SINU Lecturer draws on Australian studies to transform teaching approach

For years, Grace Rohoana has dedicated her career to shaping young minds as a lecturer at the Solomon Islands National University (SINU). 

Recently, her own learning journey became a powerful example of how education can break barriers and inspire change—especially for women and adult learners in the Solomon Islands.

Grace was among a group of lecturers who successfully completed the Graduate Certificate in Higher Education (Teaching and Learning) from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), supported by the Australian Government through Australia Awards Solomon Islands. 

The program aims to strengthen teaching quality and foster innovation—but for Grace, it was much more than professional development. 

“Before the training, I saw some gaps in my qualification and in the way I managed classroom learning in higher education,” Grace said. “As a result of the training, I can now design lessons and assessments differently by incorporating new teaching and learning approaches.”

Grace said the SINU–Australia partnership has opened doors for women who were often excluded from such opportunities.

“For us women, this training was an opportunity we were never given before,” she said. “Regardless of our age, we were able to complete it, and it really truly built our capacity and confidence.”

Her new skills sparked creativity across disciplines. Using Open Space Learning, Grace created platforms for students to share ideas freely. 

One project led to innovative thinking—like motorized life jackets for safety—showing how collaboration drives practical solutions.

Grace also introduced Fashion Week as an authentic assessment for design students, giving them real-world experience in marketing, media engagement, and entrepreneurship. 

The event gained national attention and even led to invitations for SINU students to participate in Honiara London Fashion Week.

“We women need to move out of our comfort zones and navigate the bigger world,” Grace said. “Opportunities like this show that women can lead and make an impact.”

Grace expressed gratitude to Australia Awards Solomon Islands, UTS, and the Australian Government:

“This training is inclusive—it doesn’t discriminate by age or gender. It has changed how we teach and how we see ourselves as educators and leaders.”

Her message to women and girls:

“If we can make it, you can too. The opportunity is there—take it.”

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