Australia is supporting safer school transport in Honiara through targeted safeguarding training for school bus drivers and conductors from the Honiara City Council (HCC) school bus service.
On 10 April, eight drivers and conductors – including both women and men – successfully completed a half day safeguarding training designed to strengthen child protection and student safety. The training was also attended by HCC Human Resources Manager and Bus Service Secretary, Mr Noel Kinika.
The session strengthened participantsโ understanding of child protection principles, professional conduct, safeguarding risks, and clear reporting and referral pathwaysโhelping ensure the safety and wellbeing of students during daily travel to and from school.
Mr Kinika said the training reinforced HCCโs commitment to delivering child safe public services.
โThis child protection training equips our bus drivers and conductors with the knowledge and responsibility to recognise, prevent and respond to risks to childrenโs safety and wellbeing,โ Mr Kinika said.
The initiative was delivered through the Solomon IslandsโAustralia Partnership: Stronger Education Together (SET), in collaboration with HCC and the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development.
Following the training, Australia will also provide uniforms for school bus personnel, including long pants, shoes and safety vests, to support professional standards and clear identification.
Safeguarding awareness posters will also be installed inside buses to promote respectful behaviour and inform students about how to report concerns.
End///
