BY JOY OFASIA
The Solomon Islands Government’s Ministry of Education and Human Resources and its national and international key stakeholders have commemorated the positive passing of the newly passed Education Act 2023 in Honiara.
The theme of the commemorative event, ‘Celebrating the Education Act 2023′, signified the drive by the Ministry of Education and Human Resources (MEHRD) to initiate the official celebration of the milestone legislation achievement in the country.
The much-anticipated Education Bill 2023 was passed in Parliament without amendments earlier this month, in October.
The new Act will effectively address gaps in the existing education system as well as provide for a better delivery of education services at the ECE, primary, and secondary levels of education through schools to all Solomon Islanders. The Act is also cognizant of the expanding education system and is designed to be robust and flexible to respond to current and future needs and aspirations.
Minister of Education and Resource Development, Hon. Lanelle Tanangada, said the Education Act 2023 embraces a new vision and direction to advance the education sector, build capacity, and empower our future leaders in the Solomon Islands.
“This new legislation is our very own grown-up for the next generations of education,” Hon. Lanelle said at the MEHRD-hosted celebratory event today at the Pacific Crown Hotel in Honiara.
The Minister of Education expressed that the new education act provides clarity for those who administer education and all those who, together, support the Solomon Islands education system.
“The Education Act 2023 provides us all with the contemporary framework from which to develop our education system to continue to improve access to quality and management of early childhood, primary and secondary education, and the teaching profession,” she said.
Likewise, the Australian High Commissioner to the Solomon Islands, His Excellency Rod Hilton, said Australia is happy to celebrate the biggest education reform in history in the Solomon Islands.
He said Australia is proud to be a partner of choice by working hand in hand with the Solomon Islands government and New Zealand to deliver quality education.
“We are proud to play our part to support the education bill, and we will continue to work with the ministry, education providers, communities, principals, teachers, and infrastructure to ensure all SI children have access to quality education,” His Excellency Rod Hilton said.
On a similar note, New Zealand High Commissioner to the Solomon Islands, His Excellency Jonathan Schwass, said New Zealand values its long-standing partnership with MERHD.
He said that the celebrations represent the combination of more than a decade of hard work by MERHD leadership and staff, as well as by the SI national teacher association and educational authorities.
“New Zealand is grateful for the partnership shared with you, and we look forward to working with you and your Australian friends to improve the quality of education for all young people in SI,” His Excellency Jonathan Schwass said.
The Education Act 2023 is a significant achievement by MEHRD after a 10-year period of reviews and extensive consultations on the Education Act 1978.
