Telebere News

The Young Entrepreneurs Council of Solomon Islands (YECSI) is calling on businesses, youth organisations, and development stakeholders to support its upcoming Corporate Fundraiser, an event aimed at strengthening youth entrepreneurship and advancing the YECSI Awards 2025. Members and supporters of the Young Entrepreneurs Council of Solomon Islands (YECSI) are calling for support for the upcoming Corporate Fundraiser in aid of the YECSI Awards 2025. Scheduled as a major highlight on YECSI’s calendar, the fundraiser will directly contribute to recognising and supporting the work of young entrepreneurs who are shaping the future of the country. YECSI Coordinator Moses Jnr Aunama said the event is not only about celebration but also about investment in the next generation of leaders. “Every contribution made through this fundraiser helps build a stronger foundation for our youth. By supporting YECSI, stakeholders are investing in young people who are driving innovation, creating employ...

Tourism Solomons, in collaboration with the Pacific Tourism Organization (SPTO), has brought together key stakeholders from across the region for a landmark workshop aimed at reshaping the future of Pacific tourism through sustainability. Delegates attending the  Sustainable Tourism Workshop in Honiara .   The multi-day Sustainable Tourism Workshop, held in Munda and Honiara, marked an important step in the collective effort to safeguard the Pacific environment, reduce ecological footprints, and ensure tourism benefits flow meaningfully to local communities. Tackling Single-Use Plastics At the heart of the discussions was the urgent need to phase out Single-Use Plastics (SUPs) in the tourism sector. Participants were introduced to the new Standards and Certification Programme and Implementation Toolkit, designed to help operators, communities, and governments work together towards this goal. Stakeholders also received updates on SPREP’s Pacific Ocean Litter Project (POLP...

Australia Awards has launched the second round of Alumni Conference Grants, offering the Alumni community in Solomon Islands exciting opportunities to further their professional and leadership development aspirations. The grant is designed to build professional networks and gain exposure to emerging sectors and industries in Australia . Applications are now open and will close on 26 October. The initiative provides funding for individual alumni to attend conferences in Australia between November 2025 and May 2026. Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Rod Hilton, said the initiative reflects the importance of professional and leadership development for individual alumni members. “Australia Awards alumni are leaders in their fields, and this grant provides them with an opportunity to share their expertise, strengthen professional networks, and make a critical contribution to development in Solomon Islands,” High Commissioner Hilton said. “By supportin...

Australia Awards are shaping the next generation of leaders in Solomon Islands and across the Pacific, and Atenasi Ata is a shining example. From marine science to law and sustainable development, her journey demonstrates how Australia Awards equip individuals with the skills, networks, and confidence to make a real impact in their communities and beyond. “I like to think about my formal qualifications, and my experience and skills as part of my ‘toolbox’. I’m always looking into my toolbox to work out what is needed for the situation at hand,” Atenasi said. An Australia Awards Women Leading and Influencing (WLI) alumna, Atenasi joined the Women’s Development Leadership Program while completing her Master of Law and Development at the University of Melbourne. The program gave her the knowledge, leadership skills, and regional networks to navigate complex development challenges and take on senior roles that influence both local and regional progress. From 2018 to 2020 Atenasi s...

Eleven construction and carpentry students from the San Isidro Care Centre and Bethesda Rural Training Centre are breaking barriers and redefining perceptions of disability in the Solomon Islands. The students, who have varying levels of hearing and speech impairments, recently toured the Australian-supported Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre construction site. They are currently undertaking training in woodwork, furniture-making, and basic construction skills, determined to pursue careers in an industry often considered out of reach for people with disabilities. The visit, facilitated by Australia’s infrastructure program, was designed to inspire and empower students with disabilities by showing them that their skills and ambitions have a place in Solomon Islands’ growing construction sector. Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Rod Hilton, said the visit demonstrated Australia’s commitment to breaking down barriers and creating equal opportunities...

Solomon Islands Government has renewed its commitment to developing Bloody Ridge National Historical Park into a world-class heritage and tourism destination, with Minister of Culture and Tourism, Hon. Choylin Yim Douglas, urging donor partners, local communities, and citizens to play an active role in its future. Speaking during a wreath-laying ceremony marking the 83rd anniversary of the Battle of Bloody Ridge (12–14 September 1942) , the Minister thanked the Governments of Australia and New Zealand for their ongoing support in helping to preserve and enhance the site. “This is not just a government project – it is a national legacy, something that will bring pride to us all,” she said. “Together, let us continue to honour the past, safeguard this site, and build a future where Bloody Ridge stands as both a place of remembrance and a beacon of peace, unity, and pride for Solomon Islands.” Honouring History, Building Partnerships The commemorative event brought together dignitaries...

Rodney Satini is breaking barriers and redefining possibilities — from Para table tennis champion to role model, his journey embodies resilience, empowerment, and hope for Solomon Islands’ youth and persons with disabilities. Satini began training with the Honiara Table Tennis Association (HTTA) in 2019, starting as a developing athlete. Through the Smash Down Barriers program, he gained not only sporting skills but also confidence to take on leadership roles. In 2024, he became a Para Sports Development Officer, helping other persons with disabilities explore sports as a pathway to growth and inclusion. At the recent Mini Games in Palau, Satini made history by winning Solomon Islands’ only gold medal across seven sports, proving that disability is not a barrier to achievement. His success demonstrates how sport can transform lives, open doors to new opportunities, and inspire the next generation. From 26–27 September 2025, Satini will represent Solomon Islands at the Oceania...

In Abukwau, a small rural community nestled in Auki, Malaita Province, piglets were once believed to be cursed. Families watched helplessly as animals died young, with little hope of survival. Today, the narrative has shifted. Healthy pigs now thrive in sturdy pens, as women cultivate gardens fertilised with pig manure and youths see a future in farming. This transformation is the result of the Empowering Livelihood through Sustainable Pig Farming project, led by Australia Awards alumnus Fred Boyd Ramo Ho’Asinanau, a marine science graduate from James Cook University. Funded by the Australian Government through the Australia Awards Solomon Islands Alumni Support Grant, Fred returned home determined to apply not only his scientific knowledge, but to improve his community’s livelihood through better livestock production and vegetables crop farming. The initiative has also fostered new partnerships, including collaboration with a lead pig farmer in Auki, opening new market pathwa...

When Jean Uwesi, an Australia Awards graduate with a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Adelaide, returned home to Honiara’s Green Valley community, she was determined to empower local women with new skills and economic opportunities. With funding from the Australia Awards Solomon Islands’ Alumni Support Grant initiative, Jean organised training in innovative fabric arts for over 50 women from Green Valley and surrounding areas. These new skills empowered women to diversify their sources of income and improve their livelihoods. For example, it equipped the participants with the fabric dyeing and screen-printing techniques to produce colourful traditional lavalava. These popular local items could then be sold to generate much needed income. One of the beneficiaries, single mother Pricillia Bokolonga, shared how the training brought immediate benefits to herself and family. “After the training, I was able to dye and sell my own lavalava, even sending some overseas to support...

The Solomon Islands has taken a historic step in ocean governance, committing ministerial resources to support the Melanesian Ocean Reserve (MOR) — the world’s first Indigenous-led, multi-national ocean reserve. Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele confirmed the government’s commitment on Tuesday during the 54th Pacific Islands Forum in Honiara, describing the reserve as a groundbreaking model that combines Indigenous knowledge, modern science, and regional political leadership. An island built by hand on the Lau Lagoon, Solomon Islands reef. Photo credit: Foueda Village, Malaita Prvince, Solomon Islands. Spanning the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) of Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu and New Caledonia, the Reserve is projected to cover more than six million square kilometres of ocean — an area comparable in scale to the Amazon rainforest. It will safeguard some of the most biologically rich and culturally significant seas in the world. Manele first announced the intention to f...

Solomon Islands accountants are strengthening the nation’s financial sector with support from Australia, as the Institute of Solomon Islands Accountants (ISIA) concluded its Annual Congress 2025 this week. Over two days, accounting professionals, policymakers, and industry leaders explored resilience accounting, the role of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in growing the economy, and ways to embed ethical and inclusive practices in the profession. Australia reinforced its commitment by sponsoring the Congress at the Platinum level for the second year in a row. The Australian High Commission also funds the Professional Diploma in Accounting program, awarding 116 scholarships to date, most to public servants, and will continue backing the next student cohort. Participants of the Institute of Solomon Islands Accountants Annual Congress 2025     Australian High Commissioner His Excellency Rod Hilton said, “Australia recognises the key role the Institute of...

Local businesses in Malaita are partnering with First Nations businesses from Australia to expand eco-tourism links between Australia and Solomon Islands, creating both opportunities for learning and more local jobs. Hazel Harohau of Authentic Mala Tours travelled to Australia to meet with Indigenous Australia eco-tourism business Yura Tours in North Stradbroke Island. Hilda Rade Sofaemaena of Taflabana Guesthouse has also recently completed an eco-tourism workshop to learn more about expanding eco-tourism opportunities in Malaita. Hazel reflected on the cultural similarity between Indigenous Australians and Malaita, noting that storytelling is one aspect that resonates most. “Similar to the First Nations’ people of Australia, we are connected to nature, and our history is passed through generations orally,” Hazel said. “One of the main takeaways from the cultural exchange was relaying our stories to tourists through story telling. Now, I incorporate the simple stories that seem ...

Solomon Islands Australia Alumni Association (SIAAA) has ushered in a new era of leadership following its Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Honiara, attended by 49 alumni members. The AGM brought together alumni, representatives from the Australian High Commission, and the Australia Awards Solomon Islands team (AASI) to reflect on SIAAA’s achievements, discuss future priorities, and elect a new Executive Committee. Solomon Islands Australia Alumni Association has ushered in a new era of leadership following its Annual General Meeting in Honiara, attended by 49 alumni members.   SIAAA is part of the global Australia Awards Alumni Network, a community of leaders and change-makers driving positive impact and creating enduring bonds of friendship and good will across the world. Since 2006 over 700 Solomon Islanders have been supported to study in Australia through Australia Awards. The newly elected leadership team members are: President: Mrs Gladys Habu Bartlett Bachelor o...

Williamina Barile, an Australia Awards alumna with a Bachelor of Laws from Monash University, has returned to the Solomon Islands from an international law conference with a renewed commitment to championing Pacific perspectives in global legal discussions.   Funded by the Australian Government through Australia Awards, Williamina recently participated in the 32nd Australian and New Zealand Society of International Law (ANZSIL) Conference in Australia. The event brought together leading international law scholars, practitioners, and policymakers to explore pressing global challenges. For Williamina, the conference was more than an academic gathering—it was a platform to connect the Solomon Islands’ unique legal and cultural realities with international debates. One key theme she explored was the concept of “silence” in international law—how the absence of explicit provisions in treaties can have significant implications. “Silence is often mistaken as neutrality,” she explained....

Australia has reaffirmed its commitment to skills development and job creation in the Solomon Islands with the awarding of 78 Australia Skills Awards scholarships and the handover of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to students at the Malaita Provincial Technical Institute (MPTI) in Fiu, Central Kwara’ae. During his visit, Australian High Commissioner Rod Hilton joined government ministers, students, trainers, and community leaders to celebrate the milestone and to highlight Australia’s partnership in expanding access to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in rural communities. High Commissioner Hilton said vocational education has the power to transform lives. “Skills are the backbone of economic development, and Australia is proud to stand alongside the Solomon Islands Government in our shared commitment to expanding access to quality technical and vocational education and training. Together, we are working to ensure that Solomon Islanders have every opportu...

In the quiet community of Dova, GIPPOL 2, a young man is turning his passion for music and farming into powerful tools for youth empowerment and community development. Jerry Tougu Paratamboa, the third youngest in a family of nine, has grown from a teenage church musician into a youth leader, farmer, and change-maker whose work is inspiring those around him. Jerry’s roots are deeply tied to both Malaita and Guadalcanal, with his father hailing from Malaita and his mother from Guadalcanal. Growing up, music was always in the air at home. Inspired by his father — once a church musician himself — Jerry picked up the guitar at the age of 14. Today, he plays acoustic, electric, and bass guitar and coaches other young musicians at his church. But music is just one part of Jerry’s story. His journey with Ola Fou, a youth development program, began last year. Just last week, he proudly graduated, marking a milestone in a chapter filled with learning and community service. “I joined O...