Minister Kumi’s First Official Engagement Highlights TVET as a National Development Pathway
Honiara, 17 June 2026 — The Minister for Education and Human Resource Development, Hon. Stephen Kumi, today attended one of his first official engagements as Minister at the Solomon Islands National University Technical and Vocational Education and Training Centre, SINU TAFE, during the official handover of tools and equipment and the announcement of TVET scholarships supported by the Government of Australia.
The event brought together representatives of the Australian High Commission, Pacific Australia Skills, Solomon Islands National University, SITESA, MEHRD, SINU TAFE trainers, students and invited guests.
Speaking at the ceremony, Hon. Kumi described the occasion as both meaningful and memorable, noting that it was fitting for his first official remarks as Minister to be delivered at an event focused on skills, opportunity, partnership and the future of young Solomon Islanders.
The Minister acknowledged the Government of Australia, through the Australian High Commission and Pacific Australia Skills, for its continued practical support to technical and vocational education and training in Solomon Islands.
He said the handover of tools, equipment, furniture and learning resources to SINU TAFE was more than the transfer of physical assets, describing it as an investment in the future capability of Solomon Islands.
“These resources will help strengthen practical learning in building construction, carpentry and joinery, including apprenticeship pathways. They will support trainers to deliver more relevant hands-on training and give students better access to the equipment and learning environment needed to build confidence, competence and employable skills,” Hon. Kumi said.
Hon. Kumi also welcomed the announcement of Australia Skills Awards scholarships for 2026, noting that the support will benefit 726 scholarship recipients across Rural Training Centres in Guadalcanal, Western, Isabel and Malaita Provinces, with additional students supported at SINU TAFE.
The Australian Government also announced that TVET scholarship support is expected to increase from 726 recipients in 2026 to 1,500 recipients next year. The Minister welcomed this significant expansion and said it demonstrates Australia’s strong commitment to supporting education, skills development and employment opportunities for Solomon Islanders.
The scholarships will support training in priority areas including automotive engineering, tourism and hospitality, agribusiness, building and construction, carpentry, woodwork and joinery, life skills and pathways for young women and girls.
The Australian High Commissioner, His Excellency Mr Jeff Roach, also spoke during the event and stressed the importance of education, skills and employment for all Solomon Islanders. He highlighted Australia’s continued partnership with Solomon Islands in strengthening skills development, employability and workforce readiness.
SINU Pro-Vice Chancellor Academic, Dr Eric Katovai, also underscored the importance of TVET in nation building and acknowledged the support provided to SINU TAFE students and trainers.
The Minister emphasised that TVET is not a second-choice pathway, but a national development pathway that provides opportunities for young people to become skilled workers, entrepreneurs, community builders and productive contributors to national and regional development.
“Education must not only prepare our people to know; it must also prepare them to do, to build, to innovate, to serve and to create opportunities for themselves and others,” Hon. Kumi said.
The Minister further stated that the Government of Solomon Islands, through MEHRD and SITESA, remains committed to strengthening TVET as a key pillar of national development. He said the recently launched TVET Policy provides an important platform to improve coordination, quality assurance, trainer capability, industry relevance and pathways from training into employment, entrepreneurship and further learning.
Hon. Kumi also welcomed Australia’s technical assistance to support MEHRD and SITESA in developing a five-year implementation framework for the TVET Policy, stating that the framework will be important in turning policy into practical action.
He encouraged students who will benefit from the scholarships and equipment to make full use of the opportunity and to take pride in practical learning, discipline and commitment.
“The tools and support provided today will assist you, but your attitude, effort and perseverance will determine how far this opportunity takes you,” the Minister said.
The Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development acknowledges the continued partnership of the Government of Australia, the Australian High Commission, Pacific Australia Skills, SINU, SITESA and all stakeholders involved in strengthening technical and vocational education and training in Solomon Islands.
Together, these investments are helping to build a skilled, confident and productive workforce for Solomon Islands and create stronger pathways for young people into employment, enterprise and national and regional development.
Minister for Education and Human Resource Development, Hon. Stephen Kumi, delivers his remarks during the equipment handover and TVET scholarships announcement at SINU TAFE.
Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Mr Jeff Roach, delivers remarks during the event, highlighting the importance of education, skills and employment for all Solomon Islanders.
Hon. Stephen Kumi, Australian High Commissioner Jeff Roach, SINU TAFE representatives and lecturers display tools and equipment handed over to strengthen practical training at SINU TAFE.
Hon. Stephen Kumi, Australian High Commissioner Jeff Roach, SINU staff and student representatives join in the cake-cutting ceremony to mark the equipment handover and TVET scholarships announcement