Press Release
21 October 2025
The Solomon Islands National University (SINU) and the Solomon Islands-Australia Partnership (SIAP) have officially launched the Stronger Education Together (SET) & SINU Partnership, a transformative initiative aimed at enhancing teacher education and improving learning outcomes across the Solomon Islands.
Hosted at SINU’s Panatina Campus Lecture Theatre on 15 October 2025, the launch brought together key representatives from the Australian High Commission, the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD), Catalpa, and the University of Melbourne. The event celebrated a shared vision of preparing workforce-ready teachers who can deliver high-quality education to children across the nation by 2033.
In her opening remarks, Dean of the Faculty of Education and Humanities, Dr Patricia Rodie, described the partnership as “a true reflection of what can be achieved through shared vision, commitment, and collaboration.” She highlighted the ongoing review of the Bachelor of Teaching (Pre-Service) curriculum and the design of a new Teacher Training Facility to provide trainee teachers with more hands-on, practical learning experiences.
Pro Vice-Chancellor Academic, Associate Professor Dr Eric Katovai, said the partnership marks “a milestone moment for SINU and for teacher education in the Solomon Islands.” He noted that the initiative aligns with SINU’s Academic Master Plan 2026–2030 and national education priorities, emphasizing academic quality, inclusivity, and innovation.
“Although today we celebrate the launch, much has already been achieved,” Dr Katovai said.
“Through SET, our faculty has begun reviewing the teaching curriculum with the support of Catalpa and the University of Melbourne, upgrading ICT tools for educators, and planning the development of a state-of-the-art Teaching Laboratory at SINU.”
The new Teaching Laboratory will simulate real classroom environments to bridge theory and practice for trainee teachers. The partnership will also strengthen mentoring systems, build research capacity, and equip SINU to generate locally relevant evidence to inform education policy and practice.
The event concluded with the unveiling of the Partnership Photo, student performances, and closing remarks by Dr John Sisiolo.
Dr Rodie said the day was “not just the beginning of a program, but the strengthening of a commitment, to our teachers, to our children, and to the future of education in the Solomon Islands.”
ENDS//