MEHRD Refutes Claim of Funding Support from Winrock International

The Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) of the Solomon Islands vehemently refutes allegations made by Alfred Sasako, implying that the Ministry benefited from funding from Winrock International to incorporate LGBTQ-related policies into the 2023 Education Act.

Alfred Sasako, in an article published in the Solomon Star on February 12, 2025, titled "Sasako calls for audit into Winrock International funds," suggested that Winrock International may have used part of its five-year funding to include LGBTQ-related policies in the 2023 Education Act. The Ministry strongly denies this accusation, asserting that it lacks factual basis and aims to mislead and discredit the Ministry's work.

The Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development has never had any official meetings with Winrock International to discuss LGBTQ-supportive content or clauses in the Act. There is also no LGBTQ-related curriculum content within the existing National School Curriculum Framework. The Ministry hereby clarifies the following points: No teaching materials have been developed, distributed, or used in schools to promote LGBTQ topics. The Solomon Islands National University’s Faculty of Education and Humanities has not been instructed to include it in pre-service or in-service teacher education programs or projects. The Ministry’s teacher professional development and training programs do not focus on LGBTQ.

The Ministry has also not incorporated LGBTQ into recently developed learning frameworks, nor has it issued official directives to include LGBTQ-related content in the curriculum. Ministry officials, including its Senior Management Team or the National Education Board, have never held discussions regarding the inclusion of LGBTQ issues into the national education framework. The 2023 Education Act was developed through a transparent and consultative process, aligning with the Solomon Islands' cultural values, legal framework, and educational policies. Any suggestion to the contrary is factually incorrect and irresponsible.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Dr. Franco Rodie, stated that the Ministry strongly condemns the dissemination of false information and calls upon media outlets and journalists to adhere to responsible, evidence-based reporting. "We emphasize the importance of verifying facts before publishing misleading statements that could cause unnecessary public confusion and concern." The Ministry is committed to maintaining transparency and welcomes inquiries made in the spirit of constructive journalism. For further inquiries, please contact the Communications Division of the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development.