MISS Solomon Islands, Elsie Polosovai has underscored education as not only a right, but the pathway to resilience, innovation and sustainable development and should be protected and embraced for the betterment of the Blue Pacific Ocean.

Miss Polosovai was delivering her speech on the crucial subject of education on THursday during the Pre-Pageant Speech and Interview Category of the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant 2025. The event was staged at the Heritage Park Hotel.

Miss Polosovai, who is Contestant # 1, said, “Education is not just a right, it is a pathway to resilience, innovation and sustainable development for the Pacific.”

As such, Miss Polosovai said, “let us ensure every child has access to quality education as they are the future of our Blue-Pacific continent. Education is more than what happens in a classroom, in homes, in communities and through the experiences that shape every person.” 

She said despite the essence of education to the progress of every individual in life, across the Pacific, the access to quality education remains a privilege and not a guarantee. 

Miss Polosovai said according to UNESCO, one in four Pacific children do not complete primary school and in remote areas, students travel for hours by boat, canoe and overcrowded transport just to reach school.

“And in some rural areas of Solomon Islands, one teacher maybe responsible for up to 50 students, girls and children with disabilities face even greater challenges powered back by financial struggles and cultural norms. So, while I enjoy my short bus rides to school, my cousins in the village still journey through rivers and dense bush just to get an education,” she added.

Not only these, Miss Polosovai said further challenges await these children when they arrive at school as many rural schools lack textbooks, proper facilities and trained teachers, making quality education even harder to access.

“In some communities, boys’ education is still prioritised over girls’ education, which further limits the opportunities for countless young women,” she added.

She said this is not right as education should not be a privilege determined by geography, gender or circumstance, but should be a right and a right that empowers every child in the Pacific to realise their full potential.

“Inclusivity means ensuring that every child, regardless of gender, socioeconomic background, ethnicity or ability, has the ability to learn and thrive. But for many this remains a distant reality.”

Miss Polosovai added that children with disabilities, in particular, are often stigmatised and excluded from quality education. 

“During a charity visit to one of the vocational training schools, I spoke with a student who shared how his disability made him feel undervalued and often discriminated by his own community. These are not just personal struggles, but the barriers that hold the Pacific back from progress,” she said.

With the challenges to education that she spoke of, Miss Polosovai made three recommendations that she deems would make education truly accessible and inclusive in the Pacific.

The first is investing in inclusive education infrastructures.

“We must build more schools that are accessible to all children, including those with disabilities. But we also need to think beyond our traditional classroom. Mobile schools, online learning platforms and community-based digital programmes can bring education to children who face these barriers. 

“During COVID-19, the SIBC delivered school lessons via radio, while in Fiji, there were solar-powered radios that brought education to remote villages. Innovations like these prove that true inclusivity means reaching every child, no matter their circumstances,” Miss Polosovai said.

The second is eliminating bad cultural norms.

“We must dismantle barriers that limit girls’ access to education. Providing scholarships, mentorship programmes and safe learning environment will empower girls to stay in school. As the saying goes, educate the girl, break the cycle, empower a sustainable future,” she said.

The third is strengthening of partnerships in education.

“Sustainable solutions require collaboration with government, organisations and communities,” Miss Polosovai said.

Miss Polosovai said whilst the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) are doing a great job on addressing the welfare of children the world-over, there is still more work to be done. 

“Education should go beyond the classroom. It should spark creativity, build critical thinking and equip students with real-world skills. And by amplifying these efforts and directing resources where they are needed the most, we can create a well-rounded learning environment,” she concluded.

By IAN LADDS OSO
Solomon Star, Honiara