Australia Awards alumnus Fox Mark is helping to shape the next generation of teachers in Solomon Islands by applying skills, gained through the Australia Awards Solomon Islands short course.
Since completing the Transformational Leadership short course, Mr. Mark has introduced student-centred teaching approaches at the Solomon Islands National University (SINU), focusing on empathy, flexibility, and inclusion — key principles that are now enhancing the learning experience for aspiring teachers.
“The short course helped me realise that as a lecturer, I am also a leader,” said Mr. Mark. “My responsibility is to prepare future teachers to be both skilled and compassionate.”
Mr. Mark lectures in ethics, religious education, cultural studies, and guidance and counselling at SINU’s Faculty of Education and Humanities.
Drawing on the Australia Awards training, he has implemented practical solutions to address student challenges including the use of recorded lectures via Moodle to support students facing transport and financial difficulties.
“It’s about meeting learners where they are and supporting them with empathy,” he added.
Originally from Ugi Island in Makira Ulawa Province, Mr. Mark joined SINU in 2021 and was nominated for leadership training by his Dean. He has since applied his coaching and mentoring skills to improve staff collaboration during curriculum reviews and foster a more inclusive academic environment.
“This training wasn’t just theory — it was practical and personal. It gave me tools to lead with purpose,” he said.
The Australia Awards Solomon Islands Transformational Leadership course is funded by the Australian Government and delivered through the Australia Awards program, to support alumni in driving positive change within their communities and workplaces.
Through the leadership and dedication of alumni like Mr. Mark, Australia Awards continues to contribute to quality education outcomes, workforce development, and stronger institutions across Solomon Islands.
