New Science and Home Economics Laboratories for Pirupiru CHS in Ulawa

Honiara, Solomon Islands, 14 April 2025 – Pirupiru Community High School in Ulawa Island, Makira/Ulawa Province now has a new Science Laboratory and a Home Economics Laboratory thanks to the continuous support from the Australian and New Zealand Governments.

Supported through the Australia and New Zealand funded Education Sector Support Program (ESSP) in partnership with the Solomon Islands Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD), the new education infrastructure will enhance the learning opportunities of the 389 students currently enrolled at the school and beyond.

Minister of Education, Honourable Tozen Leokana, Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Rod Hilton, and New Zealand High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Jonathan Curr were joined by the Deputy Premier of Makira/Ulawa Province, Honourable Stephen Ngara, members of the surrounding communities, school staff and students on Thursday 10 April 2025 to handover and celebrate the official opening of the two laboratory buildings.

The science laboratory and home economics laboratory, valued at SBD1.3 million, was constructed by locally owned MY Construction.

Honourable Leokana extended his deep appreciation to the Governments of Australia and New Zealand for their unwavering support and belief in the power of education right down to remotest of communities in Solomon Islands.

“Your contributions are not just financial; they are a testament to your belief in the potential of our young people and your dedication to fostering sustainable development in our nation.

“Our students are truly privileged to access such quality education infrastructure—learning in a brand-new science laboratory and a well-equipped home economics classroom is an opportunity that will greatly enhance their learning experience. This investment is deeply appreciated and will contribute meaningfully to their educational journey,” Minister Leokana said.

His Excellency Hilton said Australia is proud to support these investments that will build a knowledgeable and skilled workforce that contributes to national development for Solomon Islands.

“Improving access to a quality education for all children is so important for building a thriving Solomon Islands. And that’s why Australia is so proud to stand with the Solomon Islands and New Zealand to mark another milestone in our mission to deliver better schools, strengthen education and improve outcomes for all young people across the country,” said H.E. Rod Hilton.

His Excellency Curr said New Zealand will continue to support inclusive education in Solomon Islands that promotes learning environments that value and support student participation, learning, and success.

“New Zealand has been a partner to Solomon Islands in the education sector since 2003 and the reason for this long-standing partnership is simple. We believe that children and young people are the key to the future. And education provides our children and our communities with a brighter future.

“We hope that this new education infrastructure will give young people at Pirupiru and from around Ulawa knowledge, skills and understanding to go forward and be creative, and find solutions for the challenges in the community and the country, and create more opportunity to thrive,” said H.E. Jonathan Curr.

The handover of these facilities to Pirupiru CHS highlights Australia and New Zealand’s commitment to fostering educational excellence and offering students opportunities to develop critical skills and a culture of learning and growth within school communities in Solomon Islands.

ESSP is a five-year partnership between the Solomon Islands, Australian and New Zealand Governments aiming to improve access to quality education for all Solomon Islands children. Although formally concluding on 31 March 2025, ESSP will continue to complete its legacy activities through 31 December 2025 – ensuring a lasting contribution to the education sector and a smooth transition to the new Australian Stronger Education Together Program (SET) and New Zealand’s education partnership program.

ENDS///…with images

Photo captions:

Australian High Commissioner His Excellency Rod Hilton (second from left), Deputy Premier of Makira/Ulawa Province Hon Steven Ngara (third from left), Minister of Education Hon Tozen Leokana (center), New Zealand High Commissioner His Excellency Jonathan Curr, staff from both high commissions and representatives of the provincial government and Pirupiru school in front of the new science laboratory for the school.

Official guests accorded a warriors’ welcome upon their arrival for the official handover event at Pirupiru Community High School in Ulawa Island.

The new science laboratory at Pirupiru Community High School funded by the Governments of Australia and New Zealand in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD).

Australian High Commissioner His Excellency Rod Hilton, New Zealand High Commissioner His Excellency Jonathan Curr, Minister of Education Hon Tozen Leokana and Deputy Premier of Makira/Ulawa Province Hon Steven Ngara passing on the keys to the new education infrastructure to the school principal.

Australian High Commissioner His Excellency Rod Hilton inspecting some of the cooking utensils inside the new Home Economic laboratory.

The Solomon Islands Education Sector Support Program (ESSP) provides the strategic direction and implementation arrangements for the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) combined investment to support the Solomon Islands Government to implement its Education Strategic Framework (ESF) 2016-2030 and the National Education Action Plan.