BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
SAVE the Children Solomon Islands has officially launched the second phase of the Solomon Islands Endim Vaelens Againstem Pikinini (SIEVAP) project in Western Province, marking the beginning of a renewed five-year commitment to strengthen child protection across the country.
The launch was held at Imagination Island Resort and attended by officials from the Western Provincial Government, youth leaders, church representatives and community leaders.
The project is funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) through its Negotiated Partnerships with Save the Children New Zealand, World Vision New Zealand and ChildFund New Zealand.
Speaking during the launch, Save the Children Solomon Islands Lead Advocacy Officer, Fredrick Seni, said the project is built on a simple but powerful understanding which is to address social norms that encourage violence against children.
He said the project will help advocate against forced marriage, early marriage, legal gaps and at the same time educate people.
Seni said addressing these issues requires both stronger legal frameworks and social change that empowers children, families and communities to become champions for children’s rights.
“Over the next five years, the project will work from the community level through to provincial and national governments to strengthen child protection systems, promote meaningful child participation and influence laws, policies and social norms affecting children’s lives.
“One of the project’s key priorities is strengthening the coalition of child protection organisations to improve coordination, generate evidence and advocate with one unified voice on child protection issues,” he said.
Seni said technical support will also be provided to the Law Reform Commission and the Attorney General’s Chambers to help strengthen child protection legislation, including reforms to establish 18 years as the minimum legal age of marriage across all legal frameworks.
He said the project will help communities align local by-laws with national legislation and educate the public about children’s rights, enabling communities to understand, accept and effectively implement legal reforms.
Seni emphasised that children must not only benefit from change but also play an active role in shaping new understanding.
“As part of this commitment, SIEVAP will strengthen children’s participation by establishing and supporting the National Child Participation Committee, facilitating dialogues between children and Members of Parliament, organising government-child roundtable discussions and enabling children and young people to participate in provincial, national and regional advocacy platforms,” he said.
Seni said community-based Child Advocacy Committees and youth groups will also receive training, mentoring and small grants to lead awareness campaigns and advocacy initiatives within their own communities.
He said these investments will equip children and young people with the confidence, knowledge and opportunities to influence decisions affecting their lives while challenging harmful attitudes and practices that place children at risk.
Seni said the project’s interconnected approach aims to create an enabling environment where stronger laws protect children, communities actively prevent violence and children and young people are recognised as valued partners in building a safer, more inclusive Solomon Islands.
The second phase of SIEVAP will be jointly implemented by Save the Children Solomon Islands, World Vision Solomon Islands and ChildFund Solomon Islands in partnership with government ministries, provincial governments, churches, communities and children themselves.
The programme will run from 2026 to 2031.
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