BY MORRIS NAFU

The Minister of Education and Human Resource Development (MEHRD) Tozen Leokana, pledges to continue supporting the teaching profession in Solomon Islands, backed by development partners, to ensure educators receive the necessary resources.

Speaking at the World Teachers’ Day celebrations in Honiara yesterday, Leokana emphasised the importance of empowering teachers through leadership training and involvement in decision-making processes.

“When teachers participate in shaping policies, they bring real insights from the classroom, making education more impactful,” he said.

The minister encourages educators to step up in leadership roles, innovate their methods, and focus on enhancing teaching quality and student outcomes at their schools.

He highlighted three key pillars—professional training, integration of technology, and fostering leadership—as essential to transforming teaching into a more collaborative field.

Aligning with the national theme, “Transformation of Education Begins with Teacher Recognition,” Leokana reiterated the government’s dedication to honoring educators as the foundation of educational reform.

“As your minister, I reaffirm our pledge that real change in our education system starts by valuing, respecting, and prioritizing teachers,” he stated.

He described true recognition as more than lip service, it involves appreciating teachers’ daily dedication, passion, and professionalism in molding the nation’s future.

Under the Government of National Unity and Transformation (GNUT), efforts are underway in close partnership with MEHRD, the Solomon Islands Teachers Association (SINTA), and other stakeholders to address key issues.

These collaborations aim to improve employment terms for teachers, broaden access to training programs, and bolster support systems for effective classroom delivery.

“These are not short-term solutions but meaningful steps to tackle the real challenges in teacher welfare and career development,” the minister noted.

Leokana urges patience and unity, assuring that through collective action, teachers’ vital contributions will not dim but grow even stronger.

He reminded educators of their profound influence, often unseen at first but revealed years later when former students credit them for building confidence and guiding life paths.

“The legacy of teaching isn’t about wealth or prestige—it’s about the destinies you shape in those classrooms,” he said.

In facing 21st-century hurdles like climate change, global shifts, and technological advances, the minister stressed that Solomon Islands’ true wealth lies in its people, whom teachers nurture as the country’s greatest asset.

On behalf of the government, MEHRD, and SINTA, Minister Leokana expressed deep gratitude for teachers’ sacrifices, hard work, and steadfast service to the nation’s youth.

“Happy World Teachers’ Day to all of you. May God bless you as you continue shaping our children’s futures,” he concluded.

Photo: Supplied

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