BY MYRNE LIVETT AND BRYLL MA’ARA
AUSTRALIAN and New Zealand Government on Tuesday handed over a fully equipped refurbished computer laboratory to the Honiara High Senior School in Honiara that is worth approximately SBD 2 Million.
The Honourable Minister of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD), Lanelle Tanangada thanked the Australian and New Zealand governments for the generous gift and assured them that the school will make maximum use of the lab to achieve the students’ and teachers’ success.
“It is fitting for me as the minister for Education to express my gratitude and thanks to the government and people of Australia and New Zealand for your generous support which we valued so much, as students and teachers of Honiara high school will access the computer laboratory.
“The Computers in this laboratory will assist students and teachers to develop information and communication technology skills, which are essential for everyday functioning in work, business, study, and leisure.
“Initiatives such as this give substance to many of ideals and visions of my ministry, and why we believe young people must be prepared, in terms of knowledge, skills, and values for the life they’re expected to live in. with further support from the community our present and future national governments, the development partners we can join to address the ICT in education infrastructure needs and access to quality education challenges,” the Minister of Education and Human Resources Development said.
Hon. Lanelle Tanangada described to Australian and New Zealand top-level governmental representatives that the school used to enroll 1200 students but due to the Covid-pandemic and the last year’s (2021) burning of school buildings, only 867 students were enrolled for this year.
She later appealed to teachers and students to look after the computers and make full use of them.
At the handing-over ceremony, Australian Minister for Defence, Industry, International Development, and the Pacific, Hon. Pat Conroy MP said the Australian Government is very committed to investing in the people of Solomon Islands so that you can fulfill your potential because you are the future of the Solomon Islands and the Pacific.
“On behalf of all Australians, we were saddened to learn of the damage done to your school late last year because of the Civil Unrest.
“It is a tragedy to see the damage and interruptions to your schooling, particularly after having such a tough time through the covid-19 pandemic.
“So I want to pay my respect to you to keep persevering in your learning during this period of unprecedented challenges.
“I’m also here to say that I’m proud to represent the Australian people to help support the rebuilding of your school with the opening of your new computer laboratory.
“That investment is a small symbol of our partnership between the people of Australia, New Zealand with the people of Solomon Islands. And when we bring people together we can unlock peace and prosperity for our region,” Hon. Pat Conroy MP said.
Also present at the event, New Zealand High Commissioner, Jonathan Schwass emphasized that the Solomon Islands, Australia, and New Zealand have been working together in Education for a long time here in the Solomon Islands, we had the partnership in place and a lot of good work taking place, and this a very successful partnership all three countries working together very well and we’ve done some excellent work together to support education in the Solomon Islands.
“Education is essential for building young lives and providing opportunities to succeed and support families.
“This Partnership in Education is a really important part of the work New Zealand does in the Solomon Islands and we are committed to maintaining it.
“Thank you everyone in the school for making this visit possible, it’s so good to see the school rebuilding from the unrest and coming to its normal,” New Zealand High Commissioner, Jonathan Schwass said.
