Australia awards 126 scholarships to Afutara students in Malaita to boost skills and job opportunities
Australia has provided 126 scholarships to students at Afatura Adventist Technical School in West Kwaio, Malaita Province, as well as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and uniforms.
These scholarships will help students complete their training, equipping them with work-ready skills to build better future and to contribute meaningfully to their communities.
These students are among the 726 recipients of Australia Skills Awards across ten Rural Training Centres (RTCs) in 2026.
Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Jeff Roach, said Australia’s support aligns with the national priority of the Solomon Island Government and education leaders in the country.
“Together with the Solomon Islands Government and leaders in the education and skills sector, we share a strong drive, passion and inspiration to improve access to quality training. We need to create more job opportunities for young Solomon Islanders who are keen to work.
“We are honored to work together under the Solomon Islands – Australia Partnership to achieve our shared goals,” he said.
Principal of Afutara Adventist Vocational School, Mr James Danita stressed that this marks a significant milestone for the school.
“It is not just about the presentation of equipment and scholarships but also about increasing opportunities, building capabilities and investing in the future of our young people.
“We are deeply grateful to Australia our partner, who continues to equip our students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.”
Under the Solomon Islands – Australia Partnership, Australia has a long history of working with education and skills stakeholders to support skills development in Solomon Islands. Over the last 18 years, Australia provided training for over 8,100 Solomon Islanders and has lifted the capability of local institutions across four provinces.
The Australia Skills Awards started in 2024 in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development with a clear objective: to increase access to local training providers for Solomon Islanders. To date Australia has delivered 1,854 scholarships, across ten RTCs.
At Afutara Adventist Vocational School, the 126 first-year scholarship recipients are undertaking studies in Pathway for Young Women, Building Construction and Agribusiness along with second-year students also supported by the Australia Skills Awards.
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