Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Hon. Manasseh Sogavare says the Democratic Coalition for Change (DCC) Government will table a reviewed Education Act in Parliament this year as a critical first step in reforms within the education sector.
Speaking at the Solomon Islands National University graduation ceremony last Friday, Mr Sogavare said the revised legislation will make for a fully complete educational system as it have provisions for Technical and Vocational Education Training as well as Tertiary Education.
The Ministry of Education is currently working to establish a Tertiary Division under its restructure project in 2015, as well as work on establishing the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) and the Solomon Islands Qualification Authority (SIQA).
The major aim of establishing the Solomon Islands Tertiary Education Commission is to help achieve improved policy and procedures for the management of the Tertiary Sector which includes the Technical and Vocational Educational Training and Scholarships that are based on the country’s labour market needs and demands.
Similarly, the pressing need to establish the Qualification Authority is to ensure comparability and compatibility, whereby only a nationally recognized system of education is delivered by training institutions that meet the acceptable standards.
Mr Sogavare said the achievements in our educational endeavors over the years may not be spectacular but nevertheless improving as the Ministry of Education continues to strive to achieve its three overarching goals of Access, Quality and Management.
Despite these achievements, there is still more work to be done which requires strong collaboration between stakeholders in the education sector.
“It is absolutely critical that all key stakeholders must collaborate and provide the necessary support and assistance to improve education for all Solomon Islands citizens,” Mr Sogavare said.
With the task ahead, the DCC Government stands ready to play its part through determined political will and strong ethical leadership to ensure reforms advocated by the government are achieved.
Source: Press Release, Government Communications Unit