π’πˆππ” π’πžπ§πšπ­πž π€π©π©π«π¨π―πžπ¬ π“π«πšπ§π¬πŸπ¨π«π¦πšπ­π’π―πž 𝐈𝐧𝐒𝐭𝐒𝐚𝐭𝐒𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 π„π§π‘πšπ§πœπž π”π§π’π―πžπ«π¬π’π­π² 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐬

𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 π‘πžπ₯𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞
πŸπŸ“-πŸŽπŸ•-πŸπŸŽπŸπŸ’


SINU Senate Members pose for a group

The Solomon Islands National University (SINU) Senate has approved three major initiatives poised to significantly enhance the University’s programmes and overall development. The three major initiatives were approved during their recent meeting on Monday 15-07-2024.

The Senate agreed to:

1. Establishing SINU TAFE: The Senate has decided to transform SINU TVET into a more autonomous entity within the University, now to be known as SINU TAFE. This change will facilitate the development and consolidation of more TVET programmes, integrating the University Preparatory College into SINU TAFE, and introducing new programmes tailored to market and community needs. Professor Transform Aqorau, Vice Chancellor of SINU, stated, β€œI am pleased to see this development because it paves the way to consolidate partnerships with APTC, DFAT, the Ministry of Commerce and Labour to strengthen our TVET and short courses, develop more micro-qualifications for our Solomon Islands workforce, and collaborate closely with all of our Rural Training Centers. This milestone aligns with my vision to diversify our revenue sources and develop applied technical skills for our people, thus contributing to their work skills.”

2. Re-establishing the Apprenticeship Programme: The Senate agreed to re-engage with the Ministry of Commerce and Labour and the Apprenticeship Board to revive the Apprenticeship programme, once the flagship initiative of the Honiara Technical Institute (HIT) and the Solomon Islands College of Higher Education (SICHE). Professor Aqorau remarked, β€œI am delighted to see SINU, the Ministry, the Apprenticeship Board, and Industry coming together. It is particularly pleasing to witness the professionalism of my colleagues in SINU, and also the Ministry of Commerce, and Apprenticeship Board. Setting aside past differences to bring back a programme that benefits our people is truly commendable.”

3. Establishing the Center for Islands Futures: The Senate approved the establishment of the Center for Islands Futures, a transformative initiative for SINU. Professor Aqorau explained, β€œThe Center for Islands Futures will serve as a nexus for collaborative projects, programmes, and initiatives aligned with the educational and national development goals of SINU and the Indigenous Knowledge Institute (IKI). This partnership, supported by Arizona State University and Nia Tero, aims to catalyse change and infuse funds into the region’s academic and research endeavours. Activities will include developing joint research grant proposals to stimulate innovation, organizing annual master classes on Islands Knowledge and Futures, and creating advanced content collaboratively. This transformative partnership is set to make the Center a leading hub for sustainable development and innovative research in the Pacific, reflecting the collaborative spirit and shared aspirations of SINU and IKI for a resilient and prosperous future for island communities. The Center will be unique, with β€œLiving Labs” in communities where students will immerse themselves in local cultures and learn ancestral knowledge. For example, students can learn about engineering from the people of Niu Leni in Lau and Laulasi about how they built their artificial islands, which have withstood the test of time.”

Professor Aqorau concluded, β€œI want SINU to offer programmes not available anywhere else, and the Center for Islands Futures will be the platform propelling SINU on this transformative journey.”

Additionally, Professor Aqorau emphasised the critical role of the University in supporting the development of the Solomon Islands. “At SINU, we believe in the power of education to drive social and economic progress. Our initiatives are designed not only to enhance academic excellence but also to support both government and communities in improving the wellbeing of all Solomon Islanders. By equipping our students with practical skills and fostering partnerships with local and international stakeholders, SINU is committed to being a catalyst for positive change, contributing to a more prosperous and sustainable future for our nation.”

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