BY JOY OFASIA
Physical Education (PE) is more than just a school subject – it’s an important part of helping children in the Solomon Islands grow up healthy and strong.
This was the key message from Dr. Franco Rodie, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD), during the opening of the Overseas Training Course on Coaching Capacity Building for Honiara Primary School Teachers.
The training aims to help teachers introduce fun and engaging physical activities, including traditional games, during recess and lunch breaks – making school a more active and healthier place for children.
Speaking at the Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport (SINIS), Dr. Rodie said that PE plays a big role in helping children stay active and healthy, especially in early childhood and primary school.
“Physical education plays a critical role in maintaining and enhancing the human body through structured physical activity. It helps lay down the foundation of a lifetime of healthy habits,” Dr. Rodie said.
He explained that PE not only improves children’s physical health but also helps them focus better in class, boosts their confidence, and teaches teamwork and communication skills.
“We’ve all seen how students focus better in class after a good PE session where they’ve burned off some of that energy,” he added.
Dr. Rodie also praised the return of school carnivals and the Secondary School Games in 2021 and 2025, saying they help bring communities together and build school pride.
He encouraged teachers taking part in the week-long training to share what they learn with their fellow teachers across the country.
“Let’s build a strong network of support, so that every student in the Solomon Islands can benefit from quality physical education,” he said.
Dr. Rodie thanked the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Honiara, the National Sports Council, and the visiting team from Shandong Foreign Trade Vocational College for supporting and delivering the training.
