BY MORRIS NAFU
South Guadalcanal Member of Parliament Rollen Seleso is pushing further for tertiary education in the constituency.
This follows the completion of an awareness programme in four communities in the constituency about SINU’s distance flexible learning programme.
The South Guadalcanal Constituency Office, in collaboration with the Centre for Distance Flexible Learning (DFL) of Solomon Islands National University (SINU), announced the successful awareness event in a statement on Sunday, November 16.
These events took place at Laloato Community High School, Veramogho SDA Primary School, Kuma Community High School, and Chapuria Community High School, the statement said.
All three community high schools will serve as satellite centres for the programme, with Veramogho SDA Primary School to be hosting the main administrative centre for the initiative within the constituency.
This series of awareness activities follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between SINU and the South Guadalcanal Constituency in March of this year.
The partnership aims to establish an out-of-campus centre in the Southern Region, bringing higher education closer to remote communities and breaking down barriers of distance and access, the constituency statement said.
Representing SINU at the awareness events were Obed Szutu, manager of the DFL, along with Clive Marx and McLean Vovo, while the constituency was represented by MP Rollen Seleso and his office team.
All communities expressed deep appreciation for this initiative, recognising it as a transformative step towards positive change, community development, and increased educational opportunities.
Seleso emphasised that education is the cornerstone of progress and development, the statement said.
He highlighted that changing mindsets through education is vital for fostering sustainable growth in South Guadalcanal, a region challenged by its geographical setting.
The MP expressed his heartfelt gratitude to SINU for partnering in this vision, which aligns with his goal of empowering his people and unlocking their full potential.
Szutu reiterated SINU’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, stating that by establishing the DFL Centre in South Guadalcanal is a pioneering step to remove traditional barriers to higher education, especially in remote areas.
He said by using innovative teaching methodologies and technology, SINU aims to provide flexible, student-centred learning experiences tailored to diverse needs, ultimately building lifelong learning and community development.
He said that through this partnership, learners in South Guadalcanal and surrounding areas will have access to a wide range of academic and vocational programs, equipping them with skills to contribute meaningfully to their communities and the nation’s sustainable development.
Szutu added that this initiative is not only about opening doors to education but also about nurturing social transformation, economic growth, and community empowerment.
“It aligns with SINU’s strategic goals of ensuring quality education is a right accessible to all, regardless of geographical location”, the DFL Manager explained.
Meanwhile, in one of his closing remarks, Seleso expressed his optimism that this partnership will serve as a major boost for positive change, inspiring communities to embrace education as a pathway to progress and development.
He reaffirmed his commitment to working with SINU to realise his vision of a well-educated, empowered South Guadalcanal, the statement said.
“The South Guadalcanal Constituency Office and SINU look forward to working together to expand educational access across the Weather Coast and beyond, making a lasting impact on the lives of many,” the South Guadalcanal MP concluded.
Photo: South Guadalcanal Constituency Office
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