New Zealand High Commissioner Georgina Roberts and Australian High Commissioner Dr Lachlan Strahan have signed a new Delegated Cooperation Arrangement as part of the two countries’ Education Partnership with Solomon Islands 2020-2023.
The Partnership is worth up to SBD$335 million and will support basic education in every province.
The new Arrangement enables Australia and New Zealand to pool funding for joint activities such as projects implemented by non-government organisations to strengthen the ability of parents and communities to support their children’s learning.
These Activities are now more important than ever with many schools closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They will be vital when schools are able to reopen.
The Arrangement complements the budget support Australia and New Zealand provide to the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development.
“Education is core to the development of our people and our communities,” said New Zealand High Commissioner Georgina Roberts.
“New Zealand stands as a committed partner in the education sector and we look forward to continuing to work closely with Australia to ensure our support is well coordinated and effective for Solomon Islands,” she said.
“Education is everything. In the midst of COVID-19 disrupting schools around the world, I’m delighted to sign a funding agreement with my New Zealand counterpart to make sure our joint Education Partnership continues to do vital work in Solomon Islands,” said Australian High Commissioner Dr Lachlan Strahan.
“We won’t let COVID-19 stop kids from learning!,” he said.
Source: Press Release