Although the Solomon Islands reports high rates of school enrolment, a baseline study in almost 60 communities in the Malaita Province showed that approximately 36% of school aged children are not attending school. This project seeks to contribute to the removal of barriers that prevent children from achieving their right to education. Working closely with national and provincial government, the project focuses on awareness raising on the right to education, increasing community involvement in school management, developing child-friendly teaching techniques, providing appropriate sanitation and supporting vocational training.

The Challenge

Access to quality education is an ongoing problem for children in the Solomon Islands. The country suffers from an acute shortage of qualified teachers, overcrowded classrooms and limited learning resources. These factors affect the entire education sector and are exacerbated by weak school administration and ineffective community engagement. The Solomon Island Government’s limited reference to child rights principles in education policies is also a major concern.

The Project

The Education Project, which started in mid 2009, aims to improve children and young people’s access to quality basic education. Research is being undertaken to determine the reasons for poor school attendance. In an effort to improve the retention of students, the project is helping to strengthen school boards and improve community engagement in the management of schools. Work is also being done to promote the principles in the Convention on the Rights of the Child within Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development (MEHRD) policies.

Outcomes for Children and Communities

The Education Project has succeeded in raising awareness of children’s right to education and has conducted a comprehensive baseline study in selected communities. The Education Project is helping to remove barriers that prevent children from achieving their right to education.

Key Achievements to date include:

• Baseline Survey conducted in December 2009. The results identified access to education, school management, participation and quality as the main issues.
• Forty community volunteers trained in project design, child rights and planning
• Toilet blocks and water tanks constructed at two schools
• Monthly education stakeholder meetings initiated
• Ongoing campaigns in communities to raise awareness of education issues

What Next?

The project is being implemented in two sites in Malaita Province, with the hope of extending to 10 schools – representing about 3,500 students – within the next two years. By 2012, children in selected communities should have improved access to quality education and participated more in the education system – regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion or location.