Telebere News

For many young people in the Solomon Islands, choosing a career path can feel like standing at a crossroads—often with the belief that success lies in traditional academic routes. But leaders across government and education are now sending a clear and urgent message: Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is not a second choice—it is a powerful pathway forward. Across the country, a shift is underway to reshape how young people view skills-based education. TVET is being positioned not as a fallback option, but as a direct route to meaningful careers, entrepreneurship, and national development. Minister for Education and Human Resource Development, Steven Kumi, is at the forefront of this message. “For Solomon Islands, TVET is not a second-choice pathway. It is a national development pathway,” Minister Kumi said. “It provides practical routes for our young people to become skilled workers, entrepreneurs, community builders, and contributors to the wider Pacific w...

On a typical Sunday at Troppo, King Solomon Hotel, the atmosphere is alive with colour, creativity, and conversation. Stalls lined with handmade crafts, vibrant fashion pieces, and unique local products draw in a steady flow of visitors—each one discovering the talent and ambition of young entrepreneurs in Honiara. At the heart of this growing movement is the Young Entrepreneurs Council Solomon Islands (YECSI), whose Sunday Market has quietly become more than just a marketplace. It is a space where ideas are tested, confidence is built, and dreams begin to take shape. Held on the first and third Sundays of each month, the market has steadily gained popularity among locals and visitors alike. For many young business owners, it offers a rare and valuable opportunity—not just to sell, but to connect, learn, and grow. YECSI Coordinator Moses Jrn Aunama sees the impact firsthand. “The YECSI Sunday Market is a platform for young entrepreneurs to showcase what they have to offer...

The Young Entrepreneurs Council Solomon Islands (YECSI), through its fundraising sub-committee, has officially launched a fundraising drive aimed at supporting programs and activities that empower young entrepreneurs across the country. The initiative was launched during the monthly Sunday Market held at Troppo, King Solomon Hotel, attracting strong interest from marketgoers and supporters of youth development. The fundraising drive features a raffle draw with 21 prizes to be won, including cash prizes, household items, and business-support tools. Tickets are priced at $20 each, with the draw scheduled for Friday, 21 August 2026. All proceeds will go towards strengthening YECSI’s initiatives that provide opportunities, training, and support for young people in business. Speaking during the launch, YECSI Coordinator Moses Jrn Aunama highlighted the importance of community support in driving youth-focused initiatives. “This fundraising effort is about investing in the future of...

Easternder Travel Group has extended its sincere appreciation to sponsors, partners, and the Temotu community following the successful staging of Temotu Bash 2.0, held in Lata as part of the 43rd Second Appointed Day Anniversary celebrations. Through its Events Division, Easternder Travel Group organised the second edition of the Bash, which attracted an estimated crowd of 1,000 people. Building on the success of its inaugural event in 2025, this year’s celebration delivered a larger and more vibrant showcase of music, culture, and community spirit. In a statement, the Easternder Travel Group acknowledged the vital role played by sponsors in bringing the event to life. Tourism Solomons was recognised as the Gold Sponsor, while Rotary Lodge (Lata) supported the event as Bronze Sponsor and Accommodation Partner.   Additional support was provided by Our Telekom, Lee Plus Shipping, Temotu Pele Constituency, A-Plus Enterprise, Notano Enterprise (Lata), Solrice, and Geogas. “Yo...

The Governor-General of Solomon Islands, His Excellency Sir David Tiva Kapu, has issued a powerful call to action, urging both government leaders and communities to confront the nation’s most pressing challenges with unity, urgency, and a renewed focus on young people. In a message strongly resonating with youth across the country, Sir David emphasized that while Solomon Islands continues to advocate for climate action on the global stage, greater attention must now be placed on strengthening resilience at home. “We must transition from survival to adaptation,” he said, calling for investment in climate-resilient infrastructure, protection of mangrove forests, and safeguarding freshwater resources. He described the ocean as the “lifeblood of our nation,” warning that it must be managed with foresight and scientific discipline to secure the future. However, the Governor-General stressed that environmental challenges are only part of a deeper, interconnected crisis—one that directl...

Civil society organisations in Solomon Islands are now better equipped to engage in extractive sector governance following a targeted Training-of-Trainers Programme held on June 5. Delivered by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the British High Commission in Honiara, the programme has strengthened the capacity of civil society umbrella groups to actively participate in the implementation, monitoring, and reporting of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI). The training marks a significant step toward improving transparency and accountability in the country’s extractive sector, enabling participants to better understand revenue flows, scrutinise data, and contribute to informed public dialogue. As a result of the programme, civil society actors are expected to play a more active role in ensuring that information on oil, gas, and mineral revenues is not only disclosed but also understood and used to hold institutions accountable. Deputy British H...

Kevin Olea has been officially elected as the new Student Representative to the University Council at Solomon Islands National University (SINU), marking a significant milestone in student leadership across the institution. The results were formally announced by Returning Officer Cinderella Letona following the conclusion of voting across SINU’s campuses. Letona confirmed that the election was conducted in full compliance with the Solomon Islands National University Act 2012, with all results declared final and binding. Olea secured a decisive victory with 468 votes, outperforming four other candidates in a closely watched race that drew participation from students across Kukum, Ranadi, and Panatina campuses. His strong showing reflects broad-based support from the student body.   Other candidates received the following votes: ·        James Obohira — 136 ·        Dikon Temonogutave — 122 ·   ...

A young entrepreneur from Temotu Province is turning local challenges into opportunities, building a growing eco-tourism business that showcases one of Solomon Islands’ most iconic landmarks—Tinakula. Cedric Takilmwa Williams, founder of Easternder Travel Group, began his journey not from inspiration, but from observation. “It wasn’t really inspiration—it was identifying a need,” he explains. “Visitors were arriving, and there was no one to pick them up or help arrange transport and accommodation.” What started as simply assisting visitors—meeting them at the airport and ensuring they felt welcome—soon evolved into a business idea. In 2023, Takilmwa officially launched Easternder Travel Group, initially focusing on transfers and tours. Today, the company operates as a holding group, with plans to expand into additional services, including events. Operating in a geographically scattered region like Temotu presents both challenges and opportunities. Transportation remains a cri...

More than 70 volunteers led by the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM) and the Ministry of Forestry and Research (MOFR), together with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MCT) and supportive partners, have marked World Environment Day with a large‑scale tree‑planting initiative at Bloody Ridge National Peace Park. The event brought together government officers, community representatives, Solomon Islands National University (SINU) students, and also partners from the tourism and environment sectors who joined forces to plant more than 100 native seedlings planted across the park. Pictured fourth from left MECDM Minister, the Hon. Wayne Ghemu, along with government officials and volunteers taking part in the World Environment Day initiative at Bloody Ridge National Peace Park. Addressing the volunteers, MECDM Minister, the Hon. Wayne Ghemu highlighted the importance of environmental stewardship, noting that protecting natural and cultural...