EDUCATION REFORM IN ACTION
MINISTER KUMI OUTLINES MAJOR EDUCATION REFORMS IN PARLIAMENT
Free Education preparations, curriculum modernisation, skills development and new legislation are advancing under the Government’s education reform agenda.
Hon. Stephen Kumi, Minister of Education and Human Resources Development.
The Minister of Education and Human Resources Development, Hon. Stephen Kumi, has outlined the Government’s progress in advancing major reforms intended to build a more inclusive, equitable and responsive education system for Solomon Islands.
Speaking in Parliament on Wednesday in support of the Speech from the Throne delivered by His Excellency the Governor-General, Hon. Kumi reaffirmed that education remains one of the Government’s highest national priorities. He highlighted the allocation of approximately SBD 1.4 billion to the education sector in the 2026 National Budget as evidence of the Government’s commitment to investing in the development of Solomon Islanders.
The Minister said the reform agenda includes the progressive introduction of Free Education from 2027, establishment of a dedicated Ministry of Higher Education, Skills Development, Research and Innovation, curriculum modernisation, improved teacher development and welfare, stronger education governance and closer partnerships with development partners, provincial governments, churches and school communities and other key stakeholders.
“These commitments reflect the Government’s determination to build an education system that is inclusive, equitable, relevant and responsive to the aspirations and development needs of Solomon Islands,” Hon. Kumi told Parliament.
MEHRD has established a Free Education Taskforce to coordinate development of the policy, implementation framework, financing arrangements, governance systems, legislative requirements and stakeholder consultations. Specialist technical advisers, supported by development partners, are also assisting with education financing, grant management, institutional arrangements and implementation planning. The preparatory work has been incorporated into MEHRD’s 2026 Annual Work Plan, and supplementary funding has been requested to support this stage.
A STRONGER AND MORE RESPONSIVE EDUCATION SYSTEM
Hon. Kumi said the proposed Ministry of Higher Education, Skills Development, Research and Innovation is a strategic reform recognising that school education and higher education require dedicated leadership and focused investment. MEHRD will retain its name and mandate and continue concentrating on education from Early Childhood Education through primary and secondary education. The new Ministry will provide leadership for universities, colleges, scholarships, research, innovation, technical and vocational education, workforce planning and national skills development.
The Minister also reported that MEHRD is nearing completion of the revised Primary and Junior Secondary Curriculum and has begun reviewing and redeveloping the Senior Secondary Curriculum while reviewing the Early Childhood Education Curriculum. By 2027, Solomon Islands is expected to have a coherent curriculum framework from Early Childhood Education through to Year 12. A STEM Education in Schools Pilot has also commenced with technical support from UNESCO to prepare students for emerging industries and future employment opportunities.
To provide the legal foundations for these reforms, MEHRD is progressing the Education Digital Transformation Policy and Bill; the Higher Education, Skills Development and Research Bill; the SITESA Amendment Bill; the Solomon Islands University of Technology Bill; and the National TVET Bill. These proposed laws are intended to modernise the education system, strengthen governance and improve quality assurance.
Hon. Kumi further highlighted implementation of the National TVET Policy and development of a Long-Term TVET Strategy to guide the sector over the coming decade. The strategy will strengthen partnerships with industry, improve quality assurance and expand access to skills training throughout Solomon Islands.
The Minister acknowledged continuing challenges, including the long-term financial sustainability of Free Education, demand for classrooms and learning materials, shortages of qualified teachers, digital connectivity, access for rural and remote schools, and the need to strengthen education management and accountability. He said these challenges would require strong partnerships among Government, Parliament, provincial governments, churches, school communities and development partners.
“Our responsibility now is to translate policy into action,” Hon. Kumi said. “The work ahead is considerable, but our direction is clear. Together, we are building an education system that will provide every Solomon Islander with the opportunity to learn, develop skills, contribute to our nation’s prosperity and realise their full potential.”