A High-Level Dialogue Meeting Brings Together Children and Provincial Leaders

On April 11, 2025, a significant High-Level Dialogue meeting was held in Diula community, bringing together child representatives from Fouia, Luma’alu, Sulagwalu, Diula, and Kwene communities. The event was organized by the Solomon Islands Endim Vaelens Agenstim Pikinini (SIEVAP) Project team, a coalition of World Vision, Save the Children, and Child Fund, funded by New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT). The meeting provided a platform for children to articulate issues affecting their communities while giving provincial leaders an opportunity to respond to these concerns. The dialogue centered around four key thematic areas: education, health and WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene), child protection, and child participation.

• Education
• Health and WASH
• Child Protection
• Child Participation

During the meeting, children requested a range of solutions to address the issues affecting their communities. In education, they requested reduced school fees, adequate housing for teachers, addressing teacher absenteeism, and improved learning resources including science laboratories. Health and WASH concerns focused on consistent medical supplies, staff housing for nurses, clean water access, and improved sanitation facilities in schools and communities. The children also advocated for stronger child protection measures, including the establishment of safe houses in remote communities for abuse victims, strengthened community policing to address issues like drug abuse, increased legal awareness programs, and improved health services for children who face abuse. Child participation was highlighted through requests for mandatory school sports days, the revival of sports carnivals, and the continuation of dialogue events that empower children’s voices. Prior to the dialogue, the participating children received training on the Child Advocacy Manual (CAM), preparing them to become effective advocates for change in their communities. “**This dialogue is not just about raising our voices—it’s about being heard by those who can make a difference**,” said Kenward Taloibiu, a child representative from Sulagwalu community during the meeting.

Response from Provincial Leaders

Honourable George Ganiau (Ward 9) and Honourable Glen Waneta (Ward 8) were present at the meeting, along with Malaita Province Child Development Desk Officer Mr. Solomon Toito’ona. “The province is taking into consideration the concerns the children have raised. These are the real issues we face every day,” said Honourable George Ganiau. “I thank these children for their advocacy. We will continue to work collaboratively to address these challenges, even though we have limited capacity at the provincial level to deliver on everything.”

Significance of the Dialogue

The dialogue marks a significant step toward meaningful child participation in governance and decision-making processes that directly affect their lives and communities in North Malaita. “The children’s voices will continue to inform policy, platforms, and programs aligned with the government’s commitment to strengthening access to quality health, education, and child protection,” said a SIEVAP representative, Mr. Neil Enohaikeni. A similar dialogue was also organized in Auki last month, providing children with an opportunity to raise their concerns.

A Lasting Impact

The SIEVAP Project, which facilitated the event, is a coalition of World Vision, Save the Children, and Child Fund, funded by New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT). The partnership aims to strengthen the capacity of communities to advocate for children’s rights, with a focus on education, health, and child protection. By engaging with provincial leaders and giving children a platform to express their concerns, the dialogue has created a lasting impact, empowering children’s voices and ensuring that their rights are taken seriously.

“**The children’s voices will continue to inform policy, platforms, and programs aligned with the government’s commitment to strengthening access to quality health, education, and child protection**.”
— A SIEVAP representative

Child Participation and Empowerment

The dialogue created a platform for children to articulate their concerns and advocate for change in their communities. By engaging with provincial leaders and giving children a platform to express their voices, the dialogue has empowered children’s voices and ensured that their rights are taken seriously. By continuing to engage with children and give them a platform to express their concerns, the dialogue has created a lasting impact, ensuring that children’s rights are taken seriously and that their voices are heard. “The province is taking into consideration the concerns the children have raised. We will continue to work collaboratively to address these challenges, even though we have limited capacity at the provincial level to deliver on everything.”
These children’s voices will continue to shape the future of governance and decision-making processes in North Malaita.