BY SYLVANA TEKUMAHA
Solomon Islands’ laws could be taught in schools as early as 2028.
This is once the Compulsory Legal Education Project is implemented.
This historic project is being driven by the Attorney General’s Chambers and is part of the GNUT government’s Policy Reform Agenda, particularly under the pillars of good governance, social stability, youth empowerment, and access to justice, a statement by the Government Communications Unit (GCU) yesterday said.
Senior officials from the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs (MJLA), the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD), and the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) attended a meeting held by Attorney-General John Muria Jnr yesterday to discuss the introduction of formal basic understanding of law, rights and the role of institutions in schools.
There is an urgent need identified by the Government, that is to educate young Solomon Islanders about their rights and responsibilities, civic duties, and the role of public institutions since more than 70 per cent of the population are young people, the statement said.
The meeting held was to coordinate policy, curriculum development, and institutional responsibilities required for successful implementation.
It is said to be a critical strategy to promote civic behaviour, civic responsibility, social cohesion and national stability.
Students will be provided with foundational knowledge of the Constitution of Solomon Islands, the functions of the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary, and the importance of law in everyday life, the statement said.
“This is about empowering our young people with knowledge, building respect for institutions, and strengthening national unity.
“An informed citizen is essential to sustaining democracy, preventing conflict, and supporting development,” said Attorney-General Muria.
The project recognises the importance of legal education as an access to justice, and early exposure civic and constitutional ethics promotes a responsible citizenship.
The Project is an initiative of the Attorney-General’s Chambers and the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT), that is expected to rollout by 2028.
The Attorney-General reaffirms the Government will ensure that by 2028, students in the country will have the opportunity to learn and understand the basic legal systems, laying the foundation for a future defined by the rule of law, accountability, and informed participation in national life.
This initiative is one of its kind for the country, since introducing structured legal studies into national school curriculum is a reform which has not been taken by any government.
Photo credit: GCU
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