Financial assistance could not have come at a better time, says Director of Solomon Islands College of Higher Education (SICHE).
The Embassy of Japan handed a grant worth over SBD$600,000, supported through the Japanese Grant Assistance for Grassroots and Human Security Project (GGP).The grant will assist in the rehabilitation of the Girls Hostel at Kukum Campus, Solomon Islands College of Higher Education (SICHE,) damaged during the ethnic tension period.
Director, Dick Ha'amori, said the assistance comes at a time when the college needs support to help accommodate female students who are interested in studying at the institution.
Mr. Ha'amori said the assistance demonstrates "the genuineness of the Japanese government to developing countries' needs".
He said the College is immensely grateful with the "very positive attitude" of the Japanese government who listened and responded to genuine needs.
Mr. Ha'amori said the two girls' dormitory has been temporarily closed down due to vandalizing done during the ethnic crisis time, "to a point where it is not fit for human habitation".
"Ever since the closure of the two girls' dormitory in Kukum campus in 2000, a number of potential female students have been denied placement in SICHE simply because there is no conducive place for them to accommodate and study," the SICHE Director added.
Refurbishment of the girls' accommodation is the current college administration's objectives to make the college accessible to many more Solomon Islanders.
"In giving the financial aid to repair at least one of the hostels, you have assisted the females' education advancement in this country," Mr. Ha'amori told representatives at the Embassy of Japan in Honiara.