The Solomon Islands National University partners with The North East Guadalcanal Constituency to transform its surrounding communities through education.

The Solomon Islands National University – Center for Distance and Flexible Learning (CDFL) has achieved another milestone in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the North East Guadalcanal Constituency (NEGC), Tuesday this week (July 11) at the Faculty of Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries, Kukum Campus of the SINU.

This collaboration aims to provide much needed support to CDFL’s Programme in the NEGC, Guadalcanal Province, predominantly empowering communities in G1, G2, G3, G4, Reko catchment downstream, Numbu village and surrounding communities, NEG-C Highlands and to East Guadalcanal Constituency through accessible and high-quality education.

The signing of the MoU signifies a shared vision and commitment to amplifying education opportunities in North East Guadalcanal.

With the combination of resources and expertise from both organizations’, the MoU enables both parties in creating a robust framework for the implementation of the SINU’s CDFL Programme. This includes the development of relevant curriculum, training for local educators, provisions of educational materials, and the establishment of technology enabled learning platforms.

The MoU ceremony was graced by distinguished representatives from the Solomon Islands National University. The SINU Vice Chancellor, Professor Transform Aqorau; PVC Corporate Mr. Shadrach Fanega; SINU Director Finance Mr. Peter Lokay; Manager DFL, Mr. Martin Otto as well as representatives from SINU DFL. Representing North East Guadalcanal Constituency was Mr. Lence Vokia, and two officers from NEGC, symbolizing their commitment to this very important initiative.

Mr. Martin Otto, conveyed SINU’s gratitude to Mr. Lence Vokia and the NEGC for their continuous support to their constituents and the surrounding communities. He acknowledged Mr. Vokia for his unwavering commitment to extending SINU’s reach and resources to better serve the people with the same high standard of quality that the main campus offers.

Mr. Vokia believes this partnership will have a transformative effect on the community’s human resources by breaking down barriers to education and providing individuals with the tools they need to thrive.

Mr. Vokia continues to echo the importance of a good and quality education. “Education is a fundamental human right, and we have a moral obligation to ensure that every individual has access to it. It’s time to take action and make a difference in the lives of the people in North East Guadalcanal Constituency and East Central Guadalcanal Constituency. Let’s partner together to bring university programs to remote villages and create brighter future for generations to come.”

Mr. Vokia in his remarks also calls on the government and policymakers to make education a priority especially in our remotest part of the country, by allocating resources and creating policies that support this initiative.

By doing this, he said, it will ensure that every individual, regardless of their location, has equal access to quality education.

Through this partnership, the NEGC will offer valuable support to SINU-DFL by providing office space for virtual classes and mini computer lab, study huts for students, VSAT dish and Solar System, sustenance of the monthly internet bill, provision for the safety of assets provided by SINU, transport for frequent visits for the purpose of taking the support services to SINU-DFL students around NEGC, fuel to sustain the movement of the running of transport and the movement of the coordinator and other such requirements that might be needed for the delivery of the SINU Programme through distant mode.

The SINU Vice Chancellor Professor Transform Aqorau PhD commended the North East Guadalcanal Constituency for their commitment to promoting education and of their visionary approach to reach out to SINU to establish this vital partnership.

“We look forward to witnessing the positive impact it will have on the lives of the villagers and people of North East Guadalcanal. Together, through this partnership, we will empower individuals, build stronger communities, and pave the way for a brighter and more prosperous future,” said Prof. Aqorau.

Prof. Aqorau believes in the transformative power of education in shaping individuals, communities and nations by empowering individuals to acquire knowledge, developing critical thinking skills and contributing meaningfully to society.

“By expanding educational opportunities to the villagers and people of North East Guadalcanal, this partnership will unlock their potential and enable them to realize their

aspirations, fostering socio-economic development in the region.

“By emphasizing the value of ongoing education, this partnership recognizes that learning is a journey that should be embraced throughout one’s lifetime.

“It encourages individuals to continually acquire new knowledge, upgrade skills, and broaden horizons, ultimately contributing to personal fulfillment and collective prosperity,” said Prof. Aqorau.

Concluding his remarks at the signing, Prof. Aqorau said that he is very pleased and proud of this initiative and that it is his hope and dream that the whole country is connected through education.

ENDS//

– SINU MEDIA RELEASE