The Solomon Islands National Statistics Office (SINSO) is currently facilitating a three-week training program for the Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES) as part of the Building Capacity in Statistics and Audit (CAPSA) Project.

This initiative is jointly funded by the World Bank and the Solomon Islands Government.

Over 130 participants from the nine provinces and Honiara are attending the training, which commenced on Tuesday, 24th September 2024.

These participants were selected from a pool of thousands of applicants and will play a key role in gathering vital data for the country.

In his opening remarks, Acting Government Statistician Samson Kanamoli emphasized the importance of the participants' dedication to collecting high-quality data. He underscored that the data collected through the HIES, which occurs every decade, will provide crucial insights for policymakers for the next ten years.

“The significance of accurate and updated data cannot be overstated, as it provides the National Government with an effective baseline for its planning and decision-making processes. Ensuring the reliability of this data is the mandate of the National Statistics Office," said Mr. Kanamoli.

He further remarked, "Out of thousands of applicants, you have been selected to undertake this important task. The responsibility to support our National Government and contribute to the well-being of our people now rests in your hands."

Mr. Kanamoli encouraged the participants to remain steadfast, despite potential challenges they may face in the field. He noted that community members might express frustration with government services, but it is critical for the participants to explain that the data they collect will ultimately inform improvements to those services.

"The information you gather from them will be the foundation for the very services they need. This is the power of statistics," he said, motivating the participants to persevere through any obstacles.

Upon completing the training, participants will embark on the actual HIES enumeration phase, which will begin on the 21st of October 2024 and continue for a duration of 12 months.

The CAPSA project, funded by the World Bank, aims to enhance the capacity of the Solomon Islands National Statistics Office (NSO) and the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) to fulfill their mandates of supporting evidence-based policymaking and improving government accountability.

Aligned with the Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for Solomon Islands for the period FY18–24, the CAPSA project comprises three components:

  • the first focuses on strengthening the NSO,
  • the second supports the OAG
  • third is dedicated to project management activities shared between both institutions.

 

Source: Solomon Islands National Statistics Office