By Loretta B Manele

Franco Rodie, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) has voiced that we have to be committed to bringing about change in education.

He raised this at a function held last week at Mendana Hotel to mark the end of the ESSP (Education Sector Support Program) a partnership for education between Solomon Islands, Australia and New Zealand.

Rodie voiced that if we leave from where we are and don’t plan properly for those who will come after us, we are going to have problems.

However, he highlighted that with technical aspects, the human aspect of ESSP has been profound for him.

In this regard, Rodie said the lessons they have learned, skills acquired and resilience developed will continue to guide them as they embark on the next chapter of education.

He expressed that looking ahead, they welcome new partnerships with Australia and New Zealand respectively, the ADB-funded Senior Secondary Education Improvement Project, and the Global Partnership for Education System Transformation Program.

Rodie said these initiatives will demand a new, renewed mindset, dedication and support for us.

“But if the ESSP has shown us anything, it is that together we can achieve remarkable things.”

Rodie said their commitment remains steadfast to ensure that every child in the Solomon Islands has access to equality and education.

“We owe it to them, to their future and to the future of our country.”

The permanent secretary also took the opportunity to thank both the Australian and New Zealand governments for their continuous support and for believing in them.

“I am sure we will move forward and create, hopefully, a better future for our country and children.”

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