Honiara, Solomon Islands [18 October 2024] – THE Solomon Islands Inclusive Education Manual was officially launched on Friday 18 October 2024 at a special ceremony held at the New Zealand High Commission.
Inclusive education promotes learning environments that value and support student participation, learning, and success. The Inclusive Education Manual will guide and assist the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) staff, teachers, education partners, and those supporting inclusive education programs in the Solomon Islands.
MEHRD developed the Inclusive Education Manual with support from the Education Sector Support Program (ESSP), a partnership between the Solomon Islands, Australian, and New Zealand governments aiming to improve access to quality and inclusive education in the Solomon Islands.
In addition, UNICEF has provided valuable input to MEHRD during the development of the inclusive education manual and supported the development of inclusive education self-learning modules, which equip teachers with practical skills and promote safe and inclusive classrooms.
MEHRD’s Permanent Secretary Dr. Franco Rodie received the manual on behalf of the Solomon Islands Government during the launch event. Dr Tristan Armstrong from the Australian High Commission, New Zealand Deputy High Commissioner Her Excellency Rebacca Williams, and other Government officials attended the launch.
“This initiative represents a significant milestone in our belief that no child should be left behind, regardless of their abilities or challenges.
“Inclusive education is about cultivating a culture of acceptance, respect, and collaboration within our schools and communities,” Dr Rodie said.
He also shared that the Inclusive Education Manual is part of his ministry’s commitment to ensure and strengthen access to education for persons and inclusivity in Solomon Islands.
Dr Armstrong, Australia High Commission’s Human Development Counselor said, “an inclusive, educated generation that values diversity, is one that can confidently contribute to and share in the future”.
“Australia is here for the long-haul to continue supporting access to quality education for all Solomon Islands’ children”, said Dr Tristan.
New Zealand Deputy High Commissioner Her Excellency Rebacca Williams said New Zealand is proud to handover this first ever IE manual to Solomon Islands and remains committed to improving access to quality education for all children in Solomon Islands.
“Education is a human right for all children regardless of gender, disability or class. Education providers and schools are fundamental to the realization of this right. My hope is that this manual will support the delivery of more inclusive teaching and learning to children across Solomon Islands,” Deputy High Commissioner Williams said.
MEHRD is developing a plan to distribute the 4,000 copies of the Inclusive Education Manuals during the socialisation of the inclusive education program to schools in the Solomon Islands. UNICEF, through partnership among the MEHRD, Australia and New Zealand government, is currently supporting the roll out of training of the manual and the self-learning modules in the country. The manual’s socialisation will ensure that teachers, school leaders, and education providers understand and meet the Education Act 2023 and the Education Legislative Framework requirements. The Australian, New Zealand, and Solomon Islands governments continue to collaborate to promote inclusive and accessible education for all children in the Solomon Islands.
The Solomon Islands Education Sector Support Program (ESSP) provides the strategic direction and implementation arrangements for the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) combined investment to support the Solomon Islands Government to implement its Education Strategic Framework (ESF) 2016-2030 and the National Education Action Plan.
