Australia has invested approximately SBD2 million to advance inclusive education in schools across Solomon Islands through grants to local and international NGOs.
Awarded under the Stronger Education Together (SET) program, the support is delivered in close collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD).
Three NGOs have been awarded funding to support and expand MEHRD’s ongoing effort to strengthen inclusive education. The successful awardees are:
- Blind and Visually Impaired People of Solomon Islands (BVIPSI)
- Kaleko Steifree Solomons
- Litehaus International
BVIPSI will collaborate with communities and schools in Malaita, Makira and Isabel provinces to increase the participation of students with disabilities in education.
Litehaus International will establish 20 computer labs annually in schools across Malaita, Temotu, Isabel, Western and Makira provinces. They will also provide 50 laptops to SINU School of Education, and supply specialist technology for students with visual impairments in partnership with BVIPSI.
Kaleko Steifree will address menstrual hygiene management (MHM) as a barrier to girls’ and female teachers’ participation in education. Their work includes providing reusable MHM kits to female teachers and students in Central Province, along with training on proper use and care to ensure the products’ five-year lifespan – supporting better WASH outcomes and reducing disposable waste.
Australia’s High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Jeff Roach, said the grants reflect Australia and Solomon Islands’ shared vision that every child, regardless of ability, gender, or background, should have the opportunity to learn, thrive and contribute to a brighter future.
‘We know that supporting access to education is one of the single most impactful things we can do to create lifelong opportunities for Solomon Islanders,’ High Commissioner Roach said.
‘And working with NGOs on the ground is a great way to ensure that our support goes to where it’s needed most.’
SET is an eight-year program supporting the Solomon Islands Government to implement its Education Strategic Framework 2016-2030 and National Education Action Plan.
Delivered in partnership with Solomon Islands, SET spans from basic to tertiary education with the goal of improving access to quality education for all Solomon Islands children.
