BY LESLEY FOINAGWA – ISLES MEDIA FREELANCER
Deputy Premier of Malaita Provincial Government, Randol Sifoni has called on graduating students to embrace the spirit of collective action as they face an evolving future shaped by global changes, technological advancements, and social transformations.
The Class of 2025 celebrated their achievements and aimed to build a stronger Malaita and a better Solomon Islands, united by a shared commitment.
Speaking as the guest of honour at the Gwaidingale Community High School 2025 academic graduation ceremony, Deputy Premier Sifoni praised the resilience, dedication, and hard work of the graduates, while highlighting the importance of unity in overcoming future challenges.
The ceremony, themed “Collective Effort Enlightens Future Challenges,” brought together school leadership, teachers, parents, guardians, and community members to celebrate the achievements of the graduating class.
“Today we celebrate not only academic achievement but the remarkable journey of each graduate,” Sifoni stated. “Your hard work, perseverance, and commitment have brought you to this moment. This collective effort has been your foundation.”
The Deputy Premier emphasized that success is rarely a solo journey, noting that students thrive when supported by families, teachers, communities, and government.
“Malaita Province thrives when communities come together—when government, educators, families, and students work hand in hand toward common goals,” he said. “Each of you carries the torch of knowledge and responsibility.”
Sifoni also acknowledged the harsh realities within the national education system, citing the latest 2024 national examination and placement data. The figures revealed that over 4,000 students transitioning from Form 3 to Form 4 could not be placed in schools, and more than 4,400 Form 6 students missed out on placements into Form 7, with only 792 successfully placed.
“This is not just a statistic—it’s a wake-up call,” he warned. “We cannot afford to lose so many of our young minds. Every student matters. Every learner deserves a chance.”
Highlighting the Malaita Provincial Government’s response, Sifoni outlined recent educational investments, including the signing of an MOU with the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) to establish a fourth campus at Aligegeo. He also announced ongoing efforts to establish a National Institute of Technology in the province.
These initiatives, he said, will expand access to technical and vocational training in essential trades such as carpentry, plumbing, IT, architecture, and engineering—fields critical to the province’s development and economic independence.
“Without strong human capital, there can be no sustainable development. Without skilled people, there can be no progress,” Sifoni remarked. “These new institutions will support our productive sectors in agriculture, fisheries, tourism, forestry, and social services.”
The Deputy Premier concluded with a call to action for the graduates, encouraging them to lead with vision, compassion, and collaboration.
“Your education is not an endpoint but a beginning—a tool to create, inspire, and transform,” he said. “Carry forward the lessons of teamwork, respect, and resilience. Together, we will continue to enlighten the path through future challenges.”
He also extended heartfelt thanks to the teachers and parents for their unwavering support in nurturing the next generation of leaders.
