BY INDY MAEALASIA

IN a major boost to digital education, 121 schools across the Solomon Islands have been gifted laptops, a move aimed at improving digital connectivity and online educational resources for students and teachers.

The Australian and New Zealand Governments provided the laptops through the Education Sector Support Program (ESSP) at an estimated cost of SBD$750,000.

During a simple handover ceremony organized at the Kukum SDA hall on Friday, February 14th, representatives of Education Providers (EP) took ownership of the laptops on behalf of the recipient schools.

New Zealand (NZ) Deputy High Commissioner Rebecca Williams highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating:

“These laptops represent the increase connectivity in schools across the country and provide opportunities for teachers and students to improve their digital literacy,” she said.

She also expressed hope that the laptops would be used effectively to provide lasting access to essential teaching and learning resources.

As the ESSP nears its conclusion in less than six weeks, Williams assured that New Zealand’s support would not end there.

“We will continue work hard in the new phase of the education sector support with the MEHRD to implement key reforms and improve education service delivery across the country,” she added.

Recently, the Australian government has renewed its commitment with the signing of its new eight-year SBD230 million (AUD 44 million) Stronger Education Together (SET) program.

According to the Australian High Commission office, this new program aims to improve equitable school access and enhance the quality of education across Solomon Islands.

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