Group photo of Poitete Community High School and MEHRD representatives with Australian Deputy High Commissioner, Mr Andrew Schloeffel, and New Zealand High Commissioner, H.E. Jonathan Cur.
Investing in the Next Generation: New Science Laboratories Expand Opportunities for Western Province Students
17 AUGUST 2026
Students at Dekurana and Poitete Community High Schools in Western Province will have new opportunities to learn, experiment and build skills for the future following the handover of two new Science Laboratory Classrooms valued at more than SBD2.7 million.
The facilities, delivered by the Governments of Australia and New Zealand in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD), provide modern learning environments that will strengthen practical science education and improve learning outcomes for students in rural Solomon Islands.
The new laboratories will support hands-on learning and inspire students to pursue future careers in fields such as health, engineering, education, technology, agriculture and environmental science, helping prepare the next generation of skilled Solomon Islanders.
Australia and New Zealand are supporting the Solomon Islands Government to improve school infrastructure through the Education Sector Support Program (ESSP), with a commitment to ensure all students have access to quality education, regardless of where they live.
Australian Deputy High Commissioner, Mr Andrew Schloeffel, joined New Zealand High Commissioner, H.E. Jonathan Curr, Solomon Islands Minister for Education and Human Resources Development, Hon. Stephen Kumi, MEHRD and Provincial Government representatives, students, teachers and community members to officially hand over the new facilities.
Australian Deputy High Commissioner Schloeffel said “Australia is pleased to support these new science laboratories in Western Province.
“More than just buildings, they are places where students can investigate, experiment and develop the practical skills needed for future study and employment. Science encourages curiosity, critical thinking and problem-solving. Whether students aspire to become teachers, engineers, doctors, scientists or future leaders, education provides the foundation for achieving those goals”.
“Australia’s support for education extends beyond school infrastructure. We are working alongside Solomon Islands to strengthen the entire education system and ensure young people have access to quality learning, skills development and opportunities that can transform lives and communities.”
New Zealand High Commissioner Curr, said “New Zealand is pleased to support investments that create better learning opportunities for students and teachers.
“Quality education provides the foundation for stronger communities, economic growth and a prosperous future for Solomon Islands.”
Minister for Education and Human Resources Development, Hon. Stephen Kumi, said:
“These new science laboratories will provide students and teachers with improved facilities for practical learning and scientific discovery. We thank Australia and New Zealand for their continued partnership and support in helping us deliver quality education outcomes for Solomon Islands children.”
The new facilities will strengthen science education in Western Province while supporting the development of future generations of skilled, capable and empowered Solomon Islanders.
ESSP supports the Solomon Islands Government to implement its Education Strategic Framework 2016-2030 and National Education Action Plan 2022-2026, improving educational outcomes, strengthening education systems and expanding opportunities for children and young people across the country.
From Left: Minister for Education and Human Resources Development, Hon Stephen Kumi, New Zealand High Commissioner, H.E. Jonathan Curr, Australian Deputy High Commissioner Andrew Schloeffel and delegation welcomed by warriors at Dekurana CHS.
Minister for Education and Human Resources Development, Hon. Stephen Kumi, New Zealand High Commissioner, H.E. Jonathan Curr and Australian Deputy High Commissioner Andrew Schloeffel in the new Dekurana CHS science classroom.
Australian Deputy High Commissioner Andrew Schloeffel, New Zealand High Commissioner, H.E. Jonathan Curr, and the Minister for Education and Human Resources Development, Hon. Stephen Kumi enjoy playing panpipes during the handover event at Dekurana CHS.
Group photo: Representatives from Australian High Commission, New Zealand High Commission, MEHRD and Dekurana CHS, standing in front of the new science classroom.
Poitete CHS new science classroom building
Australian Deputy High Commissioner Andrew Schloeffel plays the panpipe with students during the Poitete handover event.
Students watch on as Australian Deputy High Commissioner Andrew Schloeffel and New Zealand High Commissioner H.E. Jonathan Curr play the panpipes at Poitete CHS.
Students testing the installed tap in the science classroom.