Telebere News

Youth empowerment in Solomon Islands has received a boost with a recent handover of new laptops, speakers, and headphones to the Solomon Islands National Youth Congress (SINYC) from the Australian Government. The technology will enhance SINYC’s capacity to advocate for youth development, improve operational efficiency, and expand its outreach across the provinces. SINYC has partnered with Australia since 2020 through Australia’s skills program – the Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC). Among SINYC’s portfolio of work is the Virtual Youth Skills Hub Dialogue series—The Hub for short—a joint initiative with APTC, which started as a way of connecting young people during COVID19 who were facing travel disruptions and limitation on face-to-face training and other interactions. Mr. Harry James Olikwailafa, the Solomon Islands National Youth Congress (SINYC) Chairperson, receiving ICT equipment during a formal handover with Australian High Commission representative, Monika Betts...

Reducing violence against women includes building safer spaces for women to work and rest in. Marking this year’s 16-days of activism against gender-based violence, Australian High Commissioner, His Excellency Rod Hilton said Australia’s zero tolerance to gender-based violence informed every part of the Solomon Islands-Australia Partnership. Australian High Commissioner, His Excellency, Rod Hilton said Australia would continue to listen to women during the design of infrastructure to help keep them safe and empowered to earn an income . “At the recent opening of the refurbished Tulagi Market, the vendors I spoke to said they appreciated the perimeter fencing installed around the market as part of the upgrade works,” High Commissioner Hilton said. “When they overnighted in the market, the women could sleep safely without disturbance from men coming through the market.” Like many markets in Solomon Islands, women travel from distant communities and overnight at the market until the...

“We can hold a hammer. We have skills. We want to work to support our family and community.” These are the powerful words of final-year carpentry student Robert Haga. Like many young Solomon Islanders, he strongly desires to build his own house, find work, and support himself and his family. “After I graduate, I want to go home to Makira to find a job and support myself,” Mr Haga said. “I’ve learned how to follow a floor plan, brickwork, and build a roof. What’s special about Robert and his classmates at San Isidro Care Centre and School for the Deaf is that they all have a hearing disability and communicate using sign language. Anthony Rikimae and Ashley Biibo learning window frame construction. Australia, through the Solomon Islands Infrastructure Program, is supporting Robert and other students at San Isidro and Bethesda Disability Training Centres learn construction skills, and provide them with tool kits to give them the chance to earn an income, be their best, and contr...

Australian High Commission staff were pleased to attend the graduation ceremony of seven outstanding students with disabilities who completed their vocational training at Bethesda Disability Training and Support Centre in 2024. Australian High Commissioner Rod Hilton said, “I want to congratulate these outstanding students on successfully completing their training and on their dedication and perseverance.” “It is great to see students that Australia is supporting in carpentry studies doing well, including Michael Fadai, who received his certificate at the graduation ceremony.” During the graduation, Australia announced that 25 TVET Awards scholarships will be made available to students at Bethesda in 2025. The TVET Awards will provide for tuition costs as well as all meals and accommodation to enable these students to complete their studies. “Australia’s granting of 25 TVET Awards scholarships to Bethesda students next year is a testament to our longstanding commitment...

The Malu’u Market redevelopment project is set to go ahead in the New Year, with local company Alrico Constructions awarded the Early Works contract. The new market will be a major boost to the North Malaita economy, with space for 100-150 vendors and storage, separate toilets and showers for men and women, and be fully accessible for wheelchair users with accessible entrance, toilets, showers and market stalls. Australian High Commission Infrastructure Counsellor, Mr Craig Gillies, hands over Early Works agreement to Alrico's Alfred Ri’ibako, with representatives from Malaita Provincial Government (Provincial Secretary George Ongoa and Finance Minister Mr Lemuel Kevianga), Australian High Commission and Solomon Islands Infrastructure Progra m Alrico was awarded the contract at a formal signing ceremony with Malaita Provincial Government and the Australian High Commission, demonstrating Australia’s ongoing commitment to more Solomon Islands companies delivering work under the Sol...

The Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA) presented its ambitious plans to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), underlining the development of Solomon Islands’ aviation infrastructure and the nation’s readiness to take control of its upper airspace. MCA reported utilizing 60 percent of its allocated budget, with 80 percent of its development budget already committed. These funds focus on critical aviation projects, including the rehabilitation of Ramata and other provincial airstrips. The Ministry expects budget implementation to surpass 80 percent upon the Ministry of Finance’s disbursement of remaining funds this year . Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Communication and Aviation, Alwyn Danitofea, revealed that in 2025, MCA plans to streamline its activities by grouping its initiative into three components: The Communication Program, the International Airport Program, and the Provincial Airport Program . Historically, aviation development has focused primarily on ...

Australia has contributed over SBD350,000 to support Solomon Islands Rugby Union Federation (SIRUF) and Oceania Rugby to host the region’s premiere rugby 7s tournament for the first time in Solomon Islands.   Australia’s support for Oceania Rugby Sevens 2024 includes: PacificAus Sports funding to help organisers host the tournament playing kit for the Solomon Islands men’s and women’s national 7s teams equipment including coach kits, rugby union balls, cones, pumps, vests, bags, referee kits, agility sets, recovery sets, hit shields, and game day support stretchers, compressors and first aid kits   As a member of Oceania Rugby, Australia will field men’s and women’s teams in the competition. A handover ceremony for Australia’s contribution to Oceania Rugby Sevens 2024 was attended by Mr Wayne Schuster, Competitions Manager at Oceania Rugby, Secretary of the SIRUF Executive Board Angikinui Francis Tekatoha, and Australian High Commission Political Counselor Mr Camer...