Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale has announced that the Government will implement a nationwide fee-free education policy by 2027, describing the initiative as a major investment in the country’s future workforce.
Speaking in Parliament on Wednesday, Prime Minister Wale said the policy aims to remove the financial burden that prevents many Solomon Islands families from educating all of their children.
“The free education policy will be implemented nationwide by 2027,” Prime Minister Wale said.
He stressed that the policy did not originate with the current Government.
“The case for free education was made in this House many years before, first under the Sikua-led Government.
“We all know, the burden our parents carry. Many must choose which of their children will be educated. That is the injustice this policy seeks to put to an end,” he said.
Prime Minister Wale also said the policy is a key part of the Government’s long-term economic vision.
“I have said in this House before that free education is key to producing the highly skilled workforce our economy will need over the next 30 years as we move towards processing and manufacturing. That is the economy we must build,” he said.
Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Manasseh Sogavare raised several questions regarding how the policy will be implemented.
“What does fee-free education mean? Does it apply only to schools owned and administered by the Solomon Islands Government and provincial governments?
“Or does it extend to church-run schools and other authorised education providers?
“Does it cover tuition fees only, or does it also cover boarding fees, food, dormitory costs, uniforms and transport?” Sogavare asked.
He referred to the Education Act 2023 and the Education Regulations 2024, saying they already make a careful distinction between government-funded schools and self-funded schools.
Sogavare also cited the current government subsidy rates, noting that the existing support includes 800 per year for a non-urban secondary day student.
The debate on the Government’s proposed fee-free education policy is expected to continue as Members of Parliament [MP] examine its scope, funding arrangements and implementation ahead of its planned nationwide roll-out in 2027.
