Telebere News

Solomon Islands’ tourism sector continues to grow, with Australia's latest announcement of support for its partnership with Kagata Village Surf Camp. Established in 2010, Kagata is a community-led surf and sport fishing tourism lodge in northwest Isabel province. Its pristine environment, vibrant marine life, and world-class surfing and fishing have attracted surfers worldwide to the Solomon Islands. However, the increased demand from surfers has outpaced the lodge's size, especially during the peak surf season. Kagata’s two bungalows accommodate seven guests, which has meant it has had to turn away surfers at times due to the limited space and resources. To address these challenges, Australia is funding the construction of an additional guesthouse and purchasing a new boat to transport surfers. Kagata will cover construction costs and purchase an outboard motor. Emily Flahive, Economic Counsellor of the Australian High Commission, and Annie Leketo, Managing Director of K...

Bethesda Disability Training and Support Centre, a vital institution for individuals with disabilities in the Solomon Islands, faces significant financial challenges. This was revealed by Thelma Awasi, the principal of Bethesda Disability Training and Support Centre, during their recent graduation, which celebrated the achievement of seven individuals with disabilities, including two females and five males. Thelma Awasi, Principal of Bethesda Disability Training and Support Centre, addressed the school's financial challenges during its recent graduation ceremony. These graduates received Certificates of Attainment, equipping them to enter the workforce and make meaningful contributions to the Solomon Islands . Thelma said the school currently faces financial challenges for its operations. It relies heavily on school projects and donor support to maintain its operations. “ Bethesda is struggling to sustain its mission with limited resources and minimal government funding. ...

Goldie College National Secondary School in Western Province now has a new boys’ dormitory, valued at SBD1.8 million, thanks to the partnership between the governments of Australia, New Zealand, and the Solomon Islands through the Education Sector Support Program (ESSP).   The education infrastructure was officially handed over to the national secondary school by Minister of Education Hon. Tozen Leokana along with Dr. Tristan Armstrong, Counsellor for Human Development from the Australian High Commission to Solomon Islands and Olivia Benton-Guy, First Secretary at the New Zealand High Commission to Solomon Islands during a handover ceremony at Goldie College on Tuesday, 12 November 2024.   The new double-story dormitory will provide safe, secure, and clean accommodation for up to 50 boys attending Form One at Goldie College . It will foster a quality learning environment for the students and empower  them to reach their full potential. Warriors getting ready to we...

Australia has commenced crucial design work to support Solomon Ports’ redevelopment of ageing wharf facilities at Noro International Port, which is a national infrastructure pipeline priority project for the economic development of Solomon Islands. Australian High Commission staff, accompanied by technical experts from Australia’s Solomon Islands Infrastructure Program, travelled to Noro recently to meet with Solomon Ports officials, industry and the Western Provincial Government. The current Noro International Wharf (foreground) is reaching the end of its life as Western Province’s most important maritime and economic hub The delegation discussed maritime needs and several design options to upgrade and extend the life of the international wharf – a national gateway for tuna and copra exports. Solomon Ports Chief Executive Officer, Mr Eranda Kotelawala, said the current international wharf would reach the end of its operational life over the next 15 years, affecting its ability to ...

Shirley Ifunaoa, a proud alumna of the University of the South Pacific (USP), has defied the odds and risen to become the Deputy School Principal at the Technical Institute of Malaita. Her journey from humble beginnings in Mbokonavera one in Honiara , Solomon Islands, demonstrates her resilience, determination, and unwavering pursuit of excellence. Growing up in a family of seven, Shirley faced financial hardships and limited opportunities. Yet, she harboured a strong desire for education, driven by a wish to make her family proud. In 2017, she earned a Bachelor of Commerce in Tourism and Hospitality Management at USP’s Laucala campus in Fiji . She acknowledged the Solomon Islands Government scholarship , which supported her in achieving her dreams . USP's curriculum, including specialized courses in tourism and hospitality, equipped Shirley with practical skills and industry insights. Internships and research projects further honed her abilities, preparing her for the cha...

The Australian Public Service Commission (APSC) has delivered a leadership development course for 60 Solomon Islands public servants in Honiara, in partnership with the Solomon Islands Ministry of Public Service (MPS). Solomon Islands public servants with their Australian Public Service Commission training certificates of completion joined by (front row, L-R) facilitator Natalie Dawes, Public Service Commission Chair Milner Tozaka, Counsellor Cameron Darragh of the Australian High Commission, Permanent Secretary Luke Cheka of the Ministry of Public Service, Bronwyn Armstrong of the Australian Public Service Commission.  The course, Building and Leading High Performing Teams by the Australian Public Service Academy, will help managers create and maintain high-performing teams where work is aligned with Solomon Islands Government priorities. The training forms part of the strengthened cooperation between the MPS and the APSC, as formalised in a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)...

The governments of Solomon Islands, Australia and New Zealand have handed over a new girls’ dormitory and ablution block for Tabaka Rural Training Centre in New Georgia, Western Province, marking a significant development for the school. Valued at SBD 2.6 million, the education infrastructure was successfully built and completed by local contractor Kii and Sons Constructions, offering accommodation for female students and a new ablution block to improve the school’s water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities. Ms Stephanie Copus Campbell, Australia’s visiting Ambassador for Gender Equality celebrate with female students at Tabaka RTC on the occasion of the handover of their new dormitory. A total of 184 students, which includes 91 female students, and 11 teachers and six support staff will benefit from this new infrastructure, providing a safe and clean learning environment that fosters collaboration and supports the development of students. A handover ceremony was held at the sc...