HONIARA, SOLOMON ISLANDS – 10 JULY 2026: Staff of the Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development (MEHRD), education authorities and development partners gathered at King George VI School on Friday to farewell and celebrate the distinguished public service of MEHRD’s longest-serving Permanent Secretary, Dr Franco Rodie.
Dr Rodie concluded an exceptional period of leadership after serving as Permanent Secretary from 2014 to 2026. During his years at the helm of the Ministry, he provided steady leadership through a period of significant reform, institutional strengthening and partnership-building across the Solomon Islands education sector.
The keynote farewell address was delivered by the Minister for Education and Human Resource Development, Hon. Stephen Kumi. The Minister’s tribute carried particular significance because he is not new to Dr Rodie’s leadership. Before entering national politics, Hon. Kumi served within the education sector as a Chief Education Officer and worked with Dr Rodie over many years.
In his address, Hon. Kumi reflected on Dr Rodie’s long service, professional discipline and contribution to the development of education in Solomon Islands. He also delivered a special farewell poem, paying tribute to Dr Rodie’s leadership, character and enduring legacy within MEHRD and the wider education sector.
The farewell programme brought together MEHRD officers based in Honiara, representatives of education providers, staff of King George VI School and representatives of key development partners.
The Australian Government delegation was led by Deputy High Commissioner Andrew Scholeffel, accompanied by First Secretary Ami Bah and senior officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The New Zealand High Commission delegation was led by Second Secretary Ms Sammy O’Hara and her staff, while the UNICEF delegation was led by Education Specialist Mr Abdeweli Osman, accompanied by senior UNICEF officers.
The programme provided an opportunity for colleagues and partners to reflect on Dr Rodie’s contribution to education and public administration in Solomon Islands.
Speakers described Dr Rodie as a principled, committed and reform-focused leader who maintained a clear vision for improving access, equity and quality across the national education system. He was also recognised for his calm leadership, deep institutional knowledge, openness to professional dialogue and ability to maintain strong working relationships with education providers and development partners.
Development partners acknowledged his commitment to genuine partnership and his willingness to engage openly on difficult policy and implementation matters. They reflected on his ability to connect long-term education reform with the practical needs of schools, teachers, education authorities and communities.
Partners also recognised Dr Rodie as a leader who valued evidence, accountability and national ownership. His approach enabled partners to align their support more effectively with the Government’s education priorities while strengthening trust, cooperation and shared responsibility with MEHRD.
Under Dr Rodie’s leadership, the Ministry advanced several major reforms, including the development and implementation of the Education Act 2023 and its supporting Education Legislative Framework. These reforms established a stronger legal and administrative foundation for the management of schools, teachers, education providers and education services throughout Solomon Islands.
His period of leadership also contributed to the implementation of the Solomon Islands Tertiary Education and Skills Authority Act 2017, improvements to teacher management and professional standards, strengthened education planning and accountability, and closer collaboration between MEHRD, education authorities and development partners.
Dr Rodie consistently promoted the principle that education reform must ultimately improve the experiences and outcomes of Solomon Islands children. His leadership encouraged the Ministry to look beyond enrolment numbers and focus on the quality, relevance, fairness and long-term impact of education services.
The farewell was marked by traditional garlands, speeches, presentations, gifts and expressions of appreciation from MEHRD divisions, education partners and colleagues. A specially prepared jersey bearing the name “RODIE” and the number “14” was among the gifts presented, symbolising the year he commenced his service as Permanent Secretary.
Dr Rodie was joined by his Dr Patricia Rodie, who was also thanked for her personal support and sacrifices made towards her husband throughout his years of demanding public service.
In his farewell remarks, Dr Rodie expressed appreciation to MEHRD staff, education authorities, schools, development partners and successive governments for their cooperation and support. He encouraged officers to remain united, professional and focused on delivering equitable and quality education for every Solomon Islands child.
MEHRD sincerely thanks Dr Franco Rodie for his outstanding leadership and dedicated service to the Government and people of Solomon Islands and wishes him and his family every success in the next chapter of their lives.
