Australia and New Zealand donate to 121 schools in Solomon Islands
Australia and New Zealand through the Education Sector Support Programme (ESSP) in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) have donated laptops for 121 schools across Solomon Islands.
The recipient schools include Primary and Community High Schools in Makira/Ulawa Province, Malaita Province, Western Province, Guadalcanal Province, Temotu Province and Choiseul Province and eight Honiara-based schools, a media statement from ESSP yesterday said.
New Zealand Deputy High Commissioner, Rebecca Williams and First Secretary Eliza Woolcock at the Australian High Commission joined the Permanent Secretary for MEHRD, Dr Franco Rodie to handover the laptops to the respective Education Providers (EPs) for the provincial schools and Honiara schools at a ceremony hosted at the Kukum SDA Community High School in Honiara on Friday 14 February 2025.
Provincial Education Providers accepted these laptops on behalf of schools in their province and will work with the recipient schools to arrange the collection of these valuable assets, the statement said.
New Zealand Deputy High Commissioner, Rebecca Williams said New Zealand and Australia in partnership with MEHRD are happy to provide these laptops to schools and remain committed
to supporting schools and Education Providers in all provinces in Solomon Islands.
“Laptops represent an increase in connectivity in schools and provide opportunity for teachers and students to improve their digital literacy skills.
“These laptops are not just a piece of equipment – in the words of the Māori people of New Zealand they are a taonga (something to be treasured). In New Zealand, an evaluation of laptop access in primary schools inside the Greater Auckland area demonstrated a significant positive impact for teachers and students in the classroom. New Zealand is pleased to contribute to extending this impact to schools in Solomon Islands,” she said.
The laptops come with digital copies of curriculum materials and education resources which will provide lasting access to critical documents which will help with teaching and learning for the schools, the statement said.
Speaking on behalf of the EPs, Gilbert Tabihau, Chief Education Officer, representing Aboru Primary School in Makira/Ulawa Province said the handover of laptops marks a significant step forward in our commitment to enhancing education through technology.
“These laptops represent more than just tools; they symbolise our dedication to providing students with the resources they need to succeed in the digital age.
“With these devices, we are empowering students to explore, learn, and create in ways never before possible. This initiative aligns with our broader goals of fostering innovation and excellence in education across the Solomon Islands.
“This is a pivotal moment that underscores the importance of investing in education and technology, and it is a testament to what we can achieve through collaboration and vision,” he said.
ESSP is a partnership between the Solomon Islands, Australian, and New Zealand governments aiming to improve access to quality education for all Solomon Islands children. The handover of laptops demonstrates the partners’ ongoing dedication to providing quality education and fostering a culture of learning and growth within the school communities in Solomon Islands.
