Hon. Stephen Kumi, Minister for Education and Human Resource Development, delivers his opening remarks at the Provincial Implementation, Planning and Team-Building Workshop in Honiara.
Minister Calls for One Ministry, One Team as MEHRD Prepares for 2027 Restructure
HONIARA, 8 October 2026 – Minister for Education and Human Resource Development, Hon. Stephen Kumi, has called for stronger coordination between national and provincial education offices as the Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development (MEHRD) prepares for its proposed organisational restructure in 2027.
The Minister made the call when opening the two-day Provincial Implementation, Planning and Team-Building Workshop in Honiara on Thursday, bringing together education officers from the provinces and Ministry headquarters to prepare for the transition.
Minister Kumi emphasised that the reform is more than a change to an organisational chart. Its purpose is to clarify responsibilities, strengthen teamwork and accountability, and improve the support provided to schools, teachers and learners across Solomon Islands.
He reminded participants that the Ministry’s work must remain grounded in the Education Act 2023, Education Regulations 2024 and Administrative Instructions 1–6, which guide the governance and delivery of education services.
The workshop addresses four priorities: understanding the proposed structure and provincial reporting relationships; building stronger teams across headquarters and the provinces; preparing realistic Individual Work Plans for 2027; and identifying training and capacity-development needs.
Emphasising “One Ministry, One Team”, the Minister urged officers to share their practical experiences, identify gaps and overlaps, and work together on solutions. He stressed that the true test of the restructure will be better coordination, timely support to schools and improved learning outcomes for children.
The Minister advised that the proposed organisational restructure has been submitted to the Ministry of Public Service for consideration and approval. Preparatory work will continue while the formal approval process takes its course.
New Zealand Second Secretary Sammy O’Hara acknowledged MEHRD’s preparations and the important leadership role of provincial governments, education providers and provincial officers in delivering reforms close to schools and communities.
She reaffirmed New Zealand’s support through its 10-year Waka fo Edukeison partnership with MEHRD and education providers. The partnership is expected to support the transition through resourcing for Provincial Education Coordination Offices (PECOs), support for the establishment of Provincial Education Provider Offices (PEPOs), additional grants to education providers, and training for provincial education boards, offices and school leaders.
O’Hara also highlighted support for stronger teacher management and education data systems at provincial level. She recognised that organisational change can create uncertainty and encouraged colleagues to support one another throughout the transition.
The workshop is intended to equip provincial and headquarters officers with clearer roles, stronger working relationships and practical plans for 2027. Follow-up engagement through provincial visits, headquarters consultations and virtual meetings is anticipated as implementation preparations progress.
MEHRD remains committed to ensuring that institutional reforms strengthen service delivery and contribute to equitable access to quality education for every learner in Solomon Islands.
ENDS///
Malaita provincial education officers take part in group discussions on provincial roles and implementation planning.
Provincial education officers and MEHRD headquarters staff discuss responsibilities, coordination and planning for the proposed 2027 restructure.
New Zealand Second Secretary Sammy O’Hara addresses participants and reaffirms support for the education sector through the Waka fo Edukeison partnership.