BY LORETTA B. MANELE
The Solomon Islands’ first-ever children’s high-level dialogue took place at the Paul Tovua Complex building yesterday.
The highlight of the program was when students from Vura CHS, Koloale CHS, and the Red Cross Special Development School presented the issues they were facing in their schools.
Students spoke on topics such as climate change, child protection, education, and disability. While sharing their concerns on these issues, they also took the opportunity to present their pledges, which focused on issues they want the government to address.
Lisa Cuatt, Country Director for Save the Children Solomon Islands, expressed that she was honored to be part of this historic event. She emphasized that this was an opportunity for children to identify issues of concern to them and present these issues directly to the highest-level decision-makers in the country, including members of parliament.
“I also want to thank the parents who have supported their children to be part of this day and to be part of the Children’s Advocacy Committees. I would like to acknowledge the children, every one of you who are here today, representing the voices of other children as part of the Children’s Advocacy Committees,” Cuatt said.
Cuatt expressed hope that they could continue to involve children in finding solutions to the issues they raised during the event.
The Member of Parliament for East Malaita and Minister for Infrastructure Development, Manasseh Maelanga, referred to the occasion as a very important gathering, where leaders would hear directly from the children.
He told the children, “You are the architects of tomorrow, bringing creativity, resilience, and the ability to make a difference.”
Maelanga encouraged the students, particularly those facing physical challenges, to remember that their strength is not defined by what they lack but by how they rise.
“Disability is not inability; history is full of people who shattered barriers to achieve greatness. You are no different. Imagine a world where we celebrate each other’s uniqueness and build bridges of collaboration instead of walls of separation. That all starts here in this room with you.”
This event was attended by students from Vura Community High School, Koloale Community High School, and the Red Cross Special Development School. These schools are part of Child Advocacy Committees (CACs) supported by Save the Children, Australia.
In addition to the Minister for MID, other leaders who attended the event included: the Member of Parliament for North New Georgia constituency and Education and Human Resources Chair, John Dean Kuku; the Member of Parliament for East Honiara and Chair of the Parliamentary Health Committee, Morris Toiraena; the Member of Parliament for West Kwara’ae, Alfred Tuasulia, who is also a member of various committees; and the Member of Parliament for North Malaita, Daniel Waneoroa.
