For two young men from the small Besi community in the Solomon Islands, a journey to China is more than an overseas trip. It is an opportunity to grow as leaders, gain new knowledge, and return home with fresh ideas that can help their communities.
Mr Sonny Toramo and Mr Gad Baetolea, representatives of the Besi Youth Association, are taking part in the Seminar for Young Leaders of Friendly Organizations in Oceania , a two-week programme that brings together emerging leaders from across the Pacific region.
The seminar is designed to strengthen leadership skills, encourage innovation, and build friendships among youth organisations throughout Oceania.
Besi Youth Association Chair Abel Wanesuia believes the programme is an important investment in the future of young people.
Sony Toramo – Besi Youth Coordinator. Photo credit @ David Oeta
“The China Youth Leadership Seminar is more than a training programme; it is a platform for discovering and developing leaders with purpose,” Mr Wanesuia told SUNDAY ISLES .
“Its main objective is to equip young people with vision, leadership skills, discipline, innovation and a global perspective so they can return home and become agents of positive change. Leadership is not about holding a title—it is about influencing people through character, purpose and service.”
Mr Wanesuia said the opportunity became possible through the strong partnership between the Besi Youth Association and youth organisations in China, built on a shared commitment to developing young leaders.
“Great partnerships are built on shared purpose. When two organisations are committed to developing people, opportunities naturally follow. This partnership is an investment in the potential of young leaders,” he said.
He said the experience would give the two participants a chance to see the world from a different perspective and return with ideas that could benefit their communities.
Gad Baetolea – Besi Youth Agriculture Chairman. Photo credit @ David Oeta
“From the bush in Besi to China is another learning opportunity to gain exposure and expand vision. A leader who only knows his own environment is limited by it. This programme allows our youth to learn, grow and return home with ideas that can transform our communities,” Mr Wanesuia said.
Looking ahead, he said the future of Solomon Islands depends on preparing young people with the right values and mindset.
“The future of a nation depends on the quality of its leaders. When young people develop the right mindset, values and vision, they become leaders who create solutions rather than wait for them,” he said.
For Mr Wanesuia, leadership is about giving back to others.
“To me, this is not simply a privilege; it is a responsibility. Leadership is about serving others. Whatever I learn must be transferred to the next generation so that they, in turn, become leaders who positively transform Solomon Islands as a whole.”
The Besi Youth Association has wished Mr Toramo and Mr Baetolea every success as they proudly represent both the association and Solomon Islands during the leadership seminar in China.
WELSI leadership program empowers Solomon Islands women executives with skills, networks and confidence to lead Wednesday 29 July, Honiara – The eighth delivery of the Solomon Islands Senior Executive Women in Leadership Program is currently underway with the last two days scheduled for Wednesday 29th and Thursday 30th in Honiara. The program was initially devised [...]
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The eighth delivery of the Solomon Islands Senior Executive Women in Leadership Programme is underway in Honiara, with 18 senior...
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Valapata Youth Hub receives a 15HP outboard motor to improve transport and support youth development activities Valapata, Vella la Vella Island, Western Province – The Valapata Youth Hub Center received a major boost to its operations following the official handover of a 15HP Outboard Motor (OBM) engine during a ceremony held at the Youth Hub [...]
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BY TONY IROGA
The Kaloka Youth Association of Isabel province yesterday officially acknowledged the efforts of software engineering student Mr. Adrian Obadiah, whose dedication and commitment led to the development of the association’s new website.
In an interview with Island Sun, Mr Obadiah shared his story about developing the website for the association.
Mr. Obadiah, who hails from Isabel Province is currently in his final year of Software Engineering studies at the University of the South Pacific (USP) in Fiji.
He said the project was driven by a desire to give back to his community rather than to make money.
“This website came from the heart.
“It’s one thing to build something for financial gain, but it’s another to build something without expecting payment because you genuinely want to contribute to your community,” he said.
Mr. Obadiah said the inspiration behind the project came after the passing of his mother last year, when members of the Kaloka community united to support his family during their time of grief.
“When my mum passed away, the people of Kaloka came together and supported us from the very first night. Their kindness touched my heart and made me realise I should also give back to my community.
“As part of the community myself, this is my way of saying thank you,” he said.
Developing the website was not without challenges. Mr. Obadiah said balancing his university studies, internship and the website project required strong time management and determination.
“I was studying in Fiji, completing my internship and preparing for exams while building the website from scratch. Time management was my biggest challenge, but I stayed motivated because this project was special to me,” he said.
Unlike many software projects that involve teams of developers, Mr. Obadiah completed the entire website on his own.
“I developed everything from scratch right through to the production stage. It was a solo project, and I’m grateful I was able to complete it,” he said.
He also acknowledged the support provided by the Kaloka Youth Association, particularly in helping to cover infrastructure costs such as web hosting, servers, domain registration and custom email services.
“I didn’t charge the association for developing the website because this was my contribution to the community. The association supported me with the infrastructure needed to keep the website online, while I personally invested in the software tools and subscriptions used throughout the development” he said.
Mr. Obadiah said the website will continue to be updated with information about the association’s activities, missions and vision as it works to create more opportunities for young people.
He encourages Solomon Islands students studying overseas to return home and use their skills to serve their communities.
“My message to students is to make the most of your education overseas and come back to give back to your communities. Don’t just come home and take a selfie—use what you’ve learned to make a difference,” he said.
Mr. Obadiah also expressed gratitude to his family, friends, his partner and the Kaloka community for their encouragement throughout the project.
“I would like to thank my family, loved ones, friends and my partner for standing by me through every challenge. Above all, I thank God for giving me the knowledge, wisdom and understanding to reach this point,” he said.
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作者:托尼·伊罗加
所罗门岛伊莎贝尔省的卡洛卡青年协会昨日正式表彰了软件工程学生阿德里安·奥巴迪亚(Mr. Adrian Obadiah)的努力,他的奉献和承诺促成了该协会新网站的开发。
在接受《岛屿太阳》采访时,奥巴迪亚分享了他为协会开发网站的故事。
来自伊莎贝尔省的奥巴迪亚目前正在南太平洋大学(University of the South Pacific,USP)攻读软件工程专业的最后一年。
他说,这个项目是出于回馈社区的愿望,而不是为了赚钱。
“这个网站是发自内心的。
“为了经济利益而建造某样东西是一回事,但无偿建造某样东西,因为你真心想为社区做贡献又是另一回事,”他说。
奥巴迪亚表示,项目的灵感来源于去年他母亲去世后,卡洛卡社区的成员团结起来支持他的家庭度过悲痛时刻。
“当我妈妈去世时,卡洛卡的人们从第一晚就聚在一起支持我们。他们的善良感动了我,让我意识到我也应该回馈我的社区。
“作为社区的一员,这就是我表达感谢的方式,”他说。
开发网站并非没有挑战。奥巴迪亚表示,平衡大学学习、实习和网站项目需要强大的时间管理和决心。
“我在斐济学习,完成实习,同时准备考试,边从零开始构建网站。时间管理是我最大的挑战,但我保持了动力,因为这个项目对我来说特别重要,”他说。
与许多需要开发团队的软件项目不同,奥巴迪亚独自完成了整个网站。
“我从头开始开发所有内容,直到生产阶段。这是一个独立项目,我很感激我能够完成它,”他说。
他还感谢卡洛卡青年协会提供的支持,特别是在帮助支付基础设施费用方面,如网站托管、服务器、域名注册和定制电子邮件服务。
“我没有向协会收取开发网站的费用,因为这是我对社区的贡献。协会支持我提供保持网站在线所需的基础设施,而我个人投资了开发过程中使用的软件工具和订阅,”他说。
奥巴迪亚表示,网站将继续更新有关协会活动、使命和愿景的信息,以创造更多年轻人的机会。
他鼓励在海外学习的所罗门群岛学生回国,利用他们的技能服务于社区。
“我对学生的寄语是,充分利用你们在海外的教育,回国回馈社区。不要只是回家拍自拍——利用你们所学的知识来改变现状,”他说。
奥巴迪亚还对他的家人、朋友、伴侣和卡洛卡社区在整个项目中的鼓励表示感谢。
“我想感谢我的家人、爱人、朋友和伴侣在每一个挑战中支持我。最重要的是,我感谢上帝赐予我知识、智慧和理解,使我能够达到这一点,”他说。
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Solomon Airlines is celebrating another significant milestone in its aviation history, with First Officer Lyndah Tito Owen becoming the airline’s first local female pilot to commence Airbus A320 line training.
The milestone was marked this week when international services IE711 from Auckland to Port Vila and IE723 from Port Vila to Honiara were operated by Captain Claudia Walding and First Officer Lyndah Tito Owen,the airline’s only two female Airbus A320 pilots.
The flights represent another proud achievement for Solomon Airlines as Lyndah begins her transition to the airline’s international jet operations alongside Captain Walding, Solomon Airlines’ first female Airbus A320 Captain.
The achievement reflects Solomon Airlines’ ongoing commitment to developing local aviation talent and creating opportunities for women in aviation.
Captain Claudia Walding joined Solomon Airlines in 2000 and made history in 2015 as the airline’s first female Airbus A320 Captain, paving the way for future generations of women pursuing careers in commercial aviation.
First Officer Lyndah Tito Owen joined Solomon Airlines in 2009 and has consistently broken new ground throughout her career. In 2017, she and Captain Patricia Avosa became Solomon Airlines’ first all-local female flight crew, operating together aboard a De Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter. In 2023, she became the airline’s first female Dash 8 Captain and now reaches another milestone as the first local female pilot to commence Airbus A320 line training.
Solomon Airlines Airbus A320 at the Honiara International Airport. Photo credit: SIBC.
Solomon Airlines Chief Executive Officer Matthew Findley said Lyndah’s achievement reflects the airline’s continued investment in developing local aviation professionals.
“Today marks another proud milestone for Solomon Airlines and the Solomon Islands. Captain Claudia Walding paved the way for women in aviation within our airline, and we are delighted to see First Officer Lyndah Tito Owen become the first local female pilot to commence Airbus A320 line training. Her achievement reflects dedication, professionalism and perseverance, and we hope it inspires more young Solomon Islanders, particularly young women, to pursue careers in aviation.”
First Officer Lyndah Tito Owen said it was an honour to reach another milestone in her aviation career.
“I am incredibly proud to take this next step in my career and grateful for the support and encouragement I have received throughout my journey. Flying alongside Captain Claudia Walding makes this milestone even more special, and I hope it inspires more young Solomon Islanders to believe that a career in aviation is within reach.”
As Solomon Airlines continues connecting Solomon Islands with destinations across the Pacific, the airline remains committed to investing in local talent and building a diverse, highly skilled aviation workforce for the future.
[end]
Solomon Airlines statement
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MOU to Reinstate SICA Women’s Desk
Women representatives from four Christian denominations have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to work together towards reinstating the Solomon Islands Christian Association (SICA) Women’s Desk, approximately 12 years after it was formally abolished.
The signing was a major outcome of the inaugural Inter-denominational Christian Women’s Leadership Forum on Gender Equality Theology, held on 25 May 2026 in Honiara, Solomon Islands.
The forum brought together representatives from the South Seas Evangelical Church [SSEC], Anglican Church of Melanesia, Roman Catholic Church and United Church.
Lady Mary Vunagi, wife of the late former governor-general and Anglican archbishop Sir David Vunagi, attended the forum as an adviser.
During the forum, participants shared information about the programmes their respective churches provide for women, families, children and young people.
These include positiveparenting and child-protection programmes, youth groups, prayer and support groups, counselling services, community outreach and visitation programmes, and activities promoting spiritual growth and biblical ways of living.
Some churches also conduct awareness programmes and family-week activities covering a range of family and gender-related topics.
Although the denominations offer different programmes, participants agreed that their work is based on the common Christian belief that every person is created in the image of God and should be treated with love, dignity and respect.
They said biblical teachings about partnership, mutual respect and following the example of Jesus Christ should form the foundation of efforts to promote gender equality and healthy relationships among women and men.
Participants also emphasised the importance of counselling, prayer and a sound understanding of the Word of God in building strong families and communities.
The forum recognised that community gatherings provide an important platform for people to discuss gender issues and develop grassroots responses.
Participants said these gatherings should bring women and men together while also providing separate spaces in which each group can speak openly and comfortably about sensitive issues.
They noted that cultural barriers often prevent women from discussing certain matters when men are present, particularly in rural communities.
The forum agreed that dedicated women’s and men’s discussion groups could help participants speak honestly about their experiences before coming together to identify shared solutions.
The educational disadvantages experienced by many women were also discussed.
Participants said women who have had limited access to education may not fully understand their rights or know how to seek assistance, respond to difficulties or become empowered to improve their circumstances.
They said churches have an important role in educating and empowering women while helping both women and men understand their responsibilities within families, churches and communities.
Participants also agreed that women and men have different responsibilities assigned by God, but these differences should never be used to downplay the dignity, contribution or value of women.
A sound understanding of the Word of God was identified as essential to building respectful partnerships between women and men.
Another major concern raised during the forum was the well-being of children and young people.
Participants described young people as the country’s future leaders and one of the largest groups within the population.
They called for churches to place greater emphasis on youth education, positive parenting and programmes supporting children from early childhood through their teenage years.
Participants said childhood and adolescence are critical periods during which people develop their values, behaviour and personalities.
Positive parenting, strong Christian teaching and cooperation between families, churches and communities were identified as essential to addressing child abuse, family breakdown and the growing number of young people who feel lost or disconnected.
The forum heard that raising a family is increasingly challenging and that issues affecting children and young people go beyond denominational boundaries.
Participants said Christian churches must work together to educate young people, reconnect vulnerable or disengaged youth with their communities and prepare the next generation for leadership.
The women agreed that reinstating the SICA Women’s Desk would provide a central platform for coordinating this work, strengthening cooperation between denominations and ensuring that women’s concerns are represented within SICA.
The SICA Women’s Desk was formally abolished approximately 12 years ago, following the departure of the last person who held the position.
Participants said the reinstatement of the position would restore an important platform for women from different churches to work together on issues affecting women, children, young people and families.
Following discussions at the forum, participants met with Lionel Dau, the General Secretary of SICA, who expressed support for the proposal.
A memorandum of understanding was subsequently developed and signed on 21 July 2026.
The MOU was signed by Lady Mary Vunagi, forum adviser; Florence Naesol, National Women’s Coordinator, South Seas Evangelical Church; Matilda Maneniaru, Chair Lady Catholic Women’s Council & Sarah Belende Manedetea, Women’s desk, Catholic Archdioceses of Honiara; Clara Ramofafia, Women’s Representative, United Church; and Sandra Rollands, President of the Mother's Union, Anglican Church of Melanesia.
The signing was formally witnessed by Julia Nho, the forum facilitator and host, who is a PhD researcher at the University of Notre Dame Australia.
The signing marked an important step towards reinstating the SICA Women’s Desk and strengthening cooperation among Christian women across Solomon Islands.
The renewed Women’s Desk is expected to help churches coordinate programmes for women, children, families and young people while promoting Christian responses to gender and social issues.
Further discussions and upcoming forums will focus on the next steps for establishing and filling the Women’s Desk position, including how it will operate and be
supported moving forward.
Moving forward, the intention is for local church women leaders, together with SICA, to take forward the process through agreed local structures.
The inaugural forum was initially designed and hosted by Julia Nho, PhD Researcher at University of Notre Dame, in partnership with Ms Sandra Rollands, President of the Anglican Church Mothers’ Union.
This partnership reflected the Anglican Church of Melanesia’s current role as chair of SICA for 2026 and 2027.
//end//
Source: Inter-denominational Christian Women’s Leadership Forum on Gender Equality Theology
Photo caption: Participants of the inaugural Inter-denominational Christian Women’s Leadership Forum on Gender Equality Theology. From left to right: Lady Mary Vunagi, forum adviser; Florence Naesol, South Seas Evangelical Church; Sarah Belende Manedetea and Matildas Maneniaru, Roman Catholic Church; in the centre, Julia Nho, forum facilitator and host; Clara Ramofafia, United Church; and Sandra Rollands, Anglican Church.
BY RODRICK DESURI
Auki
North Malaita’s Besi Youth Association has sent two of its members to China for a look-and-learn seminar on agricultural practices.
The two Besi Youth members left for China yesterday with the aim to gain more knowledge and skills to help their association.
The trip was made possible through a bilateral partnership between the Chinese Embassy, the Besi Youth Association and ongoing support from the Malaita Youth Council.
Vice Chairman of the Besi Youth Association, Kelly Gilead, said the trip will be a great opportunity for their members and the association to learn new knowledge and skills for their operations.
He said the trip will provide firsthand information from experienced and skillful people with aim to strengthen agricultural and fisheries aquaculture in Pacific countries.
“Like the first seminar that we attended, this one is on agriculture and fisheries aquaculture. This seminar is similar to our association’s focus on agriculture.
“This is a great opportunity for us after establishing a partnership with the Chinese Embassy,” he said.
He said they will continue to send their association members to China in the future.
“This is the second group, and our third group will soon be going to China to learn more about Chinese agricultural practices,” he said.
The Besi Youth Association (BYA) was established in 2025 in Besi Village, located in the To’abaita area of North Malaita.
The youth-led group was formed to empower young people in rural areas through leadership development, education, and sustainable agriculture, such as local taro production.
Photo credit: Phillip Subu
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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
The World Health Organization (WHO) is urging stronger action to protect young people in Solomon Islands from tobacco products and industry marketing tactics designed to attract and addict them early, said a WHO press release issued to mark this year’s World No Tobacco Day.
The press release said WHO Solomon Islands Officer-in-Charge Dr Sakthivel Selvaraj calls for stronger measures to reduce the appeal of tobacco and nicotine products among young people.
He highlighted tighter controls on flavoured tobacco products, advertising, promotion and product designs that make smoking more attractive to youths.
He also calls for stronger tobacco control laws, tougher enforcement, increased community awareness and greater support for people trying to quit smoking.
“Together, let’s unmask the appeal, expose industry’s tactics, and protect the health and future of our children and communities. Remember, the appeal is manufactured, but the harm is real,” Dr Selvaraj said.
WHO Solomon Islands Technical Officer for Non-Communicable Diseases, Dr Tsogzolmaa Bayandorj, also urges young people to not be misled by tobacco marketing.
She said products promoted as “tobacco-free” or “smooth” should not be regarded as safe, warning that nicotine is addictive in any form.
Dr Bayandorj encourages smokers who want to quit to seek help from health clinics and health centres, where proven cessation methods such as nicotine patches, nicotine gum and counselling are available.
“Don’t let tobacco marketing confuse you. ‘Tobacco-free’ doesn’t mean safe, ‘smooth’ doesn’t mean weak. Nicotine is addictive in any form, and if you don’t smoke, don’t start. If you’re trying to quit, speak to your health clinic and health centres about safe and proven options,” she said.
The statement also quoted youth representative Haddasah Dowo, who described the fight against tobacco as a fight for freedom whilst urging young people to reject addiction.
“We are the generation that can unmask the appeal and expose the truth. Let us choose health over addiction. Let us choose awareness over deception. Let us choose life over tobacco,” Ms Dowo said.
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By Georgina Maka’a Despite progress in recent years, women in Solomon Islands continue to face significant barriers in reaching senior...
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BY NED GAGAHE
The Women in Executive Leadership Solomon Islands (WELSI) has renewed its call for greater representation of women in senior executive and decision-making positions, saying stronger partnerships and institutional support are needed to break barriers to leadership.
The call was made during WELSI’s Women Connect Breakfast and Panel Discussion Networking Event at Heritage Park Hotel in Honiara on Thursday, July 9.
The event brought together women leaders, government officials, private sector representatives, development partners and educational institutions to discuss challenges facing women in leadership and to identify practical pathways to increase women’s participation in executive roles.
Panel discussions focused on the progress and gaps in women’s representation, barriers to advancement into higher decision-making positions, leadership development and executive capacity building, mentorship and sponsorship, institutional support, and opportunities to strengthen women’s leadership pathways.
WELSI President Pamela Naesol Alamu in a statement said the discussions provided participants with a clearer understanding of the opportunities and strategies needed to support women aspiring to leadership positions.
“The dialogue created stronger partnerships and collaboration among stakeholders and renewed engagement and strengthened networks among WELSI members and women leaders across sectors,” she said.
Delivering the keynote address, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs (MWYCFA) Aaron Pitaqae said promoting women into higher decision-making roles is not only a matter of fairness but also a strategic necessity for national development.
“While challenges remain, the opportunities for enriched leadership and societal progress are immense. By addressing structural barriers, challenging biases, and fostering supportive environments, we can unlock the full potential of women leaders and drive meaningful change across all sectors.
“As members of our society, women deserve respect and recognition. This is not just about recognising women because they are part of us; it is about making meaningful change because it will benefit everyone. Government and organisations must now accept that women’s participation can have a positive impact,” Mr Pitaqae said.
Participants highlighted several barriers that continue to limit women’s progression into leadership positions.
These include deeply rooted patriarchal attitudes and traditional gender roles that view leadership as a male responsibility, limited access to professional networks and mentoring opportunities, gender bias in recruitment and promotion processes, and the challenge of balancing leadership responsibilities with family and community obligations.
Despite these challenges, the forum acknowledged that positive progress has been made through national policies and programmes that aim to support women to advance into leadership roles.
WELSI said it will continue to facilitate dialogue and collaboration with key stakeholders to promote inclusive leadership and create more opportunities for women to progress into senior executive and decision-making positions across the country.
Photo credit: WELSI
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WELSI hosts leadership forum to strengthen women’s pathways into senior executive and decision-making roles in Solomon Islands. Sunday 12 July, Honiara – The Women in Executive Leadership Solomon Islands (WELSI) remains committed to increase dialogue on challenges affecting women’s progression into senior executive roles. As part of these efforts, WELSI successfully hosted a Women Connect [...]
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By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN Solomon Star, Honiara Working together hand in hand is essential to remove barriers preventing women from advancing into executive leadership and higher decision-making roles in Solomon Islands. The Permanent Secretary [PS) of the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs, Aaron Bara Pitaqae made the call for stronger collaboration between government,...
由所罗门之星(Solomon Star)记者阿伦·巴拉·皮塔凯(Aaron Bara Pitaqae)报道,携手合作对于消除阻碍女性在所罗门群岛晋升至高层领导和决策角色的障碍至关重要。妇女、青年、儿童和家庭事务部的常务秘书呼吁政府之间加强合作......
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANANSolomon Star, Honiara A 26-year-old man who admitted assaulting his wife and later escaping from police custody has been sentenced to six months’ imprisonment. Principal Magistrate Ben Alasia sentenced the defendant on Friday to five months’ imprisonment for domestic violence – physical abuse, and one month for escaping lawful custody. The sentences were...
