By Loretta B Manele

The biggest education support programme by Australia and New Zealand, ESSP, has ended but there is more that needs to be done for schools, teachers and students.

Tozen Leokana, minister for the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) raised this at the ESSP, Solomon Islands (Education Sector Support Programme) closing programme at Mendana Hotel yesterday.

He voiced that there are more schools that need classrooms, communities that need better equipment, better teachers and there are children that still face risks to access quality education.

Leokana stated that these are challenges that must fuel determination and the Government of National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) remains resolute in its commitment to strengthen our partnership with Australia and New Zealand.

He said together we can will build education or build upon the strong relationship that has been developed by the ESSP programme.

“Together, we can ensure that the education continues to become a beacon of hope and a driver of progress in the Solomon Islands.

“Our children are the future of our nation. Through education, we are given the power to become leaders, innovators, and change makers.”

He expressed that they owe it to the children of Solomon Islands to keep moving forward, to keep investing and to keep believing in the limitless possibilities that education brings.

Leokana whilst addressing students, he said they are the heart of everything they do.

In this regard, he urges students to remember that education is their greatest weapon, strongest shield and brightest light.

“Use it or use all of it at your disposal so that you will embrace it to the full and know that we stand beside you every step of the way to your success.”

He stated that we must continue to champion education as the key to unlocking the full potential of our people and country.

Leokana said many of the successes of ESSP inspires us all to work even harder to ensure that every child in the Solomon Islands seeks the education that they rightfully deserve.

The minister also shared his gratitude to Australian and New Zealand governments for their work and support in the ESSP (Education Sector Support Program).

“On behalf of me as the minister and of course the government of Solomon Islands, through the Ministry of Education, we would like to extend our deepest appreciation to the Government of Australia and New Zealand.

“Thank you for your relentless commitment.”

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