The Ministry of Communication and Aviation has launched one of its two Telecentre pilot projects this week in Malu’u, North Malaita, Malaita Province.
The Telecentre at Malu’u is hosted by Arnon Atomea Provincial High School and provides an internet hub and a conference room equipped with digital communication facilities.
These Telecentres are part of the Government for National Unity and Transformation’s (GNUT) digital transformation policy, implemented through the Ministry of Communication and Aviation.
Delivering the keynote address during the launching program, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Communication and Aviation, Mr. Alwyn Danitofea, called for cooperation and support from all stakeholders, including the constituency office and the provincial government, to ensure the successful delivery of government priorities and projects.
PS Danitofea also highlighted the importance of innovation in overcoming existing limitations, and underscored the need for basic computer training, online trading, and digital marketing. He assured the public that the Ministry plans to provide such training to support innovation and promote economic growth.
He further noted that plans are in place for a subsidized digital transformation initiative, with logistical costs to be covered by the state.
The Permanent Secretary also encouraged public support and participation to help drive this transformation.
The launching of the Telecentre coincided with Arnon Atomea PSS’s graduation ceremony, where Permanent Secretary Alwyn Danitofea also served as guest of honour.
The second Telecentre pilot project is located in Taro, Choiseul Province, and will be officially opened this weekend. It is hosted by Choiseul Bay Provincial Secondary School.
The telecentres are being piloted in selected locations to assess the effectiveness of modern communication tools in rural areas and to evaluate the long-term sustainability of such initiatives. If proven successful over time, additional telecentres will be established in other provincial centres and towns.
The Ministry of Communication and Aviation will be responsible for ensuring that these centres continue to deliver essential communication services to people living in areas far from provincial towns and urban centres.
