Telebere News

Australia is supporting urgent upgrades to the Red Cross Special Development Centre to provide safe and reliable access to water and sanitation facilities. The Red Cross Special Development Centre is Solomon Islands’ only school for children with special needs. Acting Principal Mrs Manmino Sare and Capitol Construction’s Project Manager Larry Dionie (centre), with officials from Australia’s Solomon Islands Infrastructure Program. Delivered by local contractor Capitol Construction, the upgrades will restore reliable water supply to the centre, install accessible toilet facilities, and improve sanitation for teachers and over 100 students. Established in 1977, the centre provides specialised education for children from across Solomon Islands with physical, sensory and intellectual disabilities - many of whom would otherwise miss out on schooling. Currently, toilets no longer work, and the only running water is from outdoor tanks. The poor state of water and sanitation facilities ...

The governments of Solomon Islands and Australia warmly welcomed home 24 Australia Awards scholars at a reception held at the Australian High Commissioner’s residence in Honiara in April, celebrating their academic achievements and their contribution to Solomon Islands’ future. The reception recognised scholars who have successfully completed undergraduate and postgraduate studies under the Australia Awards program and highlighted the vital role alumni play in strengthening national institutions, building leadership, and supporting Solomon Islands’ long ‑ term development. Australian High Commissioner Jeff Roach congratulated the graduates on their dedication and success. Australian High Commission officials, SIG officials, SIAAA members and all the returning scholars  “To the 24 returning scholars—congratulations. You have worked extremely hard to earn your degrees, whether at bachelor, masters or PhD level.   Australia is truly proud of you,” High Commissioner Roach sa...

A new chapter is unfolding for young business owners in Solomon Islands, as 27 local entrepreneurs officially signed their agreements to receive funding under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MCT) and the Young Entrepreneurs Council Solomon Islands (YECSI) Grants Program. The signing marked the first cohort of recipients under the initiative, with a second group of 17 entrepreneurs expected to follow on Thursday, April 23. For many in the room, the moment was more than just a formal process, it was the realisation of a long-awaited opportunity. “I believe many people have been trying their best, through different governments, to access funding to support their businesses,” Director for Tourism Division, Gregory Autaá, said during the signing event. “But as you can see now, we are very fortunate to be the recipients.” The grants, described as small but impactful, are part of the government’s broader effort to strengthen small businesses, improve services, and create economic...

What began as a regular Sunday market at King Solomon Hotel became something far more meaningful, a day of compassion, unity, and hope for families in Simbo affected by Cyclone Maila. Members of the Young Entrepreneur Council Solomon Islands (YECSI), alongside supporters from western province and the public, raised more than SBD7,500 to assist communities in Simbo, Western Province, who are still recovering from the devastating impacts of the cyclone. The fundraising drive, known as “YECSI for Simbo,” was held during the monthly YECSI Sunday Market at Troppo, where young entrepreneurs usually gather to showcase and sell their products. But this month, alongside the handmade crafts and small business displays, a donation box stood as a symbol of solidarity. As shoppers browsed through local products and connected with young business owners, many also stopped to contribute cash donations and clothing for families back home. A handful of individuals, families, and local entrepre...

In the Solomon Islands, young people are full of talent, energy, and ambition—but access to safe, supported spaces for learning, mentorship, and growth remains limited. We often call young people “leaders of tomorrow.” But walk through the streets of Gizo or Auki, and you quickly realize tomorrow has already arrived. Nearly 70% of our population is under 34. We are not a nation with a youth sector; we are a youth nation. This presents both incredible opportunity and a serious responsibility: to ensure our young people can thrive, lead, and innovate. Across the country, youth are making their mark as entrepreneurs, community leaders, and participants in government and regional initiatives. Many return from training and exchange programs within the country and abroad, bringing new skills, perspectives, and savings that help strengthen local economies. Yet alongside this promise lie real challenges. Job opportunities are limited, urban migration is rising, and gaps remain in...

Ten emerging entrepreneurs are stepping into a new chapter of growth and opportunity after showcasing their business potential at the Iumi Gro Business Accelerator Shark Tank finale, an initiative supported by the Australian High Commission’s private sector development program. Over the past five months, these entrepreneurs have undergone an intensive journey of training, mentorship, and hands-on business development. Illalina Bisili of Cravings, one of the five Shark Tank winners, and receiver of the High Commissioner’s Special Award, receiving a cheque of SBD100,000 in co-investment from Australian High Commissioner Jeff Roach, and PS Riley Mesepitu of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration . From refining their ideas to strengthening their operations, each participant arrived at the finale ready to present not just a business pitch, but a vision for the future. In a high-energy showcase of innovation and ambition, ten local SMEs pitched their growth strategie...

A female student at Solomon Islands National University has called for stronger practical support for entrepreneurship, highlighting the need to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application. Speaking during the university’s 2026 New Academic Year Opening, the student emphasised that while entrepreneurship is well taught academically, opportunities to apply those skills remain limited. “Entrepreneurship is the backbone of any country. When we create more businesses, we create more wealth for ourselves, but the challenge is how we connect what we learn in class to the outside world,” she said. While students are equipped with business planning skills, she explained that turning those plans into real ventures remains a challenge, often due to limited access to finance, mentorship, and practical experience. One idea gaining attention is the need for real spaces on campus where students can test their ideas, whether through running small businesses or managing ...

James Kana, Managing Director of Ueniusi’’unu Agribusiness Group strongly encourages young people in the Solomon Islands to embrace curiosity, take bold action and shape the future of their communities. “Curiosity is at the heart of everything,” he began. “It’s not just about science or textbooks, it’s about asking questions, exploring ideas, and seeing opportunities where others see challenges.” For Mr. James, curiosity has guided every step of his journey.  From public service to banking, and later into entrepreneurship, his path has taken him across the islands, into rural villages, and into the very communities that sustain the Solomon Islands. “I’ve worked with farmers and local communities who are doing incredible work,” he said. “But I’ve also seen the gaps, opportunities waiting for someone to step in, to innovate, and to make things happen.” That someone could very well be SINU students. Mr. James painted a vivid picture of what this could look like: students visit...

For years, the roads of Malaita were more than just pathways, they were barriers. They slowed down journeys, cut off communities, and made everyday life harder for families trying to earn a living, access services, or simply get from one place to another. In some areas, a trip to Auki could take an entire day or more. Today, that story is changing. Across 133 kilometres of key roads, including the South Road to Hauhui and the Busurata and Fataleka–Subobono roads, upgrades are nearing completion, and with them, a quiet transformation is unfolding. The road works have re-opened access to key agricultural areas in Malaita. A road to opportunity “For us, transportation is everything,” says Patteson Uania, a church deacon, farmer and small business owner from Maoa. Before the upgrades, reaching Auki meant a long, costly journey, first by truck to Bina Harbour, then by boat. Now, the road has cut travel time dramatically. “Travel is faster, and business is better,” he says. T...

Emerging youth leaders from communities in Honiara are driving change through the Social Citizenship Education (SCE) program, an initiative by the Pacific Community aimed at ending violence against women and girls by tackling the root causes of gender inequality through education and community engagement. Emerging youth leaders from Honiara take the lead in preventing gender-based violence through the Social Citizenship Education (SCE) programme, empowering communities and inspiring change across the Solomon Islands. Solomon Islands has one of the highest documented rates of violence against women and girls in the world, with a reported 64 per cent of women experiencing physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, many experiencing severe forms of physical partner violence. There is strong political will to address and end violence against women and girls (VAWG) in the country, with efforts led by both government and civil society. One key initiative is the SCE program, implemented...

More young Solomon Islanders will gain practical skills, access jobs and contribute to their communities through 726 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) scholarships in 2026. This means more young people including men, women and people with disabilities in the Solomon Island will have access to quality training opportunities to build a better future and contribute to their country. Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Jeff Roach congratulated the students for taking this remarkable step in doing the trainings which will help them to have work ready skills and new opportunities to have a bright future. The scholarships are delivered under the Solomon Islands-Australia Partnership with the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD). The scholarships cover students’ tuition fees, meals and accommodation at ten Rural Training Centres (RTCs) across Solomon Islands and the tuition fees for ten students at Solomon Islands National Univer...