03/06/2026
Keep the good work COESI ๐๐
๐๐ฑ๐๐ฐ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ๐๐ผ๐ฎ๐น๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ๐๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ธ๐ ๐ช๐ฎ๐น๐ฒ'๐ ๐๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฒ ๐๐ฑ๐๐ฐ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ๐ฃ๐ผ๐น๐ถ๐ฐ๐
The Coalition for Education in Solomon Islands (COESI) has commended Prime Minister Matthew Wale for his government's commitment to providing free education for all Solomon Islanders, describing the policy as a transformative step towards improving access to learning and supporting national development.
In a letter to the Prime Minister, COESI National Coordinator Jack Kalisto praised Mr Wale for placing education among his government's top priorities and for clearly articulating a vision that seeks to make education accessible from early childhood through to tertiary level.
The coalition said the Prime Minister's longstanding advocacy for education reform and his belief that education is fundamental to national development have given renewed hope to many Solomon Islanders, while noting that the ambitious policy will require significant investment and strong partnerships to ensure its successful implementation.
COESI acknowledged Solomon Islands' strong historical commitment to education, noting that government expenditure on the sector has consistently been among the highest in the Pacific region, accounting for around 25 per cent of the national budget and more than 8 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
However, the organisation said significant challenges remain in ensuring equitable access to quality education, improving learning outcomes and creating opportunities for young people across the country.
The coalition described the government's vision of free education from early childhood through to tertiary education as both admirable and transformative but cautioned that maintaining quality across the education system would require substantial and sustained investment.
As Prime Minister Wale undertakes discussions with Australian leaders, COESI has encouraged him to raise the importance of increased Australian support for the education sector.
The organisation noted that while Australia remains Solomon Islands' largest development partner and has made valuable contributions to education over many years, aid allocations have remained largely unchanged in recent years and have effectively declined in real terms when adjusted for inflation.
Given the scale of the reforms envisaged by the government, COESI believes there is a strong case for renewed and expanded Australian investment in education.
The coalition has proposed a strengthened AustraliaโSolomon Islands Education and Skills Partnership, focusing on teacher training, school infrastructure, educational quality improvements and expanded opportunities for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
COESI also highlighted the importance of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education, skills training and practical workforce development in supporting the government's vision of building a more self-reliant economy.
The organisation said greater investment in TVET and practical skills development would be essential in equipping young people with the knowledge and competencies needed to support livelihoods, entrepreneurship, productivity and economic growth.
COESI wished Prime Minister Wale success in his engagements with Australian leaders and reaffirmed its commitment to working constructively with the Government and the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development to advance quality education for all Solomon Islanders.
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