The Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) has refuted claim by Alfred Sasako implicating the Ministry have benefited from Winrock International funding to incorporate LGBTQ-related policies into the Education Act 2023.

Alfred Sako, in an article titled “Sasako Calls for Audit of Winrock International Funding” published in Solomon Star on February 12, 2025, implicates that Winrock International may have used part of its five-year funding support to incorporate LGBTQ-related policies into the Education Act 2023.

The Ministry strongly refuted the allegation and described it as lacking factual basis with an agenda to misinform and discredit the Ministry’s work.

At no point has the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development organised any official meeting with Winrock International and discussed the relevant content or provisions in the Act in favour of LGBQT.

There is no curriculum content in the existing National School Curriculum Framework related to the LGBTQ.
The Ministry therefore wishes to clarify the following points:

  • No teaching and learning materials have been developed, distributed, or used in schools to promote LGBTQ topics.
  • No instructions have been given to SINU Faculty of Education and Humanities to incorporate into their preservice or in-service teacher education curriculum or programs. The Teacher Professional Development and Training Programme of the MEHRD does not focus on LGBQT.
  • Nor has the MEHRD included LGBTQ in the recently developed Learning Framework, or official directives to integrate LGBTQ-related content into the curriculum.
  • At no stage has the Ministry officials, including its Senior Management Team or the National Education Board, held discussions on incorporating LGBTQ issues into the national education framework.

The Education Act 2023 was developed through a transparent and consultative process, aligning with Solomon Islands' cultural values, legal frameworks, and education policies. Any claims suggesting otherwise are factually incorrect and irresponsible.

The Permanent Secretary of the MEHRD, Dr Franco Rodie stated that the Ministry strongly condemns the spread of misinformation and calls on media outlets and journalists to uphold responsible, evidence-based reporting.

“We emphasise the importance of verifying facts before publishing misleading statements that could cause unnecessary confusion and concern amongst the public.”

The Ministry remains committed to transparency and welcomes inquiries that are made in the spirit of constructive journalism.

For further inquiries, please contact the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development’s Communications Unit. 

 

Source: Press Release, MEHRD