health sector.

MFAET said Mr Soaki was accompanied by Second Secretary Gwen Halemaku and staff from the Solomon Islands High Commission.

Soaki has met with 15 students enrolled in medicine, pharmaceutical science and other health-related programmes.

MFAET said the group includes both undergraduate and postgraduate students on government scholarships, as well as privately sponsored students.

Soaki said the importance of the students’ studies to play a vital role in improving healthcare services in Solomon Islands.

He said their responsibility includes addressing medical challenges and saving lives.

Soaki said students were also given the opportunity to raise concerns and challenges they face while studying abroad.

In response, Soaki assured them of the High Commission’s continued support and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to their success.

He encouraged the students to remain disciplined, respect Papua New Guinea’s laws, and follow university regulations while striving for academic excellence.

Soaki also commended the Solomon Islands Medical Students Association for promoting unity and maintaining strong engagement with the High Commission through activities such as independence celebrations.

Photo credit: MFAET

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BY JUNELYN KELLY

The first group of young tourism entrepreneurs have officially signed grant agreements under a new partnership between the Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MCT) and the Young Entrepreneurs Council Solomon Islands (YECSI), marking a significant step in supporting local businesses.

In a press statement, YECSI confirmed that a total of 27 recipients forming the first cohort signed their agreements yesterday in Honiara.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by Director of the Tourism Division, Mr Gregory Auta’a, YECSI Vice Chairlady Mrs Esther Yates Pollard, along with members of the YECSI Secretariat and Board.

YECSI said the initiative funded for the 2025 cycle aims to support young entrepreneurs across the country in tourism-related sectors, including accommodation, food and beverage, entertainment, media, and hospitality services.

The recipients come from various provinces such as Choiseul, Western Province, Central Province, Isabel, Rennell & Bellona, Makira, and Malaita.

Speaking at the event, Director Auta’a highlighted the importance of accountability, urging recipients to use the funds for their intended purposes.

He said that the program reflects the Government’s commitment to empowering youth and strengthening the tourism sector.

Mrs. Pollard acknowledged the Government particularly the Ministry for delivering what she described as the first initiative of its kind for YECSI members.

She also paid tribute to former board members whose earlier efforts helped pave the way for the program.

She encourages recipients to view the grant as an opportunity to grow their businesses and transition into the formal economy, building on their passion and dedication.

Meanwhile, two businesses from Western Province, Ocean View and Titiuru Eco Lodge also received additional relief support to assist with damages caused by Cyclone Maila.

The second cohort of recipients is expected to sign their agreements today this week as well as the rollout of the program continues into the first quarter of the year.

Photo credit: YECSI

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By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

An Australian couple has supported Su’u National Secondary School in Malaita Province with 17 laptops.

The donation was made possible through the support of Mount Evelyn Christian School in Australia, and was handed over to Su’u School over the weekend.

The support will empower the future of the school.

Steven Olia, thanks and appreciates the Australian family for the timely donation of impactful equipment for the school.

He said the laptops will have an impact on the teachers and students of the school in terms of enhancing opportunities with improved digital tools. 

“We would like to sincerely express our heartfelt appreciation for the generous donation of equipment, which include a total of 17 laptops, 17 computer mice, and three external keyboards over the weekend.

“These resources will have a lasting impact on our community, greatly enhancing learning opportunities for both students and staff by providing us access to digital tools and educational materials,” he said.

He said the action displayed by the Australian couple shows kindness, generosity, and commitment to making a difference in the school.

“We are deeply grateful for your kindness, generosity, and commitment which it will make a difference,” he added.

Island Sun understands that these laptops will boost the learning environment of both students and teachers as they already have a computer lab at the school.

Photo credit: FOODS Photographer

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

Students deserve education that is globally relevant and excellent.

Solomon Islands National University (SINU) Vice Chancellor, Dr Transform Aqorau raised this earlier this month when he delivered the “New Academic Year Opening Address” at Panatina Campus.

He said they must raise the quality of education to meet global standards, pointing out that as we live in a connected world SINU graduates will not only be competing against each other but with graduates from Fiji, Australia and Asia.

“They deserve education that is globally relevant and excellent. That is why one of my top priorities has been academic reform and accreditation,” said Aqorau.

He said he is proud to say that SINU is on the verge of becoming an officially accredited, regulated university under our national framework.

Aqorau said with support from partners, they have reviewed and organised all their academic policies to align with international best practices.

He said they have begun a comprehensive review of all programmes to ensure that SINU qualification truly prepares students for success.

“Our ultimate goal is to become a self-accredited, accredited university in the future,” said Aqorau.

He highlighted that they are empowered to accredit their own programmes because they have proven their quality.

The Vice Chancellor said achieving such a status would be a landmark for an institution like SINU, signalling that our national university meets rigorous standards comparable to universities anywhere in the world.

He however said that accreditation is not about favour or prestige but rather, about accountability to their students in the sense of ensuring that when they hand someone a degree, it actually means that they have the skills and knowledge to excel.

“It is about making someone out of this competitive on the regional and global stage, so that a degree from SINU is held in high esteem throughout the Pacific and beyond,” he said.

Aqorau said this is how we keep our talented youths at home while also attracting international opportunity.

Moreover, he said quality education also means better education.

With this he put out the question.

“Are we teaching the subjects and skills that our country truly needs?”

Aqorau said in the past three years, they have taken steps to realign their programmes with national needs.

Giving one example, he said they have strengthened technical and vocational training by creating a dedicated technical and further education age division.

He said that not every young person will pursue an academic degree, nor should they have to.

Aqorau said trades, craftsmanship and vocational skills and practical professions be it in electricity or carpentry are critical for our economy and are honourable and needed professions to build our infrastructure and our economy.

He announced that SINU’s new Tech programme will empower youths with practical skills for immediate employment and entrepreneurship.

Aqorau said they also recognise the importance of innovation skills in the modern economy thus, with the support of UNDP, they are establishing an innovation hub on campus to nurture creativity, digital skills and start-up ideas among students.

He said they want to see the next successful Solomon Islands business ideas and social enterprises born from students’ ingenuity.

Aqorau furthered that by updating the university’s curriculum and expanding what it offers, SINU’s teaching will remain relevant to national development priorities and global trends.

He noted that graduates should not only find jobs, but should also be capable of creating jobs, leading enterprises and driving solutions far from easy.

Photo credit: Loretta B Manele

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By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

A Company Haus team from the Ministry of Commerce is currently in Malaita Province to hold business awareness on business registration for new businesses.

The awareness is mainly to provide clear knowledge and insights into the processes of registering a new business.

The team has held business awareness sessions in Malu’u, North Malaita, and Auki. They will be traveling to Atori in East Malaita on Friday, and afterwards to Afio in Small Malaita. 

According to one of the participants, Frank Samo Sari, the awareness training was very important for people interested in starting and owning a business in the future.

He said that by attending the awareness, they gained more knowledge on the processes and instructions, including charging fee amounts and charitable registration.

“The awareness clears all the processes and requirements for getting your business registered.

“They taught us about the processes of registration, the amounts of fees for each type of business, and charitable registration,” he said.

He added that this type of awareness training is needed for rural individuals who really want to venture into running a business.

“We have many individuals who want to venture into running a business, but they are residing in rural areas. This awareness training could be important for them,” he said.

He acknowledged that the team is reaching out to Malaita Province and going far into its regions.

Island Sun understands that after the awareness training, the Ministry of Commerce Auki branch will be operational for business registration and other services.

Photo credit: Frank Samo Sari

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By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

Maoa Secondary School in Malaita Province closed its classes yesterday after high tides surged into their classrooms.

School teacher, Nickson Nedea, said this is the first time for them to experience such high tides entering their classrooms.

“It might be because we have a low coastline, but this is what happens,” he said.

Nedea said they would need to have a retaining wall built to prevent tides from coming in.

He added that the situation will be worse for the school and the Maoa community in two to three years’ time.

Meanwhile, Nedea said the school has been working with the Solkai group and the Malaita Provincial Government to relocate the school inland to higher ground.

He said they have submitted their relocation proposal to the provincial government and the Solkai group.

“Firstly, due to these natural threats, we are planning to relocate the school inland. Secondly, we are waiting for our proposal to be approved in working closely with Solkai and the Malaita Provincial Government for the reclamation of the coastline and the building of a seawall,” he said.

The school is monitoring the situation, and they will resume their class lessons once the situation returns to normal.

Photo credit: Nickson Nedea

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