Partners in education launch Child Protection video
Australia and New Zealand through the Education Sector Support Program (ESSP) in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) demonstrated a strong commitment to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all students in Solomon Islands with the launch of a child protection video on Tuesday 29 April 2025 in Honiara.
The partners also had an opportunity to have a Tok Stori session with the school leaders and principals on the topic of child protection.
The launch of the child protection video highlights the partners’ ongoing support to the Solomon Islands education sector.
Year 12 students at Honiara Senior Secondary School who attended the Child Protection video launch.
Australia and New Zealand worked in partnership with MEHRD to produce eleven short training videos covering a variety of topics such as teaching new curriculum materials, promoting good hygiene practices, and emphasizing gender and disability inclusion. This initiative includes the child protection video launched this week.
New Zealand Deputy High Commissioner, Rebecca Williams was proud to highlight that child protection is a priority for New Zealand’s development work in the Solomon Islands.
“We acknowledge that children and young people are one of Solomon Islands greatest assets. They make up approximately 50% of the country’s population, and supporting this group to be safe, including at school, is essential to harness their potential as future leaders and innovators.
Deputy New Zealand High Commissioner, Rebecca Williams and Counsellor Human Development at the Australian High Commission, Dr Tristan Armstrong welcomed by Board Chairman of Honiara Senior Secondary School, Joe Billy Oge.
“Our support for child protection in the Solomon Islands includes a SBD57 million for child protection through NGOs and other organizations over the past five years.
“We know that to keep children safe at schools starts with us supporting teachers in the classroom. To continue this work, we must listen to our children, listen to parents and work together with communities and national and provincial governments,” she said.
Australia has invested in safe schools for Solomon Islands for many years and will continue to provide support to protect the lives, health and happiness of children.
The child protection video highlights essential guidance for teachers and principals on how to recognize students in need of support and outlines actions they can take to ensure student safety and well-being.
ENDS//
– ESSP MEDIA RELEASE