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The Solomon Islands National University (SINU), through its Faculty of Education and Humanities (FEH) and the Office of Research and Postgraduate Studies, has received a generous donation of IT equipment from the Australian Government, delivered through the Australia Awards Solomon Islands (AASI) program and the Australia Stronger Education Together (SET) initiative.
The official handover took place on Wednesday this week during a brief ceremony held at SINUโs Panatina Campus. Australiaโs High Commission Human Development Counsellor, Dr Tristan Armstrong, presented the equipment to the university.
The support included audiovisual equipment, 10 laptops, four projectors, one desktop computer, one printer, and other IT accessories, with a total value of SBD 222,299.00.
Of the SBD 222,299.00, SET provided equipment worth SBD 178,000, and AASI contributed audio visual equipment valued at SBD 45,000.
In his remarks, Dr Armstrong emphasized the importance of equipping FEH and the Office of Research and Postgraduate Studies with modern IT equipmentโs to support the delivery of high-quality and inclusive education.
โThis support reflects the ongoing partnership between Australia and SINU. It is aimed at strengthening the universityโs capacity to provide inclusive education, ensuring students and staff alike benefit through professional development and broader learning opportunities,โ he said.
Pro-Vice Chancellor Academic (PVCA), Dr Eric Katovai, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Australian Government for its timely support.
โIt is a great honour to deliver these brief remarks on an occasion that marks yet another important step in the ongoing partnership between Australia and the Solomon Islands National University,โ Dr Katovai said.
โTodayโs handover of IT equipmentโvalued at approximately SBD 222,299.00โis a significant boost for the Faculty of Education and Humanities, particularly in supporting both teaching and learning processes. These items will play a vital role in showcasing our partnership with Australian universities through the co-hosting of conferences, seminars, and workshopsโoutcomes of our collaborative research efforts. With this equipment, we are now well-prepared to livestream the inaugural future seminars.
โThis handover represents more than just the delivery of hardware. It reflects a shared commitment between Australia and SINU to invest in the future of Solomon Islands through education.โ
He added that the equipment will enhance the teaching and learning environment for both students and staff, preparing them to thrive in an increasingly digital and interconnected world.
โWe are grateful for Australiaโs ongoing support and investment in capacity development, infrastructure enhancement, and professional growth opportunities for our staff and students,โ Dr Katovai concluded.
The ceremony was attended by Dean of FEH, Dr Patricia Rodie; Director of ICT, Dean Foy; Director of the Institutional Planning Division, Mr Darius Ramo; SINU staff; and representatives from the Australian High Commission.
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