MEHRD Launches Solomon Islands ICT for Education Master Plan 2026-2030

The Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) has officially launched the Solomon Islands ICT for Education Master Plan 2026-2030, marking a major step forward in the country’s commitment to building a more inclusive, equitable, and future-ready education system.

Launching the Master Plan, the Minister for Education, Hon. Tozen Leokana, described the document as a landmark national commitment to transform learning across Solomon Islands through the strategic use of technology.

“This is not merely a plan about computers, internet connectivity, or digital devices,” Minister Leokana said. “It is a plan about justice, equity, and transforming opportunity for all learners across our country.”

The ICT for Education Master Plan 2026-2030 sets out a national vision that, by the year 2030, every learner in Solomon Islands, regardless of geography, background, or circumstance, will have equitable access to inclusive, engaging, and technology-enabled learning opportunities.

The Plan aims to strengthen digital education across all levels of the system through improved infrastructure, stronger teacher capability, better digital learning content, and more robust governance and information systems.

The Minister said the Plan responds directly to the realities and challenges facing Solomon Islands, including geographical isolation, uneven connectivity, infrastructure limitations, school disruptions, and teacher shortages. He noted that these challenges have reinforced the need for a more resilient education system that can continue to support teaching and learning even in difficult circumstances.

The launch also comes at a time when parts of the country are recovering from the impact of Tropical Cyclone Maila, which has caused considerable damage in Western Province, Choiseul Province, and parts of Isabel and Guadalcanal Provinces. The Minister said this highlights the importance of strengthening systems that can support continuity of learning during times of disruption.

The Master Plan is built around four strategic pillars:

• iKonnect – ICT Infrastructure
• iManage – Information Systems
• iTeach – Teacher Digital Skills
• iResources – Digital Learning Resources

Together, these pillars are intended to form the foundation of a modern, connected, and effective education system in Solomon Islands.

Minister Leokana said the Plan places strong emphasis on equity and practical implementation, especially for a country where schools are spread across many islands and where access to digital services remains uneven. He noted that the Plan prioritises solutions that can work in low-connectivity environments, support inclusive learning, and remain affordable and sustainable over time.

The Minister also highlighted the growing importance of data, digital governance, and responsible technology use in education. He said the Plan recognises the opportunities presented by Artificial Intelligence, while also calling for strong safeguards around ethics, child protection, equity, cyber safety, and the responsible use of social media.

MEHRD acknowledged the important contribution of education development partners and stakeholders who supported the development of the Master Plan, including the Global Partnership for Education, MFAT, UNICEF, and DFAT. The Ministry also acknowledged the work of technical advisor Mr Andrew Ebbs, Mr Peter Suiramo, the Senior Management Team, and all officers and stakeholders who contributed to the development of the Plan.

The Minister called on Government, development partners, Education Providers, schools, and communities to work together to move from planning to implementation.

“The roadmap is clear. The direction is set. The responsibility now lies with all of us to move from planning to action,” he said.

With the launch now complete, MEHRD says the Solomon Islands ICT for Education Master Plan 2026-2030 will serve as a strategic guide for transforming digital learning and ensuring that all children in Solomon Islands are better prepared for the future.

Ends
Photo Captions

Key stakeholders who attended the launch of the ICT for Education Master Plan 2026-2030.

From left: Abdiweli Osman, UNICEF Education Specialist; Dr Franco Rodie, Permanent Secretary, MEHRD; Hon. Tozen Leokana, Minister for Education; and Sammy O’Hara, Second Secretary, New Zealand High Commission to Solomon Islands, cutting the cake to mark the launch of the ICT for Education Master Plan 2026-2030.

From left: Abdiweli Osman, UNICEF Education Specialist; Dr Franco Rodie, Permanent Secretary, MEHRD; Hon. Tozen Leokana, Minister for Education; and Sammy O’Hara, Second Secretary, New Zealand High Commission to Solomon Islands, displaying copies of the ICT for Education Master Plan 2026-2030.