Australia Launches Education Program

Australia launches SBD 230 million education program to improve schooling in Solomon Islands.

Australia has launched its new eight-year Stronger Education Together (SET) program, valued at SBD 230 million (AUD 44 million), aimed at improving education across the Solomon Islands.

The program was officially launched on Wednesday, 15 January 2025, following the signing of a partnership agreement between the Governments of Solomon Islands and Australia. The agreement was signed by the Minister of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD), Tozen Leokana, and Australian High Commissioner, Rod Hilton.

The SET program focuses on enhancing equitable access to education and improving the overall quality of schooling in the country. It will assist MEHRD in upgrading critical school infrastructure, strengthening management capabilities, and improving teacher training at Solomon Islands National University (SINU).

Minister Leokana said the program is a significant step toward providing better educational opportunities for all children in the Solomon Islands.

“This program is a testament to the strong partnership between our two nations. Together, we can ensure that every child has access to quality education,” Leokana stated.

High Commissioner Hilton emphasized Australia’s ongoing commitment to the Solomon Islands education sector. He highlighted the collaborative efforts between the two governments over the past 18 months to align the program with the country’s educational priorities.

“Today, we are proud to announce a significant investment in Solomon Islands’ education system, which will help equip students with the skills they need to address future challenges,” Hilton said.

The SET program builds on the successes of Australia’s Solomon Islands Education Sector Support Program (ESSP), which concludes in March 2025. Australia has been a key partner in the Solomon Islands’ education sector for over 20 years, providing support for infrastructure, teacher training, and capacity building.

Minister Leokana delivering his remarks during the signing ceremony.

Cutting of cake, L-R: Andrew Schloeffel, Deputy High Commissioner, Australian High Commission, His Excellency Rod, Hilton, High Commissioner, Australian High Commission, Honourable Minister Leokana, Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development, Dr Franco Rodie, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development, Dr Patricia Rodie, Dean of the Faculty of Education and Humanities, Solomon Islands National University.

Signing of the DFA – L-R: Andrew Schloeffel, Deputy High Commissioner, Australian High Commission, His Excellency Rod, Hilton, High Commissioner, Australian High Commission, Honourable Minister Leokana, Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development, Dr Franco Rodie, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development.

Australian High Commissioner, Rod Hilton delivering his remarks.

Source: AHC