SINU Educators Graduate From Australia Awards Short Course

Twenty-four academic staff from Solomon Islands National University (SINU) have graduated from the inaugural Graduate Certificate in Higher Education Teaching and Learning, delivered through the Australian Government’s Australia Awards program.

Dr Tristan Armstrong, Counsellor for Human Development at the Australian High Commission; Ms Jeanette Siama, Award Recipient; Dr Nicole Pepperell, Associate Professor of Curriculum at the University of Technology Sydney; Dr William Parairato,  Acting Vice Chancellor and Pro Vice Chancellor (Corporate) at Solomon Islands National University – pictured during the Awards Ceremony of the Australia Award ‘Graduate Certificate in Higher Education, Teaching and Learning (GCHETL)’  Short Course, held in SINU Marine Lecture Theatre on 21 October 2025. 

Delivered by the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) in partnership with SINU, the short course marks a major step forward in strengthening teaching excellence and student-centred learning in Solomon Islands’ higher education sector.

The cohort represented a wide range of disciplines—from nursing and public health to agriculture, engineering, and tourism—bringing enhanced teaching practices to classrooms across SINU.

Academic staff from Solomon Islands National University (SINU) following the successful award ceremony of the inaugural Graduate Certificate in Higher Education Teaching and Learning short course.

11 of the graduates are women, highlighting Australia’s ongoing commitment to empowering women in education.

Acting Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Andrew Schloeffel, congratulated the graduates on their achievement.

“This program reflects Australia’s enduring commitment to Solomon Islands’ human development,’ said Mr Schloeffel. “By investing in educators, we’re investing in the future leaders who will shape the nation’s progress.”

SINU’s Pro Vice Chancellor Corporate, Dr William Parairato, praised the graduates:

“Your achievement strengthens not only your professional capacity but also the quality of education across our university. We are deeply grateful to our partners—UTS and the Australian Government—for making this milestone possible.”

Ami Bah (second from left), First Secretary for Education at the Australian High Commission, extends congratulations to Buia Betengi Sikua (left), Emarlyn Boka Hiele, and Vhairi Devi, academic staff members of Solomon Islands National University (SINU).

Course participants, including Assistant Lecturer Ms. Madeline Kili Solo, were full of positive feedback about the course, noting it had given them the confidence to integrate technology into their teaching practices. 

Graduates celebrating their achievement alongside distinguished guests from the Australian High Commission, the University of Technology Sydney, and Solomon Islands National University.

Australia Awards continues to deliver world-class education and professional development opportunities for Solomon Islanders—empowering individuals, strengthening institutions, and contributing to national development goals.