The Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD), with support from UNICEF, hosted a two-day Education Financial Management Training Workshop for Provincial Education Provider Accountants and finance personnel at the Mendana Hotel in Honiara from 26-27 May 2026.
The training focused on strengthening the capacity of Education Providers, schools and Early Childhood Education (ECE) Centres to manage education grants and public funds effectively, transparently and in line with the new Education Funding Code, Financial Management Manuals and the Education Legislative Framework (ELF).
Delivering the opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary of MEHRD, Dr Franco Rodie, said effective financial management is critical to the success and sustainability of the education system. He emphasised that every dollar allocated to schools is intended to support students, improve learning environments and contribute to better education outcomes.
Dr Rodie highlighted that good financial management enables schools to deliver quality education, maintain the trust of communities, government and stakeholders, ensure accountability and transparency, and prevent the misuse or misallocation of funds. He said strong financial systems also help schools plan better, prioritise needs and respond to challenges.
The Permanent Secretary reminded participants that compliance with government financial regulations and funding guidelines is not simply a requirement, but a responsibility. These frameworks are designed to ensure that public funds are used appropriately, consistently and for their intended purposes.
Under the Education Act 2023, Education Providers serve as the Principal Accountable Officers for schools under their responsibility. While some financial tasks may be delegated to school leaders or finance staff for operational purposes, ultimate accountability remains with the Accountable Officer. This requires strong oversight, proper checks and balances, accurate record keeping and clear reporting structures.
The workshop supports the practical implementation of the Education Funding Code by helping Provincial Accountants and finance officers better understand their roles in supporting Education Providers and schools to prepare budgets, maintain records, acquit grants and meet reporting obligations.
MEHRD recognises that effective financial management is not separate from education service delivery. When education funds are managed well, schools are better placed to create safe, supportive and well-resourced learning environments for children and young people.
The Ministry acknowledged UNICEF for supporting this important capacity-building initiative and reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening accountability, transparency, professionalism and stewardship across the education sector.
MEHRD encourages all Education Providers, school leaders, ECE Centre leaders and finance officers to apply the knowledge and tools gained from the training to ensure that education resources are used wisely, transparently and for the benefit of learners throughout Solomon Islands.
