𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞
𝐒𝐈𝐍𝐔 𝐇𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐃𝐚𝐲

The Solomon Islands National University (SINU) successfully hosted its 2024 Open Day on Friday 27 September 2024, themed “Empower the Mind Today, Meet Excellence Tomorrow, and Grow with SINU.”
Hundreds of secondary school students from various schools in Honiara attended the one-day event.
The day began with official speeches from SINU Vice Chancellor (VC) Professor Transform Aqorau, Permanent Secretary (PS) of the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) Dr. Franco Rodie, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Mr. Barney Sivoro, and a representative from the student body.
In his address, VC Professor Transform reflected on the Open Day theme, stating, “We are reminded that growth is not just about expanding our knowledge or skills; it is about growing as individuals and as a community.” He emphasized, “It is about becoming better versions of ourselves, pushing beyond our comfort zones, and striving for excellence in all that we do.”
“For SINU, growth means expanding our reach, enhancing our programmes, and continuing to innovate in the way we teach and learn. It involves building partnerships with other institutions, both locally and internationally, to ensure our students receive a world-class education. It also means investing in our infrastructure, faculty, and students to prepare for future challenges and opportunities.”
“But growth is not solely about the physical or academic aspects of our University,” he continued. “It is also about growing as a community. It is about creating a space where students feel supported, where faculty feel valued, and where everyone feels they belong. It is about building a University that is not just a place of learning but also a place of connection, collaboration, and inspiration.”
“As we look to the future, we must remember that growth requires boldness, risk-taking, and embracing change. It calls for openness to new ideas, challenging the status quo, and pushing ourselves to think differently. It requires us to be leaders, not just in our fields but in our communities, our country, and our world.”
In his speech, the VC also took a moment to recognize and thank SINU’s faculty and staff for their tireless efforts in shaping the minds of students. “The work you do is not always easy, but it is incredibly important. You are the mentors, the guides, and the role models for our students, helping them navigate the complexities of their academic journeys and inspiring them to strive for excellence.”
Quoting Albert Einstein, he said, “It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.” He commended the faculty and staff for embodying this art daily. “Through your dedication, expertise, and commitment to your students, you are not just teaching; you are empowering. As we continue on this journey together, think about the impact you are making, not just in the classroom but in the lives of your students. Every lesson, every word of encouragement, and every challenge you present helps build the foundation for tomorrow’s leaders. You are shaping the minds that will make a difference in our society, our region, and our world.”
Meanwhile, MEHRD PS Dr. Rodie expressed gratitude to SINU for hosting the 2024 Open Day, which provided secondary students with vital information about courses offered at the University.
The 2024 Open Day commenced with official speeches, followed by booth visits, and concluded with cultural performances from various student cultural groups.
END//////////