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Solomon Islands

Map
Population: 635,027
Capital City: Honiara
Main Languages: Melanesian pidgin, English
Major Religion: Protestant, Catholic

Help support Marist educators as they contribute to the growth of civil society, democracy, and political stability, allowing the youth of the Solomon Islands to learn about their rights and acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to exercise them.

Country Information

The UK established a protectorate over the Solomon Islands in the 1890s. Some of the bitterest fighting of World War II occurred on this archipelago. Self-government was achieved in 1976 and independence two years later. Ethnic violence, government malfeasance, endemic crime, and a narrow economic base have undermined stability and civil society. In June 2003, then Prime Minister Sir Allan KEMAKEZA sought the assistance of Australia in re-establishing law and order; the following month, an Australian-led multinational force arrived to restore peace and disarm ethnic militias. The Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI) has generally been effective in restoring law and order and rebuilding government institutions.

Marists in Solomon Islands

The Marist mission in the Solomon Islands had notably difficult beginnings. The Marists first traveled to the region in 1844, however it was not until 1898 that the first Catholic Mission was established under the direction of Bishop Vidal of Fiji. Over the following years, as further Marist missionaries continued to be appointed to the Solomon’s, more than 20 mission stations were established throughout the extensive archipelago. Today, there are three dioceses in the Solomon Islands – Honiara, including particularly Guadalcanal and Makira, Auki on the island of Malaita and Gizo in the Western Province. Marists continue to work in the Archdiocese of Honiara and the Diocese of Auki.

Current Projects

St Dominic’s Rural Training Centre | SO0027

Supporting rural youth in their community

St Dominic’s Rural Training Centre is located in Vanga Point on the rural Kolombangara Island. It is a 1-hour open water boat ride to the nearest town – Gizo. St Dominic’s is a Marist-run rural training centre (RTC), operating since 1971, and offers vocational training in building, mechanics, poultry raising, agriculture and forestry. RTC’s play an important role in the […]

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St Joseph’s School | SO0031

Continuing to support education in the Solomon Islands

St Joseph’s was established in the late 1940s as a boys’ school, becoming co- educational in 1972 and supports more than 590 students, 30 Staff (teaching and non- teaching) and the surrounding community. Many of the buildings and classrooms that stand today are original. These building play a vital role in the school and community as they often double as […]

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Past Projects

St. Joseph’s Staff Housing | SO0011

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ACFID member
© Australian Marist Solidarity 2023

Australian Marist Solidarity (AMS) is the international agency for the aid and development work of the Marist Province of Australia throughout Asia and the Pacific Islands. AMS is part of Marist Solidarity and looks after its development projects. Australian Marist Solidarity is a full member and signatory of the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID). For more information on our commitment to the Code click here. We are endorsed by the Australian Taxation Office as a Deductible Gift Recipient (ABN 46 373 535 209) and registered as a charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profit Commission.