Honiara, Solomon Islands – The Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD), in partnership with UNESCO, today officially launched the 2026 Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education Project at St. Nicholas Anglican College in Honiara.
The launch was officiated by MEHRD Permanent Secretary Dr. Franco Rodie and attended by representatives from UNESCO, New Zealand MFAT, the Chinese Embassy, Solomon Islands National University (SINU), the University of the South Pacific (USP), Solomon Islands Association of Vocational Rural Training Centres (SIAVRTC), senior MEHRD officials, school leaders, teachers, and Year 10 to Year 13 students of St. Nicholas Anglican College.
The event was coordinated by UNESCO through the STEM Education Coordinator, Ms. Berris Olitisa, with support from MEHRD and St. Nicholas Anglican College.
In his keynote address, Dr. Rodie said the launch marks an important milestone in Solomon Islands’ education journey and reflects the country’s commitment to strengthening STEM learning as a pathway for national development. STEM is the acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Education.
“STEM education is no longer an optional luxury; it is the engine of the modern economy,” Dr. Rodie said. “If we are to achieve sustainable development, build environmental resilience against climate change and actively participate in emerging industries, we must prepare our citizens today.”
Dr. Rodie said MEHRD’s vision is to ensure that every student, regardless of background or geographical location, has access to quality STEM learning. He said the Ministry is committed to expanding STEM opportunities beyond urban centres so that students in rural and remote communities are also reached.
The project will support four priority areas: (1) strengthening STEM curriculum and teacher training; (2) building the capacity of teachers, (3) school leaders and technical trainers; (4) promoting STEM career awareness among young people; and improving the use and management of science laboratories and learning hubs in schools.
Three schools have been selected as pilot schools under the project: St Nicholas College, Gizo Secondary School and Waimapuru National Secondary School. The pilot schools will serve as centres of innovation and help inform the wider rollout of STEM education across Solomon Islands.
Speaking at the launch, the Head of the Political Section of the Chinese Embassy, Mr. Gu Wenlong, congratulated MEHRD, UNESCO and education stakeholders, and reaffirmed China’s readiness to continue supporting education cooperation in Solomon Islands.
At the end of the official programme, students of St. Nicholas Anglican College presented practical science displays and demonstrations to guests, showcasing science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) models they had designed. These presentations served as a testament to, and exhibition of, the studentsโ ingenuity, creativity, problem-solving skills, and growing interest in science and technology.
MEHRD acknowledges UNESCO for its decision to include three schools in the STEM Project and partnership, and thank all partners, school leaders, teachers, students and communities who attended the launch.
The Ministry says the 2026 STEM Education Project is an important step towards building a future-ready education system that equips Solomon Islands students with practical, innovative and problem-solving skills for national development.
