Solomon Islands will introduce free basic education next year.

Prime Minister Dr Derek Sikua, in his recent provincial visit to Isabel told the people there that the free basic education will cover standard one to form three, under the current education system in the country.

Prime Minister Sikua said school fees currently paid by parents will be offset under funding from the Republic of China or Taiwan.

He said the Ministry of Education is currently working on figures for the school fees, to be submitted to the Taiwanese Embassy.

Prime Minister Sikua said the funding from Taiwan will be handed out to the schools as grants.

He said the initiative is expected to encourage parents to send all their children to school, to attain basic education.