Australia and New Zealand Handover a New Science Lab to Reginald Chapman Nicholson College

It was a moment of celebration and recognition of the partnership and commitment between the governments of Australia, New Zealand, and the Solomon Islands in creating and constructing a new science laboratory at Reginald Chapman Nicholson College in South Vela La Vela, Western Province.

Representatives from the Australian and New Zealand High Commissions in Solomon Islands, the Government for National Unity and Transformation, the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD), members of the surrounding communities, and schoolteachers and students gathered on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, to celebrate the handover and opening of the new laboratory.

(From left to right) Olivia Benton-Guy, First Secretary at the New Zealand High Commission, Dr. Tristan Armstrong, Counsellor of Human Development for the Australian High Commission, Clement Tito, MEHRD Director of Assets Management, Gordon Zebo, Minister of Education Western Provincial Government handing over the key to the new science lab to Principal Lawrence Zaza.

The science laboratory, valued at approximately SBD1.6 million, was funded by the Australian and New Zealand governments through the Education Sector Support Program (ESSP) in partnership with MEHRD.

 

Senior secondary students at the College, formerly Vonunu Provincial Secondary School, will use the new science laboratory to facilitate experiential learning and a hands-on approach to learning scientific theory and practice.

Students at Reginald Chapman Nicholson College happy to celebrate the opening of their new science laboratory.

                                               

 The Director of Assets Management, Mr. Clement Tito, speaking on behalf of the Minister of Education, Hon. Tozen Leokana, said the handover of this science laboratory reflects Australia and New Zealand's role as major partners in education in the Solomon Islands.

 

“My ministry is doing the preparatory work to design and strengthen Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education in schools throughout the country.

 

“STEM Education emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach that fosters problem-solving and critical thinking.

“Integrating STEM into the Solomon Islands school curriculum and teaching and learning has the advantage of equipping students with practical skills and preparing them for future careers in a technology-driven world,” he said.

Officials from the Australian and New Zealand High Commissions, MEHRD, Provincial Government and staff and students of Reginald Chapman Nicholson College infront of the new science laboratory.

                              

Dr. Tristan Armstrong, Counsellor of Human Development for the Australian High Commission in Solomon Islands said Investments like this aim to build a knowledgeable and skilled workforce that contributes to national development.

 

First Secretary, Olivia Benton-Guy, at the New Zealand High Commission to Solomon Islands said New Zealand will continues to support inclusive education in Solomon Islands that promotes learning environments that value and support student participation, learning, and success.

 

“New Zealand is proud to work with the Solomon Islands and Australia to hand this science laboratory over. It is a place where students will learn new skills and build relationships for life.

 

“New Zealand has a long-standing partnership in education in Solomon Islands and we look forward to continuing this commitment through teacher management and support to education providers across the country.

 

“The heart of education is inside the classroom, and New Zealand and Australia are proud to support education infrastructure in schools across Solomon Islands,” she said.

 

This initiative also highlights the commitment of the partners in education to fostering educational excellence and offering students opportunities to develop critical science, mathematics, and technology skills.

 

Female students at Reginald Chapman Nicholson College joining in the official program to handover their new science laboratory.

                                     

            

Reginald Chapman Nicholson College Principal, Mr. Lawrence Zaza, expressed his appreciation for the partners involved in bringing the project to fruition and conveyed his excitement and pride in the new facility, emphasizing its significance for a brighter future for both students and teachers at the school.

 

“This is a gift and a blessing from the good people of Australia and New Zealand. Thank you very much.

 

“This development will definitely boost the level of learning at the school as students will be more determined to excel in such a good learning environment,” Mr Lawrance said.

 

ESSP is a partnership between the Solomon Islands, Australian, and New Zealand governments aiming to improve access to quality education for all Solomon Islands children. The new science laboratory demonstrates the partners’ ongoing dedication to providing quality education and fostering a culture of learning and growth within the school communities in the Solomon Islands.

Media Release | ESSP