Local teachers have been urged to help build a healthier, stronger, and more active Solomon Islands through the power of Physical Education (PE).
Permanent Secretary (PS) for the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD), Dr. Franco Rodie issued the statement during his speech at the opening of the five-day Overseas Training Course on Coaching Capacity Building for the Solomon Islands, which began on Wednesday, October 8, at the Solomon Islands National Institute of Sports (SINIS).
The training, focused on PE capacity building, is sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and facilitated by Shandong Foreign Trade Vocational College.
“It is truly an honor to stand before you today, in the company of educators and partners who share a common goal, to build a healthier, stronger and more active Solomon Islands through the power of Physical Education,” he said.
“Physical Education is not only just a subject in the curriculum. It is a vital part of a child’s development, especially at the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) and Primary levels.”
Dr. Rodie also highlighted the timeliness of the training with the Secondary School Games, which occur every two years.
“The revival of the Secondary School Games in 2021 was a step in the right direction. With the games organized in June/July this year and the expectation now for them to occur every two years, this training is timely. It supports our vision for a strong, sustainable sporting culture at the grassroots,” he said.
With more than 30 teachers from in and around Honiara participating in the training, Dr. Rodie urged all participants to share what they learn with fellow teachers.
“But we cannot achieve this without you, our teachers. You are the key to delivering PE that is age-appropriate, engaging and effective. You need to be empowered with the right knowledge, tools, and confidence,” he said.
“I urge all of you here today, please do not keep the knowledge you are going to gain from this training to yourselves. Share what you are going to learn with your fellow teachers within your schools and beyond.”
This training is the final of three sessions, with the first two held in Gizo, Western Province, and in Auki, Malaita Province.
By TIMOTHY INIFIRI JNR
Solomon Star, Honiara
