MEHRD AND WESTERN PROVINCE SIGN LANDMARK EDUCATION AGREEMENTS

Agreements strengthen provincial authority, accountability and coordination of education services

HONIARA, 12 August 2026 – The Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) and the Western Provincial Government have signed the Western Province Agency Agreement and Provincial Education Board Agreement at the Outback Hotel in Honiara.

Western Provincial Premier Hon. Billy Veo was unable to attend because of other high-priority commitments and was represented by the Provincial Minister for Education, Hon. Gordon Zebo. Hon. Freedom Tozaka, Minister responsible for Transport, Works and Communications, and senior Western Provincial Government officials also attended. MEHRD was represented by Minister Hon. Stephen Kumi, Permanent Secretary (Supervising) Mrs Linda Wate, members of the Senior Management Team and Ministry staff.

The Agency Agreement gives effect to section 29 of the Provincial Government Act 1997 and supports implementation of the Education Act 2023. It strengthens the Provincial Executive’s authority to manage early childhood education centres, primary schools and provincial secondary schools, bringing responsibility, decision-making and accountability closer to schools and communities.

Through the Western Education Provider Office, the Province will oversee education planning and budgeting, grants and public funds, teachers and school leaders, student welfare and child protection, school boards, complaints, registration, compliance and reporting. The Provincial Education Board will bring government and non-government education providers together to coordinate provincial priorities, technical and vocational education and training, skills development and major infrastructure needs.

“We are not just signing documents; we are launching the engines of the GREAT Coalition’s vision for Reform, Empowerment, Accountability and Transformation,” Minister Kumi said. He described the reform as the Solomonisation principle in action – placing local leadership and knowledge at the centre of development.

MEHRD will continue to support the Province through the Provincial Education Coordination Office (PECO), operating as the Western Education Coordination Office. PECO will administer the Education Legislative Framework, support the Board and its secretariat, coordinate the Provincial Education Plan, assist education providers to comply with their obligations, manage eligible Board grants, coordinate development partners and report progress to MEHRD.

The agreements will also provide an established governance platform to support the GREAT Coalition Government’s vision for Universal Free Education. As policy, costing and implementation arrangements are developed, the Western Education Provider Office, PECO and the Board can help verify enrolment and costs, direct grants, monitor expenditure, uphold standards and target support fairly, including to remote island communities.

“Education is not merely an expenditure; it is nation-building,” Minister Kumi said. “By signing these agreements today, we are telling the teachers, students and communities of Western Province that we are committed to their success.”

The Agency Agreement will operate for five years, including an initial one-year trial period. Implementation will proceed through agreed work plans, regular Board meetings, reliable reporting and continued cooperation among MEHRD, the Province, education providers and communities.

Minister for Education and Human Resources Development Hon. Stephen Kumi delivers his address during the signing ceremony.

From left: Permanent Secretary (Supervising) Mrs Linda Wate, Hon. Stephen Kumi, Hon. Gordon Zebo and Western Province Chief Education Officer Samuel Parubule display the signed agreements.

Western Provincial Minister Hon. Roni Ghemu presents a gift to MFAT Education Development Specialist Gerard Direen of the New Zealand High Commission