The Solomon Islands Government on Thursday handed over new ICT equipment to Provincial Youth and Children Focal Officers, marking a significant step toward strengthening child protection systems and youth engagement across the country.

The initiative, supported by UNICEF through the European Union-funded Provincial Government Service Delivery Programme, provides nine Provincial Governments with computers and printers to enhance planning, monitoring, and reporting on child and youth-related programs.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Dr. Derek Futaiasi Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS) acknowledged the importance of the investment. 

“As all of you are aware, addressing issues and challenges faced by vulnerable groups such as children is a priority,” he said, adding; “The purpose of these computers and printers is to increase the capacity and competence of these offices, enabling them to better serve and support our youth and children through improved access to resources and efficient service delivery.”

Officials from the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs (MWYCFA), the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS), and UNICEF were present at the event, which included a formal handover and photo opportunity.

“This is an important day for children in the Solomon Islands,” said a government spokesperson. “New evidence on the economic cost of violence against children underscores the urgency for increased investment in child protection systems. Strengthening capacity at both national and provincial levels is a key intervention.”

Dr. Futaiasi also extended gratitude to the development partners: “thank you to all our relevant stakeholders, in particular the EU and UNICEF, including the Ministry of Women, for these computers and printers.”

The equipment is expected to improve coordination and data management among child and youth desk officers, enabling more effective engagement with communities and young people across the provinces.

By ANDRIANAH KOLE

Solomon Star, Honiara