Telebere News

TMC Foundation, youth leaders from White River, and Ngossi Ward Councilor Rex Konofilia have joined forces to host the first-ever White River Diverse Festival, planned for October 2026. The festival will be held under the slogan, “Experience Solomon Islands in One Community,” and aims to celebrate White River’s rich diversity, strengthen community unity, promote local talent, and raise awareness of the area’s potential to become a tourism product from 2027 and beyond. The community initiative will bring together residents, youth, cultural groups, businesses, churches, organisations and other partners through culture, arts, sports, food, music, enterprise and community participation. Councilor Konofilia said the timing of the festival was important and acknowledged the leadership shown by young people in White River and Ngossi Ward. “There has never been a right time to initiate such, but right now and in 2026,” he said. “This festival is a youth-led initiative, and it is encour...

The United Nations has reaffirmed its strong commitment to supporting Solomon Islands’ development priorities, including the country’s economic transformation and transition from Least Developed Country (LDC) status. The assurance was given during a courtesy meeting between Prime Minister Hon. Matthew Wale and UN Resident Coordinator for Solomon Islands, Mr. Dirk Wagener, and his delegation at the Prime Minister’s Office in Honiara today. Mr. Wagener highlighted the UN’s significant presence in Solomon Islands, noting that around 140 UN staff are permanently based in the country, with 13 UN agencies delivering programmes across key areas of development. He said the UN delivered close to US$40 million in programmes and assistance in Solomon Islands last year, making the country one of the UN’s largest single-country presences in the Pacific. Mr. Wagener also reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to working closely with the GREAT Coalition Government and expressed its readiness to suppo...

For many young people, the journey from school or university into a career, business or leadership role does not always begin with a clear plan. Sometimes, it begins with simply saying yes to an opportunity. That was the message from an International Youth Day 2026 conversation featuring six young Solomon Islanders whose journeys have taken them from volunteering and youth activities into careers, creative industries, entrepreneurship and community storytelling. Held under the theme “Where It All Started: From Youth Volunteer to Career and Business,” the discussion explored what happened between starting out and where they are today. The guests were Yvonne Ono, Project Officer for a Digital Youth Project with Save the Children Solomon Islands. Jessica Lapo, Humanitarian Focal Point with Solomon Islands Planned Parenthood Hency Charles, Lead Physical Trainer at the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force Gym Hahe Designs, an award-winning multidisciplinary creative designer D...

Australia and Kolombangara Forest Products Ltd (KFPL) are partnering to build workforce skills and support community wellbeing in the timber plantation sector on Kolombangara Island, Western Province. Australia is supporting two key activities: targeted on-site training for KFPL’s workforce in vehicle and heavy machinery operation and maintenance, as well as administrative skills; and the upgrade of an Early Learning Centre for children of KFPL employees to support working families and improve wellbeing in this remote community. Deputy High Commissioner Andrew Schloeffel and KFPL staff planting a tree outside the Early Learning Centre to commemorate the partnership between Australia and Kolombangara Forest Products Ltd (KFPL) .   KFPL is Solomon Islands’ only internationally certified sustainable forestry plantation. It is a major employer in the country, providing jobs for around 1000 Solomon Islanders. The company operates in close partnership with the local landowners of Kol...

Twenty New Colombo Plan Scholars from Curtin University have digitised more than 7,000 rock samples from across Solomon Islands, preserving a nationally significant geological collection and unlocking valuable geological data to support the country's future research and economic development. During a four-week mobility program, the students worked in five teams to catalogue this unique collection of rock samples from the former Geological Survey rock shed, documenting an estimated 3.5 to 4 tonnes of material collected from thousands of locations across Solomon Islands in the 1970's. Group photo of Curtin University scholars and AHC staff, following presentation of research outcomes.   The students also digitised geological maps and historical rock sample location records from the Geological Survey archives, achieving digital coverage of 99 per cent of the country and identifying the locations of 13,000 samples retained for future research. Curtin students digitising 7,000 g...

Ngossi Ward 1 Councillor Rex Konofilia has called for greater investment, support and opportunities for young people as Solomon Islands joins the world in celebrating International Youth Day 2026. In his International Youth Day message, Councillor Konofilia highlighted this year’s theme, “Different Contexts, Same Aspirations,” saying that while young people may come from different backgrounds and circumstances, they share common hopes for a better future. He extended his wishes to young people, youth leaders, youth workers, community volunteers and church youth leaders in Ngossi Ward, West Honiara and across Solomon Islands. Councillor Konofilia said the significant proportion of young people in the population demonstrates the need for stronger investment in youth development. “This alone speaks volumes about the level of investment, support and opportunities needed to empower our youth and create environments where their potential, talents and aspirations can flourish,” he sai...

Communities across East Kwaio in Malaita Province are benefiting from four life-changing projects funded through the Solomon Islands–Australia Community Partnerships program, improving access to clean water, reliable electricity, and quality education infrastructure. In Nunubilau, the construction of a new gravity-fed water supply system, including nine standpipes, is providing more than 200 people with access to reliable, clean, and safe drinking water. The project will improve health outcomes and eliminate the long journeys community members previously undertook to collect water. First Secretary Sam Cullen-Taylor, Australian High Commission opening the newly renovated classroom building at Imbo Community High School.   Students and teachers at Imbo Community High School are benefiting from a newly renovated classroom building. Previously limited to three classrooms, the school now has five classrooms, a small office, and a library. The upgraded facility provides a safer and m...