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Students from South Guadalcanal in Guadalcanal Province will now have the opportunity to study at their own pace, in their own time, and within their own communities.
This milestone follows the successful signing of an educational Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the South Guadalcanal Constituency and the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) Centre for Distance and Flexible Learning (CDFL).
The MoU was signed today at the Kukum Lecture Theatre Boardroom by SINU Vice Chancellor (VC), Professor Transform Aqorau, and Member of Parliament (MP) for South Guadalcanal, Honourable Roland Seleso, in the presence of officials from both parties.
In his remarks during the signing ceremony, Prof. Aqorau described the occasion as a significant milestone in SINUโs journey toward making tertiary education more accessible, affordable, and inclusive for all Solomon Islanders, regardless of their location.
โOur vision at SINU is that no one should be denied the opportunity to learn and better themselves because of geography or circumstance,โ said Prof. Aqorau.
โWith the rapid advances in communication technology, we are witnessing a transformation in how knowledge is delivered. It is now possible for students in even the most remote corners of our nation to pursue higher education without leaving their homes, families, and communities.โ
He acknowledged the unique challenges of South Guadalcanalโs terrain, emphasizing the importance of this partnership in addressing long-standing barriers to education.
โBy enabling our people in South Guadalcanal to stay at home while earning their qualifications, we are not only bridging the gap of distance but also empowering individuals and strengthening communities.โ
โDevelopment is a shared responsibility, and it is only through strategic partnershipsโlike the one we are celebrating todayโthat true progress can be made.โ
Prof. Aqorau highlighted the importance of working hand in hand with National and Provincial Governments, local communities, and Members of Parliament to build a resilient, educated, and prosperous Solomon Islands.
On a personal note, he shared that his great-grandfather hails from Levu Village in the Talise District of South Guadalcanal, making this partnership especially meaningful for him.
โTo give back to the land and people of my ancestors in the most meaningful way I knowโthrough educationโis a matter of great personal pride and fulfilment.โ
The Vice Chancellor also congratulated Hon. Seleso for his vision and thanked the SINU CDFL staff for their commitment in making the MoU a reality.
In response, MP Roland Seleso expressed his appreciation to SINU for its commitment to expanding educational access through the Distance and Flexible Learning model.
โThis initiative is especially important for our rural and remote communities, where access to higher education has often been limited,โ said Hon. Seleso.
โWhether they are young people aiming to further their studies or working adults balancing family and professional responsibilities, this program provides a pathway to growth and opportunity.โ
He announced that a school within the South Guadalcanal Constituency has been earmarked to host the program, with his office committed to providing the necessary infrastructure, equipment, and reliable internet connectivity.
โWe have already allocated funding to support and sustain this initiative to ensure its success. This is a major step forward and lays the foundation for future collaborations that will empower our people and strengthen our communities.โ
Mr. Obed Zutu, Manager of SINU CDFL, also extended his gratitude to the South Guadalcanal Constituency.
โOur office is ready and committed to working alongside the constituency to deliver much-needed education to the electorate,โ Mr. Zutu stated.
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[SINU Press Release]
