Hon. Minister of Education Stephen Kumi and Rennell and Bellona Premier, Hon. Erick T. Saueha, sign the Agency Agreement at Honiara Hotel as Provincial Secretary Selwyn Vasuni looks on.
RENBEL BECOMES FIFTH PROVINCE TO SIGN EDUCATION AGENCY AGREEMENT
Honiara 28 October 2026- Rennell and Bellona has become the fifth province to sign an Agency Agreement with the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD), strengthening provincial responsibility for education delivery under the Education Act 2023.
The Hon. Minister of Education, Stephen Kumi, and Rennell and Bellona Premier, Hon. Erick T. Saueha, signed the agreement at Honiara Hotel this morning.
The agreement sets out how MEHRD and the Provincial Government will work together to deliver education services. The provincial Education Provider Office will manage provincial schools and early childhood education centres, support teachers, safeguard students and account for education grants. MEHRD’s Education Coordination Office will provide policy guidance, regulatory oversight and technical support.
Signing is important because it clarifies provincial responsibilities and establishes arrangements for Ministry support, coordination and accountability. It provides a foundation for better school management and improved learning opportunities for children.
“The Ministry of Education remains your steadfast partner,” Minister Kumi said.
He said MEHRD would second experienced national officers to support school operations and teacher management, with joint annual reviews to assess provincial capacity and identify additional support needs.
“These agreements lay the foundation for stronger education governance, improved school operations, and better learning outcomes for our children,” he said.
The Minister also welcomed the establishment of the Rennell and Bellona Provincial Education Board to bring education stakeholders together and support provincial education priorities.
The signing was witnessed by MEHRD senior officials, the provincial delegation and development partners, including senior officials from Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), led by First Secretary Ami Bah, and New Zealand High Commission Second Secretary Sammy O’Hara.
Ms Bah and Ms Ohara reaffirmed their governments’ continued support for education in Solomon Islands through the Strongem Education Together (SET) and Vaka for Education programmes, respectively.
ENDS///
From left: MEHRD Permanent Secretary (Supervising), Mrs Linda Wate; Hon. Minister of Education Stephen Kumi; Rennell and Bellona Premier, Hon. Erick T. Saueha; and Provincial Secretary Selwyn Vasuni at the Agency Agreement signing ceremony at Honiara Hotel.
MEHRD Permanent Secretary (Supervising), Mrs Linda Wate, delivers her welcome remarks to the Rennell and Bellona Provincial Government delegation, MEHRD senior officials and development partners attending the Agency Agreement signing ceremony at Honiara Hotel.
Rennell and Bellona Premier, Hon. Erick T. Saueha, delivers remarks on behalf of his Provincial Government during the Agency Agreement signing ceremony at Honiara Hotel.
Hon. Minister of Education Stephen Kumi delivers his address during the Agency Agreement signing ceremony between MEHRD and the Rennell and Bellona Provincial Government.
New Zealand High Commission Second Secretary Sammy Ohara reaffirms New Zealand’s continued support for MEHRD and the Rennell and Bellona Provincial Education provider through the Vaka for Education programme.
Australian High Commission First Secretary Ami Bah reaffirms Australia’s commitment to supporting education in Solomon Islands, including Rennell and Bellona, through the Strongem Education Together (SET) programme.
Representatives of the Rennell and Bellona Provincial Government, MEHRD and development partners gather at Honiara Hotel for the signing of the Agency Agreement.