DEAR EDITOR, a press release on Wednesday, April 5, 2017, from the Australian High Commission in Honiara, has confirmed that Australia’s Direct Aid programme funding of SBD 102,413.66 is helping the Special Development Centre School located at Tandai, west of Honiara.

This school is said to be the only educational facility for students with disabilities in the country, providing an academic curriculum as well as livelihood and life skills programs for its students.

The NSW Legislative Assembly will also contribute to the project by providing a garden and a chicken coup.

Additionally, the Solomon Islands Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development has already provided the school structure and will assist to upgrade the vegetable garden.

“The Australian Government is pleased to support such a worthwhile project, one whose benefits go beyond the SDC skills programme, ensuring that students with special needs can acquire skills to help them develop their own livelihoods upon leaving school,” said the Australian High Commissioner, HE Rod Brazier, in the press statement.

Thank you, Australia and the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development for this combined, extremely worthwhile, project.

Yours sincerely

FRANK SHORT