Investing in Education for Solomon Islands

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Australia’s Foreign Minister, Senator the Hon Penny Wong, visited Mbokona Community High School in Honiara to meet with the school community and officially open a new science laboratory.

The new facility is part of Australia’s SBD 29 million contribution to school infrastructure upgrades in partnership with the Solomon Islands and New Zealand.

Students from the Mbokona Community High School, representing all nine provinces, line up to welcome Australian Foreign Minister the Hon Senator Penny Wong

 

Minister Wong joined the Solomon Islands Minister of Education and Human Resources Development, Hon Tozen Leokana, to mark the occasion.

"Australia is Solomon Island’s largest education partner," Minister Wong said. "Since 2015, Australia has invested SBD 720 million in basic education in the Solomon Islands. This includes building and upgrading 180 school facilities across all provinces, training more than 3,000 schoolteachers, supporting education reforms, and providing further education and training opportunities for the Solomon Islands’ workforce."

Senator Penny Wong is greeted warmly by students, shortly before announcing an SBD18 million injection to build water sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities in 30 schools in Central Province

Mbokona Community High School Principal, Mr. Basil Wasiia, expressed deep gratitude to the stakeholders involved in this milestone achievement.

He acknowledged the generosity and goodwill of the Australian Government, noting that the acquisition of the science lab is a critical addition to the school's infrastructure, which has been lacking for the past 22 years.

"This means we can now offer a full science curriculum to our high school students every year," Mr. Wasiia said. "Science laboratories provide students with the learning resources needed to develop critical analytical and qualitative skills and research outcomes necessary for building the Solomon Islands’ economy and addressing anticipated future challenges."

During her visit, Minister Wong also announced an additional SBD 18 million to build water sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities in 30 schools in Central Province under a partnership with UNICEF Pacific. This initiative aims to provide a safer and healthier learning environment that benefits young girls.

Meeting students inside the new science laboratory - part of Australia’s SBD 29 million contribution to school infrastructure upgrades, in partnership with the governments of Solomon Islands and New Zealand.

"Solomon Islands has a bright future, and its young people are key to unlocking all the country can offer," said Minister Wong.

"Australia will continue to be the number one partner for the Solomon Islands in education and will work to improve school facilities, train teachers, and support inclusive education. Australia and Solomon Islands have a longstanding partnership in the education sector, recognizing this is an investment in future prosperity, security, and innovation."

The new science laboratory at Mbokona Community High School represents a significant step forward in enhancing educational opportunities for Solomon Islands’ youth, reaffirming the robust partnership between the two nations.

Media Release | Australia High Commission, Solomon Islands

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