A record 50 Solomon Islanders have completed pre-departure training before starting Australia Awards scholarships in Australia in 2027, the Australian High Commission said.
The high commission said the group is the largest Australia Awards Solomon Islands cohort so far. The scholars will take undergraduate and postgraduate studies in fields it listed as important to the country's development, including economic growth, education, health, governance, infrastructure, STEM, aviation, and environment and natural resource management.
Women make up two-thirds of the cohort and outnumber men in five of the eight priority fields of study.
The scholars come from a range of organisations, including the Central Bank of Solomon Islands, the National Referral Hospital, the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force, Solomon Islands National University, government ministries and provincial governments.
As part of the week's activities, the scholars were farewelled at a dinner at Heritage Park Hotel, attended by scholars, government representatives and other guests.
Prime Minister Matthew Wale thanked the Australian Government for its long support for Solomon Islands and described the scholarships as an investment in people that should benefit the country.
"Australia has not invested in you so that Solomon Islands may lose you. This award is not a ticket out. It is a loan to your nation, repaid not in money, but in service," Wale said.
The prime minister also urged the scholars to make the most of their studies, stay connected to their faith, language and culture, and return home ready to work on the country's development challenges.
Australian High Commissioner Jeff Roach said Australia's support through the Australia Awards was an investment in the future of Solomon Islanders, and was about developing leaders and building the skills the country needed. He said alumni of the programme were already contributing to national life, and that he looked forward to seeing what the new scholars would achieve on their return.
The five-day pre-departure training covered academic expectations, Australian culture and society, scholarship responsibilities, wellbeing, and practical departure and arrival arrangements.
Ruth Menanopo, who will study a Bachelor of Inclusive Education at Flinders University, said the training had helped her feel prepared for life and study in Australia and to connect with other scholars before leaving. She said she was excited about the opportunity, although it was a big change.
Menanopo was also awarded the 2027 Ed Smith Memorial Prize, which provides extra support for leadership and professional development during her studies. She said she hoped to gain skills to help create more inclusive learning environments in Solomon Islands.
More than 850 Solomon Islanders have studied in Australia through Australia Awards and other Australian-supported programmes, the high commission said.