Children from five communities in North Malaita had their voices heard during a significant High-Level Dialogue meeting organized by the Solomon Islands Endim Vaelens Agenstim Pikinini (SIEVAP) Project team in Diula community on April 11, 2025.
The event brought together child representatives from Fouia, Luma’alu, Sulagwalu, Diula, and Kwene communities who engaged directly with Members of Provincial Assembly (MPAs) Honourable George Ganiau (Ward 9) and Honourable Glen Waneta (Ward 8), along with Malaita Province Child Development Desk Officer Mr. Solomon Toito’ona.
The dialogue created a platform for children to articulate issues affecting their communities while giving provincial leaders an opportunity to respond to these concerns.
Discussions centered around four key thematic areas: education, health and WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene), child protection, and child participation.
“This dialogue is not just about raising our voices—it’s about being heard by those who can make a difference,” said Kenward Taloibiu, a child representative from Sulagwalu community during the meeting.
In education, children requested reduced school fees, adequate housing for teachers, addressing teacher absenteeism, and improved learning resources including science laboratories. Health and WASH concerns focused on consistent medical supplies, staff housing for nurses, clean water access, and improved sanitation facilities in schools and communities.
The children also advocated for stronger child protection measures, including the establishment of safe houses in remote communities for abuse victims, strengthened community policing to address issues like drug abuse, increased legal awareness programs, and improved health services for children who face abuse.
Child participation was highlighted through requests for mandatory school sports days, the revival of sports carnivals, and the continuation of dialogue events that empower children’s voices.
Prior to the dialogue, the participating children received training on the Child Advocacy Manual (CAM), preparing them to become effective advocates for change in their communities.
“The province is taking into consideration the concerns the children have raised. These are the real issues we face every day,” said Honourable George Ganiau. “I thank these children for their advocacy. We will continue to work collaboratively to address these challenges, even though we have limited capacity at the provincial level to deliver on everything.”
The dialogue marks a significant step toward meaningful child participation in governance and decision-making processes that directly affect their lives and communities in North Malaita.
“These children’s voices will continue to inform policy, platforms, and programs aligned with the government’s commitment to strengthening access to quality health, education, and child protection,” said a SIEVAP representative, Mr. Neil Enohaikeni.
A similar dialogue was also organized in Auki last month, providing children with an opportunity to raise their concerns.
The SIEVAP Project, a coalition of World Vision, Save the Children, and Child Fund, funded by New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), facilitated the event in partnership with the Malaita Provincial Assembly.
WVSI Press
