HONIARA, 18 OCTOBER 2026 (SOL GOVT)—-Prime Minister Matthew Cooper Wale has urged 50 Solomon Islands students preparing to study in Australia under the 2027 Australia Awards scholarships to return home and use their skills to help address the country’s development challenges.
Speaking at the farewell event in Honiara on Wednesday, Prime Minister Wale described the scholarships as an investment in people that should ultimately benefit Solomon Islands.
“Australia has not invested in you so that Solomon Islands may lose you. This award is not a ticket out. It is a loan to your nation, and it is repaid not in money, but in service,” he said.
Prime Minister Wale encouraged the scholars to learn deeply, maintain their cultural and community connections, and return home ready to contribute to national development.
He urged them to observe how Australian institutions deliver public services, manage water resources, ensure local government accountability and implement audit recommendations.
“These are the lessons that are not written in any course outline, and they are the ones Solomon Islands needs most,” he said.
The Prime Minister thanked the Australian Government and people for their longstanding support, saying investment in education and human capacity could deliver lasting benefits.
He also reminded the scholars to uphold their faith, languages and cultural values while representing Solomon Islands abroad.
Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Jeff Roach said the Australia Awards programme aims to develop future leaders, strengthen institutions and build skills needed for the country’s prosperity.
Roach said the incoming cohort would study in diverse fields and join a network of more than 850 Australia Awards alumni contributing to Solomon Islands’ development.
The farewell event brought together the scholars, their families, Australian High Commission officials and programme representatives to celebrate the 50 awardees ahead of their studies.
Congratulating the students, Wale acknowledged the sacrifices made by their families and encouraged other young Solomon Islanders to pursue similar opportunities.
“Go well. Learn well. And come back to build,” he said….PACNEWS