Socio-economic

Solomon Islands is ranked in the bottom quarter of the medium human development countries (as measured by the Human Development Index). There are a number of socio-economic issues confronting Solomon Islands that have caused this low ranking. Foremost among these is the issue of poverty. Job opportunities are in short supply, with little formal employment outside Honiara. The situation is aggravated by rising unemployment, especially among young people. There are also growing regional disparities, and provincial development lags behind development in the main centres. Transport and communications in rural areas remain limited, and inadequate infrastructure and unrealistic planning pose further challenges to development.

Education

While Solomon Islands has made considerable progress in increasing access to primary and secondary education, disadvantages communities still struggle to access education. Increasing school dropout rates, the quality of education, and poor teacher motivation remain a challenge. Along with shortage of qualified teachers, a lack of resources hinders improvement in the education sector.   

Health

Many health indicators for Solomon Islands, such as the availability and performance of health facilities, are poor. Further complicating this is the major shortage of trained medical personnel. This situation is compounded due to the population being spread across numerous islands and a geographically large area, making it even more difficult to provide cost-effective health services to isolated areas and outer islands.

Environment

Climate changes, and other environmental issues, are now a major challenge for development in Solomon Islands. Rising sea levels resulting from global warming, illegal logging, increasing solid waste (especially in urban areas), and increased pressure on coastal resources due to commercial activities, are all serious issues facing the country.

Statistics sourced from the United Nations Develop Programme (UNDP) Human Development Reports

Australian volunteers have been working in Solomon Islands since 1964, on projects in education, governance, health, sustainable livelihoods, environment and infrastructure.

They have worked in all provinces and across all sectors in Solomon Islands, providing technical assistance, developing capacity, and mentoring governments and a diverse range of non-government and church-based organisations.

Following the June 2000 coup, Australian volunteers were evacuated from Solomon Islands. AVI was the first international organisation to resume working there, returning three Australian volunteers in January 2001, and three months after the signing of the Townsville Peace Accord.

Working towards good governance

Australian volunteers support the law and justice sector by developing systems and processes across departments. Australian volunteers build organisational capacity of government and civil society organisations in financial and procurement policy.

Enhancing human development

Working with educational institutions, Australian volunteers provide professional development and training opportunities for local teachers, as well as support in developing relevant and practical curriculum and training materials, particularly for vocational training centres. Volunteers support local health systems to improve quality of health services.

Supporting economic growth

Australian volunteers work with local organisations to build capacity of small businesses especially to strengthen the role of women in business.