𝐀𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐚’𝐬 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐒𝐁𝐃𝟐𝟑𝟎 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 𝐒𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐆𝐨

Australia’s new eight-year SBD230 million (AUD 44 million) Stronger Education Together (SET) program was launched today, Wednesday, 15 January 2025, by signing a partnership agreement between the Governments of the Solomon Islands and Australia.

The Minister of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD), Honourable Tozen Leokana and the Australian High Commissioner, His Excellency Rod Hilton, signed the agreement, formalising the commitment of both countries to implement this ambitious new program under the broader Solomon Islands-Australia Education Partnership.

The eight-year program aims to improve equitable school access and enhance the quality of education across Solomon Islands.

Cutting of cake - L - R: Andrew Schloeffel, Deputy High Commissioner, Australian High Commissioner, His Excellency Rod Hilton, Australian High Commissioner, Honourable Minister Leokana, Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development, Dr Franco Rodie, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development, Dr Patricia Rodie, Dean of the Faculty of Education and Humanities, Solomon Islands National University.

The investment will assist MEHRD in delivering critical school infrastructure, increasing its strategic management capability, and improving teacher training facilities at Solomon Islands National University (SINU) to better equip teachers with critical skills. The program will also support non-governmental organisations in more effectively meeting the needs of schoolchildren with disabilities.

In his remarks at the signing ceremony, Minister Leokana said the signing of the new program is a testament to the partnership between the Solomon Islands and Australia in the education sector and both Governments’ commitment to increasing access to quality education for all children in the Solomon Islands.

“As we embark on this transformative journey, collaboration will be key. We must work together across government, communities and development partners to create a brighter, more inclusive future for all our children.

“With the support of Australia and other partners, we can ensure that education remains a powerful driver of growth, equality and harmony across our nation,” he said.

High Commissioner Hilton highlighted that Australia prioritizes building a stronger Solomon Islands—Australia education relationship at all levels.

“Over the past 18 months we have sat around the table with you, to tok stori, to reflect, to listen and learn about your vision for delivering a stronger education system, one that can equip the students of today with the skills and knowledge they need to address the challenges of tomorrow. I am very proud to announce that today, we are committing significant new resources to help make this vision a reality,” he said.

The intention is to focus Australian support on delivering quality education infrastructure across the Solomon Islands, strengthening pre-service teacher training, and providing long—and short-term training opportunities aligned with the Solomon Islands’ skills needs.

Australia has been Solomon Islands’ most significant and longest-standing partner in the education sector for over 20 years, supporting a range of investments and institutions.

 From 2020 to 2025, the Solomon Islands Education Sector Support Program (ESSP) has been Australia’s flagship basic education program. It is delivered in partnership with MEHRD and New Zealand and is due for completion in March this year.

The new SET program will build on the achievements and lessons learned from the ESSP, strengthening Australia’s support for the Solomon Islands and reaffirming its commitment to improving basic education outcomes for all.

Media Release | AHC