by Georgina Maka’a
More than 100 teachers around Gizo, Western Province, took part in a parade yesterday morning to celebrate World Teachers’ Day 2025.
The commemoration brought together teachers from nine schools around Gizo to mark their big day.
Saluting all the teachers teaching in schools across Western Province is Gordon Zebo, the province’s education minister.
Zebo said his ministry remains committed to ensuring better access to professional training, improving teachers’ working conditions, and creating clear pathways for career growth.
“The transformation of education in Solomon Islands requires that we place teachers at the center of policy and reform, as they are the frontline,” he said.
“We must listen to their voices, value their experience, and recognize their sacrifices,” he added.
The Education Minister also highlighted that teachers are nation-builders; they carry the hopes of our communities and the future of our children.
Chief Education Officer of Western Province Education, Samuel Parabule, in an interview, highlighted the challenges faced by teachers in the province and called on the national government to address teachers’ issues in the country.
Recently, the Solomon Islands National Teachers Association (SINTA) presented seven key demands to the national government, including improved job security, recognition of teachers’ experience, backdated salary payments, a review of new salary structures, inclusion of ECE/TVET/Disability teachers in salary structures, better allowances/benefits, and a review of education providers’ financial capacity.
Following a 28-day strike notice in July 2025, GNUT resolved the matter with SINTA in early September.
The Western Provincial Education Authority’s Chief Education Officer said he looks forward to seeing the issues resolved so that teachers’ demands and welfare are met.
“If the demands are not met, it will greatly affect work morale and teaching standards, which the new Education Act aims to address within our various education authorities,” he said.
Parabule acknowledged the teachers for their hard work and commitment to ensuring students’ learning is not affected despite the challenges they encounter.
This year’s World Teachers’ Day theme is “Transformation of Education Begins with Teachers’ Recognition.”