Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs, officially opened a science lab at Mbokona Community High School on the morning of Thursday, 6 June.
Upon arrival, Minister Wong was greeted and garlanded by the Hon Tozan Leokana, Minister of Education and Human Resources Development, and Mr Basil Wasiia, School Principal. At a school assembly students greeted the Minister before singing the national anthem and receiving a devotion and welcome from Principal Wasiia.
Minister Wong delivered a speech to students and other attendees, followed by remarks from Jonathan Schwass, New Zealand High Commissioner to Solomon Islands and Education and Human Resources Minister Leokana.
The science lab was offically opened by Minister Wong cutting the ribbon and taking part in the traditional key handover, after which the Minister was given a guided tour of the science lab, chatting and posing for photos with students.
Also in attendance at the Science Lab Handover from Australia:
- HE Rod Hilton, Australian High Commissioner to
Solomon Islands
- Mr Andrew Schloeffel, Deputy High Commissioner
- Mr Malcolm Paterson, Adviser, Foreign Minister’s Office
- Mr Justin Lee, First Assistant Secretary, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
- Ms Nicole Smith, Counsellor Australian High Commission Solomon Islands (note taker)
Solomon Islands attendees:
- Hon Tozan Leokana, Minister of Education and Human Resources Development
- Mr Basil Wasiia, School Principal
- Hon Eddie Siapu, Mayor, Honiara City Council
Mr Basil Wasiia, School Principal
Other attendees:
- HE Jonathan Schwass, New Zealand High Commissioner to Solomon Islands
- Mr Benjamin Grubb, Chief of Solomon Islands, UNICEF
