SOLOMON Islands youth population is a growing market business that is keen to contribute to communities and the country at large.
That’s according to Australian Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Pat Conroy when he spoke to Solomon Islands National University (SINU) students at SINU Panatina Lecture Theatre on Thursday, 19 September.
“Solomon Islands’ young population – as a growing market for businesses, and a ready and willing workforce keen to contribute to your community and country with all of your energy, strength and commitment.”
Minister Conroy highlighted that Solomon Islands is a country with a high youth population.
“Where many parts of the developed world are grappling with ageing populations, about 40 percent of Solomon Islands population is under 15 years of age.
“As you all know, this big bulge presents challenges in terms of education and health services and with jobs.
“With such large cohorts, it is hard for any country to source all the jobs they need, so that they can work and generate income.
“And hard to support all the education resources you need to bring out all the potential of that large youth group.
“With 1,400 schools in Solomon Islands – with 11,000 teachers and 191,000 enrolled students – many more who could be in formal learning and so there is huge pressure on the resources in the system.
“As well, the range of industries traditionally represented in the Solomon Islands economy is not broad and in some cases, like timber, we know that the future has to look different to the present, if we are to work towards real sustainability,” Minister Conroy added.
Minister Conroy further added that despite these challenges, there is also a wealth of opportunity in Solomon Islands which includes students.
“And as a near neighbour and a longtime friend, Australia is committed to walking with you on this journey.
“We know continued peace, stability and prosperity in our part of the world depends on the economic growth, sustainability and resilience of all countries, small and large.”
Australia now is inviting Solomon Islanders to go and work in Australia to earn money to support their families and the national economy through remittances.
With this offer, many young people in SI have applied and some already work in the farms, meat factories and age care industries in Australia.
By LACHLAN SHYVES EDDIE
Solomon Star, Honiara
