MEHRD Officially Welcomes Hon. Steven Kumi as New Minister of Education and Human Resources Development

Permanent Secretary Dr Franco Rodie and Hon. Steven Kumi cut the welcome cake during the official welcome ceremony at MEHRD.

The Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD), together with staff of the Solomon Islands Tertiary Education and Skills Authority (SITESA), has officially welcomed the new Minister of Education and Human Resources Development, Hon. Steven Kumi, during a brief but meaningful welcome programme held with Ministry staff.

Hon. Kumi replaces the outgoing Minister, Hon. Tozen Leokana, who served the Ministry over the past two years. In his remarks, Hon. Kumi acknowledged the leadership and contribution of Hon. Leokana, noting the important achievements made during his time as Minister, particularly in supporting education reform and strengthening the work of the Ministry.

Hon. Kumi is not new to the education sector. He brings with him relevant experience and a deep understanding of the education system, having previously served as a teacher, an education administrator, and as Chief Education Officer for the Temotu Provincial Education Provider. His appointment was warmly welcomed by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Franco Rodie, who described the Minister as a leader who is well versed in the realities, challenges, and opportunities of education service delivery in Solomon Islands.

In officially welcoming the Minister, the Permanent Secretary assured Hon. Kumi of the Ministry’s support and readiness to work closely with him in advancing the Government’s education priorities. He also acknowledged the Minister’s education background and the value of his practical experience in guiding the sector forward.

In his short address to staff, Hon. Kumi thanked the Permanent Secretary, the Senior Management Team, and all staff of MEHRD and SITESA for their time, commitment, and dedication to serving the children, students, teachers, schools, and communities of Solomon Islands.

The Minister also outlined key reform priorities that the new Government intends to progress in the education sector. These include the proposed Free Education Policy, which aims to remove financial barriers and expand access to education for all children and learners across the country, from Early Childhood Education through to tertiary education, including the Solomon Islands National University (SINU). Under this policy direction, the Government intends to progressively meet the cost of education so that every child and learner has a fair opportunity to access education.

Hon. Kumi further highlighted the Government’s intention to support the establishment of a permanent MEHRD office complex, providing a proper home for both MEHRD and SITESA. He also informed staff that the current Government is considering the establishment of two separate ministries, MEHRD and Higher Education operating under separate ministerial and permanent secretary leadership arrangements.

The official welcome provided an important opportunity for MEHRD staff to show their support for the new Minister and to reaffirm their collective commitment to improving access, quality, equity, governance, and outcomes across the Solomon Islands education system.

MEHRD looks forward to working under Hon. Kumi’s leadership as the Ministry continues to deliver education services, implement major reforms, and strengthen opportunities for all learners throughout the country.

ENDS