As the 2026 academic year gets underway the challenges face by parents to send their children back to school also increases.
This is due to rising cost of living and ongoing financial pressures.
For uniform vendors, its an opportunity to do business.
Over the past days many families have been busy preparing for their children’s return to school, particularly in purchasing uniforms, stationery, and other essential learning materials.
At Bridget’s Kitchen in Gizo town, Onex Paekera, a vendor selling school uniforms on behalf of a Women’s Group Association, told the Solomon Star that parents have started moving around this week to purchase school uniforms.
She said business had improved compared to last week when bad weather affected market activities and sales.
“Last week was very slow because of the rain and rough seas, but this week we are seeing more parents coming in to look for uniforms,” Mrs Paekera said.
However, she noted that only a few parents and students have come to buy school uniforms and other school materials compared to previous years.
She explained that many families are still struggling financially, which has affected how quickly they can purchase school items.
“We understand their situation, but we also encourage them to try their best because education is important,” she said.
Florence Maelalo, another vendor at Bridget’s Kitchen who sells cooked food and clothing, said she has three grandchildren attending Gizo Primary School this year.
She said every year before the academic year begins, parents face challenges in sending their children to school, especially unemployed mothers.
“It is always hard at this time of the year. Fuel is expensive, school fees are high, and uniforms cost a lot of money,” Mrs. Maelalo said.
“For mothers who are not working, its even more difficult. We have to find other ways to meet these costs, sometimes by selling at the market or asking family members for help,” she added.
Despite these difficulties, she said parents continue to push through because they want a better future for their children.
“We struggle, but we still make it happen. Our grandchildren’s education comes first,” she said.
Over the past weeks, many families in Western Province have faced challenges in meeting school-related expenses, including school fees, uniforms, books, and transportation.
However, rather than giving up, parents particularly those relying on informal income from the market—have been working extra hours and pooling resources to support their children’s education.
Several market vendors at the Gizo main market said they have increased their daily sales efforts by starting earlier and staying later at the market to make enough money for school necessities.
One mother, who sells vegetables and fresh produce, said she has been saving small amounts each day since late last year to prepare for the new school term.
“It has not been easy, but education is important for our children. We have to try our best,” she said.
“We may not have much, but we help each other so our children can still go to school,” the parent said.
Education officials in Gizo have acknowledged the financial struggles many families are facing but have encouraged parents to continue prioritizing schooling.
A local education representative said that investing in children’s education remains crucial despite economic hardships.
“As challenging as it may be, education is the key to a better future for our children and our province,” the official said.
As classes gets underway across the province, the determination of parents and market vendors highlights their commitment to ensuring that children do not miss out on their education, despite economic hardships.
Gizo Community High School and Primary Divisions now enter their second week of registration and academic classes.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
