Honiara, Solomon Islands β The Solomon Islands National University (SINU) is proud to announce the official signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Islands Knowledge Institute (IKI), marking a significant step forward in the advancement of indigenous education and research. The MOU was signed on March 22, 2024, by Professor Transform Aqorau, Vice Chancellor of SINU, and Assistant Professor Joseph Foukona from the University of Hawaii, a distinguished Solomon Islands Scholar.
This collaboration signifies a milestone in the commitment of both institutions to work together in fostering educational and national development. With support from Nia Tero and Arizona State University, the partnership will focus on initiatives such as joint research grant proposals, annual master classes, advanced content creation, identification of commercial opportunities, and the establishment of a Centre for Islands Futures. Additionally, the development of Postgraduate Diploma and Masters programs with in-situ learning components is underway.
SINU, established by the SINU Act 2012, continues to uphold its dedication to promoting scholarship, research, and academic excellence for the betterment of the Solomon Islands and the broader region. IKI, incorporated in 2008 as a charitable organization, is committed to developing knowledge that benefits island peoples and places, with a strong emphasis on collegiality, transparency, and excellence.
As part of this agreement, SINU will engage in joint initiatives, offer student engagement opportunities, seek funding prospects, and provide space for collaborative projects. IKI will manage program coordination, facilitate collaborations, advocate for pertinent issues, and utilize SINUβs community standing for enhanced engagement.
A representative from IKI stated, “Knowledge is created out of information by communities of thinkers. Islands Knowledge is formed by islanders working, thinking, and teaching in island spaces. We anticipate that this collaboration will forge a nationwide network of islands knowledge, fostering learning and growth across our communities.”
Professor Aqorau expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting its local roots and the involvement of native scholars like Assistant Professor Joseph Foukona, Dr. Morgan Wairiu, and supported by Dr. Edgar Pollard and Paul Rougan. “This partnership is particularly thrilling as it is home-grown, tapping into the rich indigenous knowledge, cultures, and wisdom of our village communities. Our goal is to bring education to the grassroots level, transforming our communities into living labs of knowledge and learning,” he said. Professor Aqorau further remarked that this initiative lays the foundation for the Institute of Islands Futures, aiming to revolutionize and focus on systems and transdisciplinary approaches to learning.
For more information, please contact SINU Marketing and Public Relations Office on phone: 42631 or email: pro@sinu.edu.sb .
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