MEHRD, UNICEF chart way forward in digital transformation for children in Solomon Islands
BY NED GAGAHE
The Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development (MEHRD), with support from UNICEF, has entered the final stage of developing the Solomon Islands Education ICT Master Plan 2026–2030, which will guide the integration of digital technologies across the country’s education system.
A two-day participatory workshop is currently underway in Honiara, bringing together key stakeholders and partners to refine the plan’s strategic priorities, review proposed actions, and strengthen national ownership of the digital transformation agenda in education.
The workshop builds on extensive consultations, baseline studies, and feedback from stakeholders across the education sector.
Speaking at the opening of the workshop at Mendana Hotel on Monday, August 4, 2025, MEHRD’s Deputy Secretary (Corporate Services), Coldrine Kolae, said the workshop is both a reflection on progress and a critical step in charting the way forward.
“We gather to reflect on our shared journey in integrating ICT into the education sector in the Solomon Islands, and to chart our course forward together,” he said.
Kolae acknowledged UNICEF in partnership with the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) under the System Capacity Grant (SCG) for financial and technical support.
He also acknowledged the valuable contributions of government partners including, the ICT Support Unit (ICTSU), Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA), and the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) whom he described as “key implementers” of the digital transformation process.
“Each of these institutions have played a critical role—from infrastructure to policy development and capacity-building. To all those who have contributed, thank you. Your work has laid the foundation upon which we now build,” Kolae said.
The Deputy Secretary described the ongoing efforts as “building a home together—a space that must be strong, inclusive, and ready to support all learners regardless of where they live or what tools they have.”
UNICEF Pacific Chief of Solomon Islands Field Office, Benjamin Grubb, praised MEHRD’s commitment to transforming education through technology.
“This workshop reflects MEHRD’s strong commitment to digital transformation in education. It is a valuable platform for collaboration as we shape a forward-looking plan aligned with both national and provincial priorities,” Grubb said.
He emphasised the importance of equity, noting that every child, no matter where they live, must have access to inclusive, quality digital learning.
“This plan is key to bridging the digital divide and enhancing teaching and learning across the country. UNICEF is proud to support this process. Together, we can build a resilient and equitable education system—one that enables every child in the Solomon Islands to thrive,” said Grubb.
Initial consultations and a comprehensive situational analysis have already highlighted the sector’s strengths and challenges, helping to identify priority areas for investment and reform.
Grubb described the ICT Master Plan as “more than a roadmap.”
“It is a catalyst for digital change in the education sector. Achieving digital transformation requires sustained effort and partnership—across ministries, schools, communities, and development partners,” he said.
The two-day workshop will allow focused group discussions on the four key strategic areas in the plan, enabling participants to translate strategic priorities into practical, resource-aligned action items.
Grubb expressed gratitude to the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) for its financial support and partnership with UNICEF and the Solomon Islands Government in advancing education transformation.
The final ICT Master Plan is expected to serve as a national framework to enhance access, equity, quality, and system efficiency in education through digital innovation.
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