Australia, New Zealand Hand Over Toyota Land Cruisers Three Provinces
Education Providers (EPs) from Isabel, Rennell and Bellona (Renbel), and Honiara City Council have received three new Toyota Land Cruisers valued at SBD1.3 million.
The support was made possible under the Education Sector Support Program (ESSP), funded by the Governments of Australia and New Zealand in partnership with the Solomon Islands Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD).
The handover underscores the partners’ continued commitment to strengthening education service delivery across Solomon Islands.
The vehicles will support provincial education providers to conduct school visits, monitoring, teacher support, and administrative duties more effectively and efficiently.
These vehicles complement earlier logistical support provided through ESSP, which included eight boats, nine outboard motors, six vehicles and communication equipment to assist EPs operating in remote and geographically challenging areas.
Australia and New Zealand reaffirmed their long-term commitment to the education sector, emphasizing that practical support, such as vehicles play a vital role in bridging distances, strengthening provincial education systems, particularly in rural and remote communities.
ESSP remains a key initiative in strengthening education infrastructure, service delivery, and ensuring that every child in Solomon Islands has equitable access to quality education.
-ESSP
Photo caption: From left to right: New Zealand High Commissioner Jonathan Curr, Rennell and Bellona Chief Education Officer Albert Kaipua, Minister for Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) Hon. Tozen Leokana, Provincial Education Officer for Isabel William Leguvaka, Australia Deputy High Commissioner Andrew Scholeffel, Permanent Secretary of MEHRD, Dr. Franco Rodie, and Chief Education Officer for Honiara City Council Elison Mane cutting the ribbon at the handover ceremony.
