West Makira supports 53 students with laptops and smartphones to boost digital learning and education access
The West Makira Constituency (WMK) office, under the leadership of Honourable Minister Derrick Manu’ari, has supported 53 constituency students pursuing studies at various tertiary institutions in the country with 41 laptops and 12 smartphones.
Recipient students are from the University of the South Pacific (USP SI) Campus in Honiara, Solomon Islands National University (SINU), St Nicholas Anglican College, Honiara Senior High School, Waimapuru National Secondary School and Saura Theological College.
The support is part of the constituency’s ongoing commitment and efforts towards human resource development in the constituency.
The equipment supplied are aimed at making studies more convenient and at the same time encouraged students to embrace digital learning, noting that technology plays an important role in modern education and can help learners gain valuable skills for the future.
The resources were funded under the WMC office CDF allocation for education at the cost of $200,500.00.
In a small but meaningful handover ceremony held at the Pacific Crown Hotel (PCH) conference room last Thursday (28th May 2026), Hon. Derrick Manu’ari said he recognizes that students nowadays rely heavily on internet access for their study modules, making such resources essential.
He said the laptops and smartphones are gifts from the people of West Makira to support the students in their education.
“As a student, you must understand that this is a gift from the people of West Makira. On behalf of your parents, on behalf of your guardians, on behalf of your siblings, on behalf of the community, I am facilitating this to you because of the recognition that education is important.
“You receive a smartphone as a tool. It is not just an electronic device or hardware. It is a tool that will assist you in your education.”
Hon. Manu’ari added that technology has evolved significantly and that education is no longer limited to classrooms but is also widely accessible through the internet.
He encourages the students to work hard in their studies, saying reports and surveys indicate that West Makira continues to face challenges in literacy and poverty levels.
“I share this challenge with everyone. The only key to overcoming all this is education.
“…I believe that education is the only way. No matter how many resources we have, no matter how many students we have, even if we manage things well, nothing will be good for us. Sustainable development can only come from great ideas. And that great idea can only come from a learned mine. And that learn mined must be supported by knowledge and by wisdom.
“Today, the future of West Makira constituency rests on you. There can never be sustainable development without the advancement of human resource development,” he said.
He further emphasised that human resource development remains a priority area for the constituency.
Hon. Minister Manu’ari also took the opportunity to acknowledged Smart Technology, the supplier of the resources, for their partnership and support in making the handover possible.
Meanwhile, a parent Davivia Ori on behalf of the recipients expressed appreciation to the constituency office and honourable Manu’ari for the support, saying the equipment will greatly assist the students in their studies.
She assured that the gadgets will be put to good use to support students in their daily educational activities noting that such resources are important to help improve learning through technology.
Apart from providing resources such as laptops and smartphones, the WKC office continued to invest in education by supporting constituency students pursuing studies at various institutions through tuition fee assistance.
The support reflects West Makaira Constituency’s office ongoing commitment to improving access to technology in education and supporting human resource development in West Makira.
PRESS RELEASE
