New Zealand Prime Minister His Excellency Hon. Christopher Luxon and Minister of Education Hon. Tozen Leokana have officially launched the 10-year Solomon Islands – New Zealand Education Partnership (2025-2035) on Wednesday, 10 September at Honiara Senior High School.
The new education partnership, valued at SBD$300 million, will enhance systems and capabilities for teacher management and organisational learning, as well as foster greater coherence, collaboration, and coordination among all education stakeholders.
The programme will focus on four critical interventions: strengthening provincial coordination, promoting evidence-informed decision-making, ensuring effective management, and fostering organisational learning.
Speaking at the launching PM Luxon said his government is proud to support education in Solomon Islands since 1967, and has continued with significant investment from 2004.
“Today is our next chapter in our partnership and friendship in working together to deliver better education outcomes and ensure every child, regardless of their different background, pursues their dreams and passions they have.
“We want everybody to have the same opportunity to chase down their dream and visions to get a greater education,” he said.
He said the new education partnership was designed to focus on better education delivery.
The visiting NZ PM said the New Zealand government is looking forward to working together with the Solomon Islands government to see the partnership achieve better education outcomes.
Minister of Education Leokana expressed that the Solomon Islands-New Zealand Education Partnership 2025-2035 Programme is a significant milestone in the ongoing collaboration between the Solomon Islands Government and successive New Zealand governments.
He said the partnership has been instrumental in supporting teacher education, curriculum development, professional development for teachers and school leaders, and the educational infrastructure that has expanded access to and quality of education across the Solomon Islands.
“It represents the continued commitment of the New Zealand Government to improving education outcomes for Solomon Islands students,” Minister Leokana said.
He said between 2015 and the present, the New Zealand Government has made significant contributions to the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector by upskilling principals and teachers, providing infrastructure, and essential teaching and learning resources.
Furthermore, the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships Programme has opened doors for many Solomon Islanders to study at world-class universities across New Zealand, equipping them with qualifications and skills to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s socio-economic development.
He further added that the partnership is not just about programmes and activities; it is about building a brighter future for every learner in the Solomon Islands, ensuring that education continues to be a force for opportunity, innovation, and national development.
He highlighted that Honiara Senior High School has already seen tangible benefits from the support, including a computer laboratory, 15 laptops, and a new ablution block valued at SBD $349,000 under MFAT’s UNICEF WASH in Schools Project.
– MEHRD
