𝐒𝐈𝐍𝐔 𝐃𝐅𝐋 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐆𝐮𝐚𝐝𝐚𝐥𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐌𝐎𝐔

𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞

𝟎𝟑-𝟎𝟕-𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒

Staff Members of SINU and delegation from ECGC posed for a group photo with the signed MOU.

The Solomon Islands National University (SINU) and East Central Guadalcanal Constituency (ECGC) signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) this morning, allowing ECGC to host a Distance Flexible Learning Centre at Aola.

The significant MOU signing took place at the Kukum Lecture Theatre at 10:30 AM between SINU Vice Chancellor Professor Transform Aqorau and Member of Parliament (MP) for ECGC, Lazarus Alfred Rimah.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, ECGC MP Hon. Rimah assured SINU that his constituency fully welcomes the educational initiative, stating that his office will always support the DFL Centre in the Aola Ward. He then thanked the SINU DFL Centre for reaching out to ECGC with its educational development initiative, which will greatly benefit the people of ECGC.

Hon. Rimah highlighted that the DFL Centre will benefit four wards in total: Aola Ward, Logu Ward, Kolo Karako Ward, and Valasi Ward. He explained that bringing SINU DFL to ECGC will significantly ease the lives of his constituents by providing them with opportunities to further their studies after completing secondary school.

He further noted that in the absence of the DFL Centre at Aola in the past, the people of ECGC had to spend a lot of money to access tertiary education in Honiara. This struggle is now a thing of the past. He emphasized that bringing tertiary education to ECGC is a milestone development for his people, and his constituency is ready to continue supporting this development.

Meanwhile, SINU Vice Chancellor Prof. Aqorau congratulated Hon. Rimah for taking the important step of signing the MOU with the SINU DFL Centre, paving the way for educational development in East Central Guadalcanal. Prof. Aqorau stated that the partnership between SINU and the East Central Guadalcanal Constituency embodies a commitment to educational equity and innovation

“By leveraging modern technology and pedagogical strategies, we can create a robust and resilient education system that caters to all.This initiative not only provides immediate educational benefits but also builds a foundation for long-term social and economic development.”

“As we move forward, we must continue to champion the cause of distance and flexible learning, recognising it as a cornerstone of our efforts to empower individuals and transform communities.This partnership is a testament to our belief that education is a powerful tool for change, capable of unlocking potential and driving progress across all facets of society.Together, we are paving the way for a brighter, more equitable future, where every individual has the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed.The objectives of this partnership are clear and ambitious, reflecting our shared commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and fostering academic success.”

Professor Transform continued,“Firstly, we will utilise the facilities at Kobito CHS for virtual sessions.These facilities will serve as a central hub for our distance learning initiatives, providing students with access to the technology and resources necessary for their studies.By leveraging the existing infrastructure at Kobito CHS, we can create an environment conducive to learning, where students feel supported and empowered to achieve their academic goals.”

“Establishing this hub will create a vital point of contact for SINU CDFL students within the Kobito communities.This will not only facilitate the delivery of virtual classes but also serve as a communal space where students can collaborate, share experiences, and support each other.The accessibility of this hub will be particularly beneficial for students who may not have adequate study environments at home, offering them a dedicated space for learning.This initiative ensures that students have a reliable and consistent place to engage with their coursework, receive guidance, and interact with peers, fostering a sense of community and belonging.”

“Moreover, the establishment of the Kobito CHS hub will enhance the overall learning experience by integrating local support structures into the educational framework. Students will have access to on-site coordinators who can provide immediate assistance and mentorship, addressing any challenges that arise in real-time.This localised support is crucial in maintaining high levels of engagement and motivation among students, as they navigate the demands of distance learning. By creating a supportive and resource-rich environment, we are not only facilitating academic success but also promoting the holistic development of our students, equipping them with the skills and confidence needed to thrive in their educational journeys.”

The signing ceremony was witnessed by the Member of Provincial Assembly for Aola Ward, Clement Kilua; Chief Education Officer (CEO) Guadalcanal Province Education Provider, Rickson Saokoroa; Acting Manager of DFL, Obed Zutu; and staff of the Centre for Distance Flexible Learning.

Over the years, SINU DFL has signed a number of MOUs partnering with Choiseul Province, Western Province, Malaita Province, Isabel Province, Makira Ulawa Province, Temotu Province, North East Guadalcanal, and most recently, ECGC today.

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