By Eliza Kukutu
Minister Steven Kumi with 2026 Cohort 2
By Gardner Absolom
The Solomon Islands Government is preparing to roll out its fully funded education initiative, which will eventually support 1,000 students to pursue study opportunities in China.
Minister for Education and Human Resources Development, Steven Kumi, announced the initiative at the 2026 Chinese Government Scholarship Awards Ceremony earlier this week.
Minister Kumi said the first 200 students are expected to travel to China later this year, with the programme set to expand to 1,000 students in 2027.
“This government initiative will send its first group of 200 students to China later this semester, laying the groundwork to scale up to 1,000 students next year,” Minister Kumi said.
He said the programme will provide both degree and non-degree study opportunities, with a focus on areas critical to Solomon Islands’ national development.
These priority areas include agriculture, fisheries, forestry, healthcare, roads and infrastructure, renewable energy, and information technology.
Minister Kumi said the initiative will contribute to developing a skilled workforce equipped with the knowledge and expertise needed in key national priority areas.
ENDS//
