The Solomon Islands continue to face complex development challenges ranked at 142 out of 187 countries, in the UN Human Development Index. Social service institutions and policy formulation processes are weak and continue to bear the impact of the violent civil unrest during the past decade, and ongoing political instability. The rapid socio-economic and cultural changes in the country are resulting in children being more exposed to risks associated with their health, education and livelihoods.

Many children in the Solomon Islands do not attend school or leave school early. The Solomon Islands has experienced a growing demographic ‘youth bulge’ with youth unemployment rates twice as high as other working age groups.  Seventy per cent of the population is under 29 years of age, and limited opportunities for young people result in substance abuse (home brew and marijuana); teenage pregnancy; criminal activities; and sexual exploitation leading to exposure to HIV infection and sexually transmitted diseases.

Save the Children Australia has worked in the Solomon Islands since 1986. We have primarily worked in the areas of sexual health, education and child protection with a focus on children and youth participation.

Child Advocacy Project	HIV & STI Prevention Project	Youth Outreach Project
A program that focuses on creating awareness of child rights in the Solomon Islands.	This project educates young people about HIV and STI  infection and prevention.	We work with young people to encourage sustainable livelihoods, healthy lifestyles & participation.
Education Project
This project seeks to remove the barriers that prevent children from achieving their right to education.