MORE than 100 teachers from nine schools in and around Gizo commemorated World Teachers’ Day on Thursday at the provincial capital.
World Teachers Day normally falls on October 5. This year it falls on Sunday. However, due to the day being a weekend, the teachers decided to mark the event on Thursday.
The main celebration was held at the Gizo Primary School Hall following a colourful parade from PT109 to the school grounds.
Western Provincial Chief Education Officer (CEO) Samuel Parabule told Solomon Star that the event is part of an annual program that brings together teachers from Kolombangara and Gizo Island to commemorate their profession and achievements.
“This is a time where we come together to recognise the important work of our teachers, reflect on the challenges, and celebrate the progress we have made,” Mr Parabule said.
He said while the event focused on recognition, it also shed light on the ongoing challenges teachers face across the country—particularly in relation to salaries, allowances, and general wellbeing.
Mr Parabule also spoke about the recent developments concerning teacher welfare, particularly the salary structure introduced by the National Government and the issues raised by the Solomon Islands National Teachers Association (SINTA).
He said the proposed industrial strike action by SINTA members had been called off earlier last month after successful talks with the Solomon Islands Government (SIG), resulting in the signing of a Master Agreement (MA) on Friday, 28th August 2025.
The Master Agreement was signed between SIG and SINTA to address a number of pressing matters affecting teachers nationwide.
Signatories included:
Dr Franco Rodie – Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD)
Dr Melchior Mataki – Chair, SIG Negotiation Team
Mr Robert Lafisi – General Secretary, SINTA
Witnesses were:
Luke Cheka – Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Public Service
McKinnie Dentana – Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance and Treasury
Frank Roboliteé – Acting President, SINTA
Key Terms of the Agreement
The agreement includes the following provisions:
Job security for teachers
Recognition of teacher experience
Backdated salary to 1st January 2024
Reclassification for Early Childhood, TVET, and Special Needs teachers
Long and dedicated service benefits
Establishment of the Teachers’ Housing Taskforce
Teachers’ Annual Leave Package
Balancing employment benefits with professionalism, conduct, and performance
Mr Parabule said teachers in the province are hopeful that the agreement will lead to positive changes in their working conditions.
He also highlighted the upcoming education reform through the new Education Act 2023, which will replace the 1978 Act.
“We are now in a transition period, and by 2026, the full implementation of the new Act will commence,” he said.
He added that the new Act is student-focused and designed to respond to the needs of modern education, ensuring a better system for both educators and learners.
“Despite the challenges we face, we remain committed and continue to work together in unity for the betterment of education in our province,” Mr Parabule said.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
