PRIME Minister Hon. Matthew Wale has advanced discussions on the proposed establishment of a TAFE School of Trade in Solomon Islands.
The Prime Minister held discussions this morning with Executive Managing Director of the Nippon Foundation, Mr Takashi Arikawa, who is currently in Honiara as part of efforts to finalise arrangements to kick-start the proposed project.
The meeting follows the Prime Minister’s recent meeting with Honorary Chair of the Nippon Foundation, Mr Yohei Sasakawa, during his visit to Tokyo.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Wale outlined the Government’s economic vision to transition Solomon Islands towards a more productive, manufacturing and processing-based economy.
He said the establishment of a TAFE School of Trade will be critical to developing the skilled workforce required to support this economic transformation.
“We hope to build at least four of these TAFE institutions across the country, and I am grateful that the Nippon Foundation has committed to assisting us with the establishment of one,” the Prime Minister said.
Prime Minister Wale said the initiative also forms an important part of the Government’s broader education policy, particularly its commitment to expanding access to quality technical and vocational education and training.
Mr Arikawa said the Nippon Foundation team will meet with officials from the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development this afternoon to further progress discussions on the project.
He said Nippon Foundation Honorary Chair Mr Sasakawa is keen to support Solomon Islands in the education sector and contribute to advancing the GREAT Coalition Government’s policy priorities.
Prime Minister Wale further announced that the new institution will be named in honour of the Sasakawa family, in recognition of their support for Solomon Islands’ education and skills development. He said the Government looks forward to working closely with the Nippon Foundation to progress the project and deliver a new pathway for Solomon Islanders to acquire the technical and vocational skills needed to participate in and drive the country’s economic transformation.
