THE Solomon Islands National University (SINU) has strengthened its relationship further with the Australia government to advance the tertiary education to a new height.
This came after SINU and Australia High Commission have signed a 10-year historical education Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at SINU Kukum Campus, yesterday.
SINU Vince Chancellor (VC) Professor Transform Aqorau, Pro Vice Chancellor Corporate (PVCC) Shadrach Fanega, Australia High Commission to Solomon Islands His Excellency Rod Hilton and Australia High Commission First Secretary Education Simone Corrigan signed the MoU.
Speaking after the signing, Professor Aqorau underscored that SINU and Australia have made a historical signing to further strengthen the bond between Australia and SINU.
“We are not marking a momentous occasion for the history of SINU we are forging a brighter future and strengthening the bonds of partnership between SINU and Australia
“This event is the testament to decade long journey of collaboration and reaffirmation of a shared values and a significant step towards the future bream with promises and values as we strive to enhance the social and economic fabric of Solomon Islands through education, research and inauguration,” he asserted.
Pro Aqorau admitted he was moved by the signing because it was a culmination of the hard work and dedication of various individual who have committed them for the betterment of SINU.
He said Australia hesitant to work with SINU due to its well published challenges however, they assured if we could address the governance issue, they will be willing to lend their support.
And SINU has addressed its governance issue where Australia is more willing to foster a life-time relationship to work with SINU in many areas including research, staff and students exchange, curriculum development and provide World class program for the University in the future.
Australia High Commission to Solomon Islands, H.E Rod Hilton said they have come to deepen the long-standing relationship between Australia and Solomon Islands in strengthening the education sector.
“We are very privileged to partner with Solomon Island on education at all levels right from basics to right through tertiary.
“It is only through education that individuals are empowered to raise their full potential, society and nation can grow and flourish,” he said.
“Our two countries shared strong commitment to learning and recognized the transformative power of education the driving economic growth innovation and support the development of the strong and effective civil societies.
“Australia is proud in our commitment to partner with SINU in wider roles it plays here in the Solomon Islands by investing together in SINU we are investing together for future this wonderful country.
“This MOU is built for 10 years of engagement between DFAT and SINU and reflects our shared vision and commitment to enhance collaboration in research, students and staff exchanges, curriculum development and institutional capacity building,” he explained.
This MoU guides long term collaboration to Solomon Islands and Australia education systems on key areas of mutual interests including research excellence, skills development and training inclusivity and good governance.
“To do this, the MOU outline opportunity for academy exchange and collaboration from hosting high level public events and debates, bilateral academic exchanges to enhance curriculum development, staff training and establishment of World Class courses and range of fields relevant to both nations.
“Through close collaboration under this MOU, we can support active and vibrant research community closer connected to Australia and the region and help SINU achieve its ambition to deliver a world class learning program ensuring education serves as a catalyst of positive change and hope to build the brighter future for all Solomon Islanders,” he added.
He further added that by working together SINU and Australia can unlock new opportunities and address common challenges in contributing to the development of a skilled work-force that is so essential to diversifying the economy, building prosperity, and fostering a more inclusive dynamic society.
Australia is excited by the great and many possibilities lay in this document and look forward to working together to make this happen.
By LACHLAN SHYVES EDDIE
Solomon Star, Honiara
