Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development - MEHRD

𝗡𝗢𝗧𝗜𝗖𝗘: MEHRD RADIO AWARENESS PROGRAM

This week on the MEHRD SIBC Radio Program, the Teaching Services Division will explain important teacher registration, appointment, employment and recruitment processes under Administrative Instruction 6: Teachers and Leaders.

The program will be hosted by Brittany Lamba with Director TSD Murray Rotoava and HRM Samantha Bob Teitei.

Teachers, school leaders and Education Providers are encouraged to listen and share the program through their networks.

Thank you

𝘔𝘌𝘏𝘙𝘋 - 𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘜𝘯𝘪𝘵

𝗠𝗘𝗛𝗥𝗗 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗨𝗡𝗘𝗦𝗖𝗢 𝗟𝗮𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗠 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁

The Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD), in partnership with UNESCO, today officially launched the 2026 Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education Project at St. Nicholas Anglican College in Honiara.

The launch was officiated by MEHRD Permanent Secretary Dr. Franco Rodie and attended by representatives from UNESCO, New Zealand MFAT, the Chinese Embassy, Solomon Islands National University (SINU), the University of the South Pacific (USP), Solomon Islands Association of Vocational Rural Training Centres (SIAVRTC), senior MEHRD officials, school leaders, teachers, and Year 10 to Year 13 students of St. Nicholas Anglican College.

The event was coordinated by UNESCO through the STEM Education Coordinator, Ms. Berris Olitisa, with support from MEHRD and St. Nicholas Anglican College.

In his keynote address, Dr. Rodie said the launch marks an important milestone in Solomon Islands' education journey and reflects the country's commitment to strengthening STEM learning as a pathway for national development. STEM is the acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Education.

"STEM education is no longer an optional luxury; it is the engine of the modern economy," Dr. Rodie said. "If we are to achieve sustainable development, build environmental resilience against climate change and actively participate in emerging industries, we must prepare our citizens today."

Dr. Rodie said MEHRD's vision is to ensure that every student, regardless of background or geographical location, has access to quality STEM learning. He said the Ministry is committed to expanding STEM opportunities beyond urban centres so that students in rural and remote communities are also reached.

The project will support four priority areas: (1) strengthening STEM curriculum and teacher training; (2) building the capacity of teachers, (3) school leaders and technical trainers; (4) promoting STEM career awareness among young people; and improving the use and management of science laboratories and learning hubs in schools.

Three schools have been selected as pilot schools under the project: St Nicholas College, Gizo Secondary School and Waimapuru National Secondary School. The pilot schools will serve as centres of innovation and help inform the wider rollout of STEM education across Solomon Islands.

Speaking at the launch, the Head of the Political Section of the Chinese Embassy, Mr. Gu Wenlong, congratulated MEHRD, UNESCO and education stakeholders, and reaffirmed China's readiness to continue supporting education cooperation in Solomon Islands.

At the end of the official programme, students of St. Nicholas Anglican College presented practical science displays and demonstrations to guests, showcasing science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) models they had designed. These presentations served as a testament to, and exhibition of, the students’ ingenuity, creativity, problem-solving skills, and growing interest in science and technology.

MEHRD acknowledges UNESCO for its decision to include three schools in the STEM Project and partnership, and thank all partners, school leaders, teachers, students and communities who attended the launch.

The Ministry says the 2026 STEM Education Project is an important step towards building a future-ready education system that equips Solomon Islands students with practical, innovative and problem-solving skills for national development.

𝗣𝗦 𝗥𝗼𝗱𝗶𝗲 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻𝘀 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗺𝗼𝗻 𝗜𝘀𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗨𝗡𝗘𝗦𝗖𝗢 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD), Dr Franco Rodie, this morning officially opened the Solomon Islands National Commission for UNESCO Commissioners Meeting at Heritage Park Hotel in Honiara.

Dr Rodie, who also serves as Secretary-General of the Solomon Islands National Commission for UNESCO, welcomed Commissioners, representatives from line ministries, members of the Secretariat and partners to the meeting. He acknowledged the newly appointed Commissioners and thanked them for their willingness to serve the country through their respective sectors and ministries.

In his opening remarks, Dr Rodie said Solomon Islands has benefited significantly from UNESCO's support and global partnerships since becoming a Member State of UNESCO in 1993. He highlighted UNESCO's continuing contribution to education, culture, science, communication, peacebuilding, environmental sustainability, capacity building and sustainable development.

"These partnerships have contributed meaningfully to our national progress. They have strengthened inclusive education initiatives, promoted cultural preservation and protection of our rich heritage, supported sustainable environmental

management, advanced peace and reconciliation efforts, and encouraged the development of a free and responsible media environment," Dr Rodie said.

Dr Rodie said the National Commission plays an important role as a bridge between UNESCO and national institutions, ensuring that UNESCO initiatives are integrated into national priorities and sector plans. He also encouraged Commissioners to provide leadership, strengthen coordination and support the implementation and monitoring of UNESCO-related initiatives and commitments.

The meeting brought together Commissioners representing key areas of national development, including culture, environment, peace, communication, children, women and education. The meeting also provided an opportunity to induct newly appointed Commissioners, discuss the Terms of Reference for Commissioners, share information on current UNESCO country programmes and projects, and identify practical ways for line ministries and stakeholders to work more closely with UNESCO.

Dr Rodie emphasised that many national development issues - including education, environmental sustainability, youth development, cultural preservation and peacebuilding - are interconnected and require an integrated response.

"Our expected outcome today is to strengthen cross-sectoral coordination and improve the implementation of UNESCO programmes and conventions in our country in a manner that aligns with our national development priorities," Dr Rodie said.

The meeting programme included presentations on the Solomon Islands National Commission for UNESCO, current UNESCO country programmes and projects, group discussions on potential areas for collaboration, review of Commissioners' Terms of Reference, and the development of recommendations and actions to guide future work.

MEHRD acknowledges UNESCO and the Solomon Islands National Commission for UNESCO Secretariat for their continued partnership and support to national development, particularly in strengthening education, culture, communication, peace, environmental sustainability and inclusive development priorities in Solomon Islands.

The current Commissioners appointment in UNESCO NATCOM include:

• Commissioner for Culture- Denis Marita Director Ministry of Culture

• Commissioner for Environment- Joseph Hurutarau Director Environment

• Commissioner for Peace- Morris Mataki Director Policy Ministry of Traditional governance Peace and Ecclesiastics

• Commissioner for Communication-

• Commissioner for Children- Loretta Ta’ake Ministry of Women, youth Children and Family affairs

• Commissioner for Women- Afu Billy President of National council of Women.

• Commissioner for Education- Dr. Franco Rodie – Ps Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development.

𝗠𝗘𝗛𝗥𝗗 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝘀 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹𝘀

𝘏𝘰𝘯𝘪𝘢𝘳𝘢, 𝘚𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘮𝘰𝘯 𝘐𝘴𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘴 - 27 𝘔𝘢𝘺 2026 - The Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD), with support from UNICEF, hosted a two-day Education Financial Management Training Workshop for Provincial Education Provider Accountants and finance personnel at the Mendana Hotel in Honiara from 26-27 May 2026.

The training focused on strengthening the capacity of Education Providers, schools and Early Childhood Education (ECE) Centres to manage education grants and public funds effectively, transparently and in line with the new Education Funding Code, Financial Management Manuals and the Education Legislative Framework (ELF).

Delivering the opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary of MEHRD, Dr Franco Rodie, said effective financial management is critical to the success and sustainability of the education system. He emphasised that every dollar allocated to schools is intended to support students, improve learning environments and contribute to better education outcomes.

Dr Rodie highlighted that good financial management enables schools to deliver quality education, maintain the trust of communities, government and stakeholders, ensure accountability and transparency, and prevent the misuse or misallocation of funds. He said strong financial systems also help schools plan better, prioritise needs and respond to challenges.

The Permanent Secretary reminded participants that compliance with government financial regulations and funding guidelines is not simply a requirement, but a responsibility. These frameworks are designed to ensure that public funds are used appropriately, consistently and for their intended purposes.

Under the Education Act 2023, Education Providers serve as the Principal Accountable Officers for schools under their responsibility. While some financial tasks may be delegated to school leaders or finance staff for operational purposes, ultimate accountability remains with the Accountable Officer. This requires strong oversight, proper checks and balances, accurate record keeping and clear reporting structures.

The workshop supports the practical implementation of the Education Funding Code by helping Provincial Accountants and finance officers better understand their roles in supporting Education Providers and schools to prepare budgets, maintain records, acquit grants and meet reporting obligations.

MEHRD recognises that effective financial management is not separate from education service delivery. When education funds are managed well, schools are better placed to create safe, supportive and well-resourced learning environments for children and young people.

The Ministry acknowledged UNICEF for supporting this important capacity-building initiative and reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening accountability, transparency, professionalism and stewardship across the education sector.

MEHRD encourages all Education Providers, school leaders, ECE Centre leaders and finance officers to apply the knowledge and tools gained from the training to ensure that education resources are used wisely, transparently and for the benefit of learners throughout Solomon Islands.

𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗗𝗢𝗟𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗘 𝗠𝗘𝗦𝗦𝗔𝗚𝗘 🔔

𝗦𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗺𝗼𝗻 𝗜𝘀𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗧𝗩𝗘𝗧 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝘆 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀

𝘏𝘰𝘯𝘪𝘢𝘳𝘢, 6 𝘔𝘢𝘺 2026 - The Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD), in partnership with the Solomon Islands Tertiary Education and Skills Authority (SITESA) successfully hosted a half-day Validation Workshop on the Solomon Islands TVET Policy (2025) Implementation Framework at the Honiara Hotel on Wednesday, 6 May 2026.

The workshop brought together over 25 key stakeholders from government ministries, training institutions, State-owned-Enterprises and development partners. Facilitated by international TVET expert John Mountford and TVET Policy Implementation Coordinator Joash Maneipuri, the program featured breakout sessions and plenary discussions to refine and validate the proposed framework.

Opening the workshop, MEHRD Permanent Secretary Dr. Franco Rodie emphasized the national importance of TVET in bridging education and employment. He stated that the TVET Policy presents a clear vision to establish a dynamic, inclusive, high-quality and responsive TVET system that equips our people with practical skills, supports employment and entrepreneurship and contributes directly to national growth and prosperity.

“No policy succeeds through words alone. Policies become meaningful only when they are supported by clear strategies, funded priorities, accountable institutions and practical implementation.” PS Dr Rodie stated in his remarks.

The workshop confirmed the proposed Implementation Framework built around four key pillars:
1. Governance & System Reform,
2. Employer Engagement
3. TVET Quality & Enrolments
4. Progression Pathways.

Stakeholders validated the implementation framework, making sure it is realistic and it addresses job market needs.

Reflecting on the outcomes, Mr Maneipuri acknowledged the strong representation from training, industry and employment stakeholders. He added that the confirmation of the proposed TVET Policy Implementation Framework (the four key pillars), shows the stakeholders’ support for the projects proposed under each pillar. “The workshop was a great success!”, He noted.

The workshop is an important step in putting the Solomon Islands TVET Policy (2025) into action. The focus now is on moving this work forward into practical implementation across provinces and communities.