IT was a moment of celebration and recognition of the partnership and commitment between the governments of Australia, New Zealand, and Solomon Islands in the creation and construction of a new science laboratory at Reginald Chapman Nicholson College, in South Vela La Vela, Western Province.
Representatives from the Australian and New Zealand High Commissions in Solomon Islands, the Government for National Unity and Transformation, the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD), members of the surrounding communities, and schoolteachers and students gathered on Wednesday 13 November 2024 to celebrate the handover and opening of the new laboratory.
The science laboratory, valued at approximately SBD1.6 million was funded by the Australian and New Zealand governments through the Education Sector Support Program (ESSP) in partnership with MEHRD.
Senior secondary students at the College, formerly known as Vonunu Provincial Secondary School, will use the new science laboratory to facilitate experiential learning and a hands-on approach to learning scientific theory and practice.
Director of Assets Management, Mr. Clement Tito, speaking on behalf of the Minister of Education Hon. Tozen Leokana, said the handover of this science laboratory is a manifestation of Australia and New Zealand as the major partners of education in the Solomon Islands.
“My ministry is making the preparatory work to design and strengthen Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education in schools throughout the country.
“STEM Education emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach that fosters problem-solving and critical thinking.
“Integrating STEM into the Solomon Islands school curriculum and teaching and learning has the advantage of equipping students with practical skills and preparing them for future careers in a technology-driven world,” he said.
Dr. Tristan Armstrong, Counsellor of Human Development for the Australian High Commission in Solomon Islands said Investments like this aim to build a knowledgeable and skilled workforce that contributes to national development.
First Secretary, Olivia Benton-Guy, at the New Zealand High Commission to Solomon Islands said New Zealand will continues to support inclusive education in Solomon Islands that promotes learning environments that value and support student participation, learning, and success.
“New Zealand is proud to work with Solomon Islands and Australia to hand this science laboratory over. It is a place where students will learn new skills and build relationships for life.
“New Zealand has a long-standing partnership in education in Solomon Islands and we are looking forward to continuing this commitment through teacher management and support to education providers across the country.
“The heart of education is inside the classroom and New Zealand and Australia are proud to support education infrastructure in schools across Solomon Islands,” she said.
This initiative also highlights the partners in education’s commitment to fostering educational excellence and offering students opportunities to develop critical skills in science, mathematics and technology.
Reginald Chapman Nicholson College Principal, Mr. Lawrence Zaza expressed his appreciation for the partners involved in bringing the project to fruition and conveyed his excitement and pride in the new facility, emphasizing its significance for a brighter future for both students and teachers at the school.
“This is a gift and a blessing from the good peoples of Australia and New Zealand, thank you very much.
“This development will definitely boost the level of learning at the school as students will be more determined to excel in such a good learning environment,” Mr. Lawrance said.
ESSP is a partnership between the Solomon Islands, Australian, and New Zealand governments aiming to improve access to quality education for all Solomon Islands children. The new science laboratory demonstrates the partners’ ongoing dedication to providing quality education and fostering a culture of learning and growth within the school communities in Solomon Islands.
