The Minister of Education and Human Resource Development (MEHRD), Hon. Tozen Leokana, was the Chief Guest at the World Teachers’ Day celebrations held in Honiara on Friday, 3 October 2025.
The event was attended by teachers from schools in and around Honiara and Guadalcanal Province, the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) Faculty of Education, and officers of the MEHRD.
In his keynote address, Minister Leokana joined teachers and the global community in commemorating the occasion.
World Teachers’ Day is traditionally celebrated on 5 October, but since the date fell on a Sunday this year, it was observed locally on Friday.
“World Teachers’ Day is set aside to honour the noblest profession—the profession that shapes every other profession. It is a day to remind ourselves of the sacrifice, commitment, and inspiration of our teachers, who light the path for the present and next generation,” — Hon. Tozen Leokana stated.
This year’s global theme is “Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession”, while the Solomon Islands Organising Committee adopted the local theme “Transformation of Education Begins with Teachers’ Recognition.”
Minister Leokana described both collaboration and recognition as the two essential pillars upon which the future of education must be built.
He urged teachers to embrace collaboration and outlined three key strategies for strengthening it:
- Training: Embedding peer learning, co-teaching, and mentoring into teacher development.
- Technology: Leveraging digital tools to connect educators across provinces and disciplines.
- Leadership: Actively involving teachers in decision-making and encouraging leadership roles in schools.
“Training, technology, and leadership are how we can truly recast teaching as a collaborative profession,” the Minister said.
Turning to the local theme, Minister Leokana reaffirmed the Government’s pledge that true transformation begins with recognising and valuing teachers.
“Recognition means valuing your work, respecting your voice, and ensuring your welfare is never forgotten. It must be earned through the dedication, passion, and professionalism you show every day in shaping the future of our children and our nation,” he stated.
He further assured teachers that the Government of National Unity and Transformation, through MEHRD and in close partnership with SINTA and education stakeholders, is committed to improving teacher employment conditions, expanding training opportunities, and strengthening support systems.
“These initiatives are not quick fixes—there are substantial challenges ahead. But step by step, working together, we will ensure that the light teachers carry does not fade, but shines ever brighter,” the Minister concluded.
– MEHRD
