RURAL youths and students from various schools in Malaita Province have used their school break to visit the National Parliament of Solomon Islands in Honiara, many for the very first time.
The educational visits aim to give students a practical understanding of how Parliament functions and its role in national governance.
For many students who are from remote communities, the trip to Honiara and Parliament House was a rare and eye-opening experience.
During the tours, students were given guided access to key areas within the Parliament precinct.
They also received briefings aligned with their school curriculum, helping them connect their classroom learning with real-world governance.
On Thursday, 3 July 2025, a group of youths from the SINOLO group, comprising mostly students from East Kwaio in Malaita Province, toured the National Parliament.
The students represented five schools from across the Sinarangu and Olomburi Districts, Uru District in East Kwaio Constituency.
Earlier, on 30 June, the Asimeuri Youth Group from Small Malaita also visited Parliament to learn about its legislative role and the importance of good governance.
On 24 June, seventy students from Su’u National Secondary School in Malaita took part in a similar visit, as part of their education and governance studies program.
This marked the first such visit in 2025 by a provincial school outside of Honiara, reflecting the growing interest in Parliament’s civic outreach initiatives.
According to a statement from the National Parliament Office, for Su’u school students, they were given a guided tour and had the unique opportunity to observe the Bills and Legislation Committee during a public hearing on the National Building Standards Bill 2025.
The experience allowed them to witness firsthand how parliamentary proceedings unfold behind the scenes.
A highlight for many students was the chance to interact with the Leader of the Official Opposition, Hon. Matthew Wale. Meeting a national leader they had previously only seen in the media left many feeling inspired.
In addition to visits by rural groups, schools and youth organizations from Honiara also participated in educational tours during June.
On 9 June, members of the Tavaghalo Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church Youth Ministry from Gilbert Camp visited Parliament.
Accompanied by their leader, Edward Ponjiala, they took part in an interactive session designed to deepen their understanding of MPs’ roles and the legislative process.
Earlier, on 5 June, thirty students from Chung Wah School in Honiara visited Parliament as part of their governance studies.
On 28 May, 120 students from Betikama Adventist College also toured Parliament under their civic education program.
The National Parliament Office expressed its appreciation for the growing enthusiasm among young people to learn about democratic governance.
“We are pleased to host students from across the country and commend them for their interest in understanding the work of Parliament,” said a spokesperson from the Parliament’s Civic Education Unit.
“Educational visits like these play a vital role in promoting civic awareness and inspiring future leaders.”
The Civic Education Unit encourages more schools, particularly from the provinces, to take advantage of this opportunity to engage with the country’s highest democratic institution.
By SOLOMON LOFANA
Solomon Star, Auki
