Sponsor a Youth in the Solomon Islands

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THE ECONOMIC SITUATION in the Solomon Islands makes access to education one of the most significant issues facing young people in the Solomon Islands. With over 80 percent of the population dependent on obtaining their livelihood from subsistence farming and fresh produce marketing, many have lost their limited access to cash income with the recent civil tension and break down of economic activity. This lack of income means that families cannot supplement their basic food needs when their subsistence agriculture fails. Consequently, obtaining money for education is just about impossible.

School fees and cost of travel are the major economic hurdles that stand in the way of a basic education, with most people in rural areas having to travel long distances to attend school. Materials that students in Australia take for granted, such as writing books, pens and textbooks are in many cases too expensive to consider. All of this has resulted in approximately 50 percent of children not attending school, and a literacy rate that is the worst in the Pacific.

The cost to sponsor a child for High School education and full board is from only $350 per year.

Donations are also needed to train nurses in the Solomon Islands.