New Zealand launches SBD 300 Million Education Partnership Programme
By Eliza Kukutu
The Prime Minister of New Zealand, Rt Hon. Christopher Luxon officially launched the Solomon Islands–New Zealand Education Partnership 2025–2035 yesterday at the Honiara Senior High School.
Launched at the sidelines of the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting, the new 10-year programme, valued at SBD $300 million, aims to improve the country’s education system.
Speaking at the event, Prime Minister Luxon said the partnership reflects a shared belief in education as a tool for creating better futures.
“Nothing is more important than setting our kids up for a better future, and we deliver that through education.”
“This partnership is about making sure every child, regardless of background, has the same chance to succeed,” he said.
Prime Minister Luxon meeting students of Honiara Senior High School at the launch yesterday.
Prime Minister Luxon also praised the Minister of Education and Human Resource Development, Hon. Tozen Leokana for his leadership, and spoke about the long-standing friendship between the two countries.
Meanwhile, Minister Leokana acknowledged New Zealand for its continuous support towards the country’s’ education sector.
“The new 10-year Education Partnership programme represents the continued commitment of the New Zealand Government to strengthen education outcomes for Solomon Islands students.”
“This milestone reflects over 20 years of unwavering support, which has played a vital role in the growth of our education system and the development of generations of learners,” he said.
The new Education Partnership will focus on four key areas:
- Strengthening provincial coordination and empowering local education providers.
- Improving evidence-based decision-making and system management.
- Enhancing teacher management systems and professional support.
- Promoting collaboration among education stakeholders for greater impact.
Minister Leokana also stressed that the programme is a roadmap for transformative change, which aligns with the UNESCO/MEHRD System Transformation Program, which the Ministry is currently implementing.
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