MEHRD INDUCTS FACILITATORS TO EXPAND PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT FOR TEACHERS

Honiara, Solomon Islands, Wednesday, 9 September 2026 – The Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development (MEHRD) has opened a three-day Professional Development Facilitators Induction Programme to strengthen support for teachers throughout Solomon Islands.

Supervising Permanent Secretary Mrs Linda Wate officially opened the programme at the St Barnabas Cathedral Leaf Hut in Honiara. The induction prepares identified facilitators to deliver practical and relevant professional development, particularly to teachers in provincial, rural and remote communities who have had limited access to sustained professional learning.

“We are on a mission to reach our teachers – particularly those in our provinces, rural and remote communities, and those whom we have not been able to reach with meaningful professional development for a long time,” Mrs Wate said.

She told the facilitators that their role goes beyond delivering training. They will facilitate learning, coach and encourage teachers, listen to their concerns and support improvements in classroom practice. When working in schools and communities, they will also represent MEHRD through their professionalism, conduct and commitment.

The programme contributes to the GREAT Coalition Government’s education agenda, including Education for All, Education Reform, Free Education, teachers’ welfare, STEM education and stronger schools. Mrs Wate said teachers are central to this agenda because Government policy can improve learning only when it is translated into meaningful support in schools and classrooms.

“If we say we value teachers, we must show them respect. If we say we want to support them, we must listen to them,” she said. She urged the facilitators to understand the different contexts in which teachers work and ensure that every professional development activity is practical, relevant and responsive to their needs.

During the induction, participants will strengthen their skills in adult learning, coaching, curriculum, inclusion, assessment, culture, digital technologies and practical facilitation. They are expected to learn from one another and prepare to support teachers effectively across the country.

Mrs Wate emphasised that the programme ultimately serves Solomon Islands children. “Every child in Solomon Islands deserves a well-supported teacher who is equipped to help them learn and succeed,” she said.

She thanked the facilitators for accepting the responsibility and encouraged them to carry out the mission with integrity, humility, respect and a strong sense of responsibility before declaring the programme officially open.

ENDS///