Community News

Dr. John Iromea, Director of the Solomon Islands Tertiary Education and Skills Authority (SITESA), and SITESA Manager Mr. John Wesley Nabu visited Solomon Islands students at the Adventist International Institute of Advanced Studies (AIIAS) on May 9, 2025. The purpose of the visit was to assess the well-being, academic progress, and living conditions of both government-sponsored and privately funded students.

During their time at AIIAS, the officials engaged with students, listening to their experiences, challenges, and academic aspirations. Although they were unable to meet with the AIIAS administration due to time limitations, Dr. Iromea and Mr. Nabu expressed their intention to return for a more detailed engagement in August 2025.

Despite the constraints of their visit, the SITESA officials were impressed by the academic programs offered at AIIAS, noting that they align closely with the objectives of the Solomon Islands Ministry of Education. Dr. Iromea highlighted the relevance of these programs to the scholarship criteria and national development goals.

The students welcomed the visit, appreciating the encouragement and oversight from SITESA officials. The upcoming return in August is anticipated to further strengthen partnerships and enhance support for Solomon Islands students studying at AIIAS. 

AIIAS Academy 2025 was on May 21, 2025. Among the graduates were two boys from Fiji, Emmanuel Naivalu and David Rabuka, celebrating their promotions from kindergarten and Grade 6, respectively. The multiethnic celebration enriched their experience. Both the Rabuka and Naivalu families are grateful for the educational support and high level of learning given at the AIIAS academy. The 2025-2026 school year begins in early August 2025.  

Jayleana Gulea was honored as a Reading Champ for the 2024-2025 school year. On May 20, 2025, she received her certificate of recognition, signed by her class teacher and the AIIAS Academy Administrator. Her father, Pr. Jason Gulea expressed gratitude, saying, “Thank you, Jesus, for a successful and inspiring journey at AIIAS.” The SPD community shares this joy.

The Perseverance Award for the 2024–2025 school year goes to Aziel Igila Tama Andagali, a Grade 2 student whose dedication and resilience have truly stood out. Aziel embodies the spirit of perseverance in both his academic work and his personal character. No matter the task, he approaches it with care and purpose, showing a maturity beyond his years. His impressive time management and organizational skills enable him to tackle challenges with confidence. Known for his helpfulness and compassion, Aziel values his relationships and reflects a strong connection with God, which guides him. His kindness and courage inspire those around him, making this award a fitting tribute to his character and efforts.

On February 5, Pastor Mike Sikuri, the General Secretary of the South Pacific Division (SPD), visited international students from the SPD at AIIAS in the Philippines. During the visit, he shared a meal with students from the Trans-Pacific Union Mission and the Papua New Guinea Union Mission, offering support for their academic and spiritual growth. Pastor Sikuri encouraged the students to leverage their education for the benefit of churches across the Pacific and emphasized their role in the global mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Currently, there are 19 SPD students at AIIAS, the largest group in the institution's history, with a notable achievement of 6-8 students set to graduate in May.