Students of Gizo Primary School in Central Gizo, Western Province successful staged their annual cultural day.
The event featured a stunning showcase of rich, diverse cultural show during their cultural day on Thursday, 28th August 2025.
The theme for this year’s program focused on celebrating the varkous cultures in the country, sharing stories, telling stories through, foods, dancing and clothing.
The colourful event was staged at their school hall.
The program started with a parade under the escort of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) from the PT109 area through the main Gizo town street all the way to the school hall.
The guest of Honor was provincial education minister Hon. Gordon Zebo.
The annual cultural day program was aimed helping students to conserves their cultural identity.
For Gizo primary School Principal Dickson Nathan, the event was not only about showcasing traditional songs and dances, custom dishes and costumes, but also teaching children the value of respect, unity and pride in their cultural identity.
“It is through these traditional and cultural shows that we learn who we are, where we come from, and how we can live together in harmony despite our differences,” he said.
He also acknowledged the guests representing the ethnic groups, parents, and community members that participated in the program.
“This event is very meaningful and reminds us that culture is alive when it is shared.”
With a deep sense of cultural pride and enthusiasm, students, who organized themselves into seven major ethnic groups, performed traditional and contemporary dances in front of parents and family members, teacher, friends and large crowd who were drawn to by the cultural celebration.
Some of the ethnic groups that participated included; Guadalcanal, Malaita, Central, Western, Choiseul, Isabel and Makira provinces.
A panel of judges were present to identify the best costume.
They were also stunned by the level of this year’s performance making
Nevertheless, the judge intimately settled for the Malaita as the third prize winners, Western Province as the second prize winners and Choiseul Province (Lauru) as the first prize winner.
All other cultural groups that were unable to make it to the top three were awarded a consultation prize.
According to one of the staff Ms. Salum Hoba, she was very proud of the students’ performance because most of them were born and raised in Gizo but were keen to learn about their culture.
“So to me, I am very proud of my students because they able to move forward with their cultures.”
She reminded every student to always remember their culture because Solomon Islands is a culturally- diverse country and this is something everyone should be proud of.
“This program is important to promote and preserve our culture amongst our new generation.
“So I’m thankful for the school in organizing the program,” she said.
The school hall was packed as everyone turned up to witness the program.
By AUGUSTINE PENEVOLOMO
Solomon Star, Gizo
