BY TONY IROGA
The Solomon Islands National University (SINU), in partnership with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), is set to host a high-level student seminar on Wednesday, November 4 on conservation efforts and scientific research on Guadalcanal.
The seminar will focus on the development of the iTina Protected Area, themed “iTina Protected Area: Science, Communities and Conservation on Guadalcanal,” and aims to bridge academic research with practical environmental management.
In a statement released yesterday, SINU emphasised that the seminar will delve into cutting-edge scientific methodologies, including the use of environmental DNA (eDNA) to evaluate river health. Discussions will also centre on balancing community livelihoods, institutional strengthening, and long-term conservation goals.
“The seminar will explore the development of the iTina Protected Area, the use of environmental DNA (eDNA) to assess river health, and the role of scientific research, community livelihoods and institutional strengthening in conservation,” SINU said.
Featured guest speakers include Dr Francesco Ricciardi, Senior Environment Specialist at ADB, alongside Dr Darko Annandale of DDA International Consulting.
According to SINU, Dr Ricciardi is expected to provide key insights into the genesis of the iTina project, outline the ADB’s strategic involvement, and share the broader vision for the protected area. Meanwhile, Dr Annandale will lead discussions detailing technical river health assessments utilising eDNA technology, as well as the formal application process required for protected area status.
SINU has extended an open invitation to university students, academic staff, researchers, and members of the public interested in environmental science and local resource management.
The seminar will take place from 10am to 11am at Lecture Hall A within the Department of Fisheries Studies at SINU’s Ranadi Campus.
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BY JOSES SAREN
A Solomon Islands National University (SINU) final-year hospitality student has called on businesses and tourism operators to strengthen the strategic promotion of tourism destinations across the country to attract more visitors and create income opportunities for local communities.
Watson Rubert Aimolea, a third-year Bachelor of Hospitality Business and Event Management student, made the call during a visit by SINU students to the Island Sun office today to observe its sales and marketing operations.
Aimolea said many places across Solomon Islands have tourism potential but remain unknown because they are not promoted.
He said effective sales and marketing, particularly through media platforms, could help bring these hidden destinations to the attention of both domestic and international visitors.
He encourages businesses to identify places with tourism potential and use available media platforms to promote them.
“There may be some areas inside the country, but they are hidden. People may not actually know about them. But if you promote them through the media, I think it will help people back home too,” Aimolea said.
He said promoting lesser-known destinations could help communities generate income by attracting visitors to places they might otherwise never discover.
Aimolea said the students visited Island Sun to understand how businesses advertise and promote their products and services, particularly accommodation and tourism-related offerings.
He said the visit provided an opportunity to observe how sales and marketing operations work and how businesses could reach wider markets.
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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Perch Christian School in east Honiara is expanding its educational reach by venturing into vocational education, establishing a new Vocational Training Centre to equip students and community members with essential practical skills.
While Perch Christian School has been progressing as a general education institution for 26 years, the newly established vocational centre represents a major step forward to address the needs of Solomon Islanders and school dropouts.
School Director Lydia Yeo highlighted the importance of vocational pathways in the country’s broader educational landscape.
“Vocational school is where students or people can learn life skills. We really need this kind of school in the country, and that is why I decided to venture into vocational education,” Yeo told Island Sun today.
The centre commenced short courses this month, currently running programs in IT (computing) and tailoring. Today, the school celebrated its first major milestone by awarding certificates to its inaugural cohort of three IT students.
Computing Instructor Boniface Toata explained that the students began their intensive two-week training on October 13, completing their studies ahead of schedule on October 23. Two students earned certificates in Microsoft Word, while one completed a certificate in Advanced Networking.
“They learned things so fast. They showed dedication, willingness, and commitment, which is why they received their certificates today. I want to congratulate them on their achievement,” Toata said.
Director Yeo encouraged broad community participation, regarding tailoring, noting that courses are open to all age groups, particularly women aged 13 to 50 seeking to learn or upskill.
On the IT front, Yeo emphasised the necessity of digital skills in today’s world.
“Nowadays we are moving into the digital era of technology, which is why we introduced the IT course,” she said.
Perch Christian School Education Secretary Robert Chris, said the current short-course format is a stepping stone towards a full rollout in 2027, when programs will transition into comprehensive one-year courses.
He said that under the 2027 structure, students will complete a full year of study followed by practical attachments with local companies before graduating with a Perch Christian School certificate.
He adds that the expanded curriculum will feature Information Technology (Computing), tailoring and sewing, agriculture and Agro-Forestry, life Skills (Home Economics), carpentry and construction, and electrical skills.
“To ensure quality instruction and dedicated support, the school will enroll approximately 20 students per program for class. The administration is actively searching for additional qualified instructors to lead the upcoming courses.
“Whether you are a former student, a current student, or anyone in the community looking to learn something new, this opportunity is open to everyone,” Chris said.
He said that preparations are well underway to ensure a continuous transition for the full 2027 roll-out.
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The University of the South Pacific said on 30 October that four of its academics have been named in the World's Top 2% Scientists list, for work in renewable energy, business management, tourism and artificial intelligence.
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
National Sports Council (NSC) staff are being encouraged to take greater control of their personal finances after completing a two-day financial literacy training that aims to strengthen everyday money management skills.
The training, facilitated by ANZ Bank Solomon Islands representative Gerald Hou, concluded on Thursday, October 29, with participants encouraged to apply their lessons to improve their financial decision-making and wellbeing.
According to an NSC media release, the second group of participants explored practical ways to manage money, plan ahead and make informed financial choices during the programme held at the Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM) training room at the eastern end of the National Stadium.
The five modules covered planning for the future, making money last until the next payday, distinguishing needs from wants, budgeting and assertiveness.
These areas address common financial management challenges, equipping participants with practical knowledge to help them make better use of their income and plan for future needs.
At the closing session, Hou urged participants to put the lessons into practice through the MoneyMinded financial literacy programme.
“Thank you for participating over the past two days. I encourage everyone to start practising what you have learned through the MoneyMinded programme,” said Hou.
Speaking on behalf of the participants, NSC Provincial Sports and Recreation Supervisor Carlson Hagemana thanked ANZ Bank for sharing its knowledge and expertise, saying the training had provided practical lessons participants could apply.
“We appreciate the opportunity to learn from this training and the practical knowledge shared with us. We look forward to applying what we have learned,” said Hagemana.
More than 20 participants attended the training, including an IPAM representative, while NSC Director of Sports and Recreation Development Cameron Ngatulu presented certificates at the closing session.
Ngatulu also encouraged participants to use their new knowledge for their own benefit and to help others, reinforcing the importance of turning financial education into everyday practice.
The training forms part of NSC’s staff development programme, with sessions delivered in three groups to allow staff to participate. The final group is scheduled to undertake its training on November 3–4 at the Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport (SINIS) Conference Room.
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Information resilience should be treated as a regional priority as the Pacific confronts rising misinformation, AI-generated content and online scams, according to a new paper from the Pacific Security College. Information resilience: the new frontier for Pacific cooperation, authored by Blake Johnson, proposes a Pacific Information Resilience Statement to strengthen...
The post Pacific Urged to Unite Against AI Scams and Fake News appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
Premier Hon Erick T. Saueha said the agreements with the education ministry must mean better support for teachers and fairer access to schooling in remote parts of the province.
首席部长埃里克·T·萨乌哈(Hon Erick T. Saueha)表示,与教育部的协议必须意味着对教师的更好支持,以及对偏远地区学校的更公平访问。
The University of the South Pacific said Yoko Kanemasu has been promoted to full Professor in Sociology, capping a career of more than 30 years in research on gender, sport and social justice across the Pacific.
RENBEL BECOMES FIFTH PROVINCE TO SIGN EDUCATION AGENCY AGREEMENT
Honiara 28 October 2026 - Rennell and Bellona has become the fifth province to sign an Agency Agreement with the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD), strengthening provincial responsibility for education delivery under the Education Act 2023.
The Hon. Minister of Education, Stephen Kumi, and Rennell and Bellona Premier, Hon. Erick T. Saueha, signed the agreement at Honiara Hotel this morning.
The agreement sets out how MEHRD and the Provincial Government will work together to deliver education services. The provincial Education Provider Office will manage provincial schools and early childhood education centres, support teachers, safeguard students and account for education grants. MEHRD's Education Coordination Office will provide policy guidance, regulatory oversight and technical support.
Signing is important because it clarifies provincial responsibilities and establishes arrangements for Ministry support, coordination and accountability. It provides a foundation for better school management and improved learning opportunities for children.
"The Ministry of Education remains your steadfast partner," Minister Kumi said.
He said MEHRD would second experienced national officers to support school operations and teacher management, with joint annual reviews to assess provincial capacity and identify additional support needs.
"These agreements lay the foundation for stronger education governance, improved school operations, and better learning outcomes for our children," he said.
The Minister also welcomed the establishment of the Rennell and Bellona Provincial Education Board to bring education stakeholders together and support provincial education priorities.
The signing was witnessed by MEHRD senior officials, the provincial delegation and development partners, including senior officials from Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), led by First Secretary Ami Bah, and New Zealand High Commission Second Secretary Sammy O'Hara.
Ms Bah and Ms O'Hara reaffirmed their governments' continued support for education in Solomon Islands through the Strongem Education Together (SET) and Vaka for Education programmes, respectively.
ENDS///
BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
THE World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Solomon Islands has brought together community facilitators from Western and Central provinces to strengthen collaboration and improve the implementation of community projects, programmes and activities through a Community Facilitator Network Meeting.
WWF-Solomon Islands Field Coordinator and Western Seascape Programme Manager, Salome Topo, told Island Sun that seven community representatives from the two provinces are participating in the meeting.
Topo said the meeting aims to provide updates on WWF-SI programmes and achievements while ensuring community facilitators are informed about current priorities, progress and opportunities across the Western Seascape.
She said the meeting also provides an opportunity for participants to share experiences, discuss challenges and exchange lessons learned from their respective communities.
“This includes peer-to-peer learning and knowledge exchange by providing a platform for CFs to share community achievements, challenges, lessons learned, and recommendations from their respective areas,” Topo said.
She said the meeting will also gather community insights into the impacts of the El Niño drought through a short survey to better understand people’s experiences, challenges and resilience needs.
Topo said strengthening communication and collaboration between community facilitators from the Western and Central Seascapes is important to build stronger network of conservation practitioners and community leaders.
She said the meeting will also reinforce professional conduct and accountability expectations for community facilitators when supporting WWF-SI activities and representing their communities.
Topo said participants are expecting to gain a better understanding of their roles and responsibilities, including the standards and behaviours required when carrying out their duties.
She said another key outcome of the meeting is to provide a learning platform for new community facilitators to benefit from the experiences, successes and challenges of their more experienced counterparts.
Topo said the information gathered on the impacts of El Niño will also contribute to a better understanding of the difficulties faced by communities and their resilience needs.
The meeting is expected to strengthen relationships across the community facilitator network and ensure participants share a common understanding of WWF-SI programme priorities, professional conduct and their responsibilities in supporting community-based activities.
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BY RODRICK DESURI
AUKI
Residents of Auki in Malaita Province have expressed gratitude to Almighty God following heavy rainfall this morning after nearly two months without rainwater.
Residents in other parts of the province also welcomed the rainfall, saying it will replenish their water tanks and storage containers and provide much-needed water for their gardens and vegetation.
Auki resident Frank Samo said that, as a Christian, he believes God knows everything and understands the suffering of His people.
Samo said that whenever God see His people suffering, He will help and provide for their needs.
“Yesterday, I felt that it would rain. I had already told my boys about it, and now it is raining this morning,” he said.
“I was really happy that my water tank is now full of water. It has been almost two months since I last collected rainwater for drinking. We thank Almighty God for this blessing,” he said.
Charlie Ganearinga, a class teacher at Aligegeo Provincial Secondary School (PSS), also described the rainfall as a blessing from God.
He said the school had been managing its limited water supply, but the rainfall will allow it to store enough water for the remaining months of the school year.
“This is God’s blessing for us, His people,” he said.
“This rain will really help us,” he added.
Junior Isaiah, from West Kwaio, shared similar sentiments, saying the rainfall will refill empty water tanks and, more importantly, provide much-needed moisture for gardens and vegetation.
He said the rainfall was timely, as residents had been travelling inland to fetch water for drinking and cooking.
“It is really good that our empty tanks are being filled and that our gardens and vegetation, which have gone without water for almost two months, are receiving rain this morning,” he said.
Talo, from Fataleka in East Malaita, also thanked God for the rainfall, saying it will help restore the flow of water from local ground sources.
“Honestly, we thank God. We have been worried that our groundwater would soon dry up, but this morning we received water from God,” he said.
Meanwhile, Samo encouraged residents across Malaita to conserve their water supplies.
Ganearinga also urged people to preserve their stored water and use it wisely to ensure supplies last into the future.
The heavy rainfall began at around 5 am this morning and was still continuing at the time of reporting.
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Dry Spell Forces Taro Primary
to Cut Class Hours.
By GEHAZI SEKO
Solomon Star, Choiseul
Prolonged dry weather and worsening water shortages have forced Taro Primary School in Choiseul Province to reduce its daily teaching hours, as the school struggles to conserve enough water for essential needs.
Speaking to Solomon Star in an interview on Tuesday, the school principal, Patrick Virivolomo said the school administration initially introduced half-day classes after noticing the prolonged dry conditions and the declining availability of water.
He said the decision was made to ensure the school had enough water for drinking and toilet facilities while continuing its teaching programme.
However, as the dry spell continued, the administration resolved to end classes at 11am to conserve water for the remaining six weeks of the school year.
Virivolomo said the measures had helped the school maintain sufficient water to continue classes despite the ongoing shortage.
He also revealed that student attendance had dropped significantly since the dry weather began, with teachers also affected by the challenging conditions.
Virivolomo warned that the school could be forced to suspend classes if its water supply ran out.
“Classes will close anytime once the school has run out of water,” he said.
The principal's remarks highlight the growing pressure the prolonged dry spell is placing on schools and other institutions that depend on limited water supplies in Taro.
Despite the challenges, Taro Primary School continues to operate under the reduced timetable, hoping to complete the remaining six weeks of classes while conserving its available water.
The situation underscores the importance of reliable water supplies in maintaining normal school operations, particularly during prolonged periods of dry weather.
//ends//
Taro, Choiseul, 24 October 2026: The Premier of Choiseul Province, Hon. Harrison Pitakaka, has highlighted the proposed relocation of Choiseul Bay Provincial Secondary School from its current site at Lot 9 to a new site at Lot 277 as an important investment in the province’s education future.
Speaking at the school’s 2026 graduation ceremony, the Premier said the proposal forms part of the wider Choiseul Bay Township Project and aims to provide facilities suited to the future needs of secondary education.
The graduation was attended by Premier Pitakaka and his full Provincial Executive, members of the Provincial Assembly, the Deputy Speaker, the Provincial Secretary and all heads of division.
Choiseul Bay is the province’s only provincial secondary school and has educated generations of Choiseulians who contribute to their communities and the development of Solomon Islands.
The Premier reported an allocation of SBD 5 million this year for township bridge works providing access towards the proposed relocation site. He explained that this access infrastructure is separate from the funding required to construct and equip the school.
Hon. Deva, a member of the Provincial Executive, greets graduating students after the ceremony.
Teachers, parents and family members queue to congratulate students graduating from Choiseul Bay Provincial Secondary School.
The 2023 concept plan identifies approximately 18 hectares at Lot 277. Proposed facilities include classrooms, dormitories, staff housing, science and practical-learning facilities, dining areas and sports spaces.
The preliminary concept estimate was approximately SBD 102 million. The Premier emphasised that this figure requires review and does not represent a final construction cost or confirmation of full funding.
Detailed designs, environmental approval, development consent and planning for essential services remain necessary before the proposal can advance.
“We must communicate honestly about approvals, funding and timing,” the Premier said.
He also stressed that students at the existing school must continue receiving support while relocation planning progresses, including maintenance of facilities and improvements to current learning conditions.
Addressing the graduation theme, “Empowering Minds, Building Futures: Rising Through Challenges,” the Premier called for education investment that directly improves students’ learning and wellbeing.
Musicians and graduating students prepare to sing their farewell song to the school.
“Classrooms need suitable materials; teachers need professional support; and students need safe places to study, sleep and play,” he said.
The Premier highlighted reliable water and sanitation, teacher wellbeing, transparent school spending and support for learners affected by poverty, disability and distance.
He also encouraged stronger careers guidance to help students understand opportunities in university education, technical and vocational training, apprenticeships and enterprise.
On the Government’s Free Education reform, he said schools and families would need clear information about approved provisions and their responsibilities as the policy and implementation arrangements are finalised.
Congratulating the graduating class, the Premier urged students to use their education responsibly and contribute to Choiseul wherever their future takes them.
“As you build your future, remember Choiseul. Keep our languages and culture alive, care for our environment and use your learning to serve others.”
COMMUNITY HOSTS SINU
NURSING STUDENTS
Verahue Rural Health Clinic (RHC), West Guadalcanal is hosting SINU nursing students undergoing their practical.
Details: https://www.solomonstarnews.com/verahue-rural-clinic.../
COMMUNITY HOSTS SINU
NURSING STUDENTS
韦拉胡农村健康诊所(RHC),西瓜达尔卡纳尔正在接待正在进行实习的所罗门国立大学护理学生。
详情: https://www.solomonstarnews.com/verahue-rural-clinic.../
Fr John Adai urges St Joseph’s Tenaru graduates to avoid distractions, make wise choices and remain committed to education. By Steven Kamoa Excessive mobile phone use, addictive habits and negative peer influence are among the challenges affecting young people’s educational development, Catholic priest Fr John Adai said at St Joseph’s Tenaru Secondary School’s 2026 Graduation [...]
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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Policymakers, central bankers, regional researchers, and student leaders converged at the Heritage Park Hotel today for the 3rd CBSI-ADB-APAEA International Research Conference.
Centered on the theme “Navigating Global Economic Shocks: Monetary Policy, Exchange Rate Dynamics, and Macroeconomic Stability in Small Open Economies”, the high-level gathering emphasised bridging empirical academic research with practical, evidence-based policy solutions.
Opening the event, Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) Acting Governor David K.C. Quan stressed that external instabilities, ranging from Middle Eastern geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions to El Niño impacts, directly reach local shores.
Highlighting severe energy vulnerabilities, Quan noted that Honiara fuel prices have escalated sharply from $9.54 per liter last year up to $14 per liter, underscoring the urgent necessity for robust macroeconomic defense strategies and policy-driven resilience.
Delivering the official opening address, Minister of Finance and Treasury Rex Ramofafia pointed to compound domestic pressures, citing the devastation left by Category 5 Tropical Cyclone Maila in Western and Choiseul provinces, alongside the October 20 meteorological drought warning.
Ramofafia outlined decisive government countermeasures, including temporary fuel tax exemptions, ongoing efforts to fortify foreign reserves toward a USD 1 billion milestone, and plans for a national sovereign wealth fund.
He noted that four central bank studies presented today, covering trade competitiveness, exchange rate pass-through on staple goods like rice, financial inclusion, and external capital buffers, provide vital frameworks for national fiscal planning.
Representing institutional partners, Asian Development Bank (ADB) Principal Economist Dr. John Beirne and Asia-Pacific Applied Economics Association (APAEA) President Prof. Paresh Narayan commended CBSI for its sustained three-year research leadership.
Both leaders emphasised that the true measure of conference success is not simply the volume of published papers, but the number of practical policy decisions influenced.
They lauded collaborative initiatives empowering central banks across the Pacific, including Vanuatu, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, and Samoa, to build local research capacity, train econometrics teams, and foster thriving regional knowledge economies.
The day-long workshop featured active panel discussions among government heads, private sector representatives, development partners, and student participants, charting a collaborative, resilient path forward for Solomon Islands and the broader Pacific region.
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BY RODRICK DESURI
AUKI
The Community-Based Resource Management (CBRM) training for provincial fisheries officers from across the country is progressing well on its second day in Auki, Malaita Province.
The training focuses on the Check-in on Status Tool, a key monitoring tool used to assess the progress and effectiveness of CBRM initiatives in local communities.
The project aims to build the capacity of fisheries practitioners and strengthen the monitoring and implementation of CBRM programmes across the country.
According to WorldFish analyst Meshach Sukulu, the first day focused on understanding the tool and learning how to collect and record data consistently based on evidence.
He said the second day focused on quantitative analysis and enabled participants to analyse scores and identify trends in community progress.
“Our session today is on analysing quantitative data. This will help participants understand how to analyse scores and identify trends in their communities,” he said.
Sukulu said on the final day of the training, participants will learn qualitative analysis techniques to interpret community feedback, identify key themes, and capture lessons and insights from the field.
He described the training as a valuable opportunity for participants to share experiences from their respective provinces and learn from one another.
Sukulu further said the training will help strengthen the national network of fisheries officers supporting community-based fisheries management throughout the country.
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by Lloyd Loji* Solomon Islands is scheduled to graduate from the UN list of Least Developed Countries (LDCs) on 13 December 2027. The prospect has prompted considerable discussion at home, much of it asking whether external assistance and preferential treatment will fall away once the country graduates. A closer look...
The post Solomons LDC Graduation: What Will Actually Change? appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
St Joseph’s Tenaru National Secondary School’s long serving teacher, Madam Theresia Hou received the Long Service Award during the school’s graduation ceremony last Friday in recognition of her service of more than three decades at the school.
Speaking to students’ during the school graduation ceremony on Saturday, Madam Hou reflected on her career spanning over 30 years at the school and emphasised on the role of teaching as a public service rather than a pursuit of financial wealth.
“Being a teacher is not a profession where you will get wealth, it is all service,” Madam Hou said. “The one richness of being a teacher is that you touch many, many lives.”
Madam Hou arrived at St. Joseph’s Tenaru as a young mother and raised her children and grandchildren within the school’s Marist community.
Throughout her tenure, she taught multiple generations of students, many of whom have gone on to become community leaders, professionals, and members of the school’s board.
During her address, she acknowledged the influence of the Marist brothers, priests, sisters, and school leaders including former principals on her professional development.
She credited the school’s spiritual environment, centered on regular Mass and scripture studies, as central to the school’s identity.
Looking toward the future of education in the Solomon Islands, Madam Hou advocated for expansion of the school’s educational model across the country.
“Why not have more Tenarus somewhere else? Why would we just focus on Tenaru? Why can’t we have one in Malaita and one in somewhere else in the Solomons?” she asked.
The ceremony concluded with Madam Hou expressing gratitude to education authorities, colleagues, and the Marist community for their support throughout her 30-year tenure.
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BY RODRICK DESURI
AUKI
Rufoki Community High School (CHS) has thanked workers from Superfly Limited for the successful installation of a 6kW off-grid solar power system on Saturday, October 24, 2026.
Rufoki is one of 17 schools in Malaita Province to benefit from an initiative for schools led by Superfly Limited in partnership with Save the Children and SOLKAS.
Rufoki Community High School Principal, Godfrey Angisia said the project had brought light to both the secondary and primary school sectors, benefiting not only the school but also the wider Rufoki community.
“Our sincere appreciation and heartfelt gratitude go to SOLKAS and Superfly Limited for lighting up the entire school,” he said.
“This is more than just a lighting project. It is a remarkable facelift for Rufoki Community High School and the wider Rufoki community,” Angisia said.
He said the new solar lighting system had brought renewed hope, created a better learning environment and provided students with greater opportunities to use the school’s learning resources.
Angisia added that the system would help strengthen students’ ability to study and improve their academic performance.
“With this development, our students can now utilise the available learning resources more effectively, strengthen their studies and work towards improving their academic performance,” he said.
He also acknowledged Superfly Limited, SOLKAS and Save the Children for their contributions to the school’s development in the province.
“To Superfly Limited, SOLKAS and Save the Children, thank you for being part of this positive transformation. Your contribution will be remembered as an important step towards improving the learning environment at Rufoki Community High School,” he said.
Angisia expressed hope that the partnership would continue to support the development of the school, empower students and create a brighter future for the Rufoki community.
Meanwhile, Superfly Limited workers have also completed the installation of solar power systems at other schools across Malaita Province as part of the initiative.
[Photo caption: Rufoki Community High School light up after the successful solar system installation on Saturday. Photo credit: Andrew Danstone Doddy Fiusi]
BY RODRICK DESURI
AUKI
DESPITE teacher shortages and low student enrolment, Ruru Community High School in East Fataleka, Eastern Region of Malaita Province, has graduated 22 students this year.
The graduates comprised 12 Form Three students and 10 Form Five students who completed their studies at the school.
School chairman Blake Gua said the school had faced a difficult academic year, particularly with teacher recruitment and student enrolment.
He described the situation as “critical” during his remarks at the school’s graduation ceremony on Friday, October 23.
Gua said the school had been operating with a low number of teachers and students, creating challenges for the school community.
Despite these difficulties, Principal Ismael Oiomea said teachers and school coordinators had made extra efforts to prepare students for their national examinations.
“Though this year we don’t have an agriculture teacher, with my staff and coordinators’ commitment, we have managed to assist our students to prepare for their examinations,” he said.
Oiomea acknowledged the commitment of the teaching staff, saying their efforts had helped students continue their studies despite the challenges faced by the school.
He also appealed to members of the surrounding community to support students by maintaining silence around the school during the examination period.
“I just call on the good people of this community, please be silent around our school until half past 12 pm. We must respect our students so they can do their examinations to the best of their ability,” he said.
The graduation of the 22 students highlights the determination of the school community to continue providing education despite staffing and enrolment challenges.
