Government and Choiseul seal partnership to strengthen education services

TARO, CHOISEUL — The Solomon Islands Government and Choiseul Provincial Government have signed an Education Agency Agreement to strengthen provincial education services, clarify responsibilities and improve support for schools, teachers and learners across Choiseul.

The agreement was signed in Taro on Friday 13 November 2026 by Minister of Education and Human Resources Development Hon. Stephen Kumi and Choiseul Premier Hon. Harrison Pitakaka, formalising their partnership in delivering education services.

Minister Kumi said the agreement would bring decision-making closer to schools and communities while maintaining national standards. He described it as a framework for clearer governance, stronger coordination and improved accountability across early childhood, primary and secondary education.

“The transformation of education cannot be achieved from Honiara alone. Success requires strong provincial leadership, empowered communities, and genuine partnership,” Minister Kumi said.

“MEHRD remains committed to supporting the province through funding, technical assistance, and policy guidance.”

The Minister outlined complementary roles for the Provincial Education Provider Office, responsible for day-to-day provincial education services, and the Provincial Education Coordination Office, representing MEHRD in national framework implementation, planning and support to the Provincial Education Board.

Premier Pitakaka said the agreement gave practical expression to the shared responsibility for education recognised in the Education Act 2023. He reaffirmed the province’s commitment to strengthening administration, teacher support, planning and financial accountability.

“For our people, the value of this agreement will be seen in the services they receive: schools that function well, teachers who are supported, resources that are properly managed and children who are learning,” the Premier said.

“These are the results against which we should judge our progress.”

Both leaders emphasised that children’s safety and wellbeing, responsible management of education funds and reliable support to schools must guide implementation. The Premier also highlighted the needs of children in remote island communities and rural villages.

Minister Kumi said the parties would develop a Roles and Responsibilities Matrix within three months of signing to clarify implementation arrangements. The partnership will support provincial preparations for the Government’s planned implementation of Free Education in 2027.

The signing took place on the same day as the opening and handover of the new Choiseul Education Office Complex, bringing improved facilities together with clearer working arrangements for provincial education delivery.

ENDS

Choiseul Premier Hon. Harrison Pitakaka delivers his remarks at the Agency Agreement signing ceremony in Taro, Choiseul Province.

Hon. Minister Stephen Kumi and Hon. Premier Harrison Pitakaka sign the Agency Agreement in Taro, formalising the partnership between MEHRD and the Choiseul Provincial Government.

Hon. Premier Harrison Pitakaka and Hon. Minister Stephen Kumi (centre) display the signed agreements following the ceremony in Taro.

Hon. Premier Harrison Pitakaka presents a traditional canoe to Hon. Minister Stephen Kumi as a symbol of the partnership between the Solomon Islands Government and the Choiseul Provincial Government.