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*** PACMAS
The Solomon Islands were first settled by Melanesian people some 4000 years ago. In the 16th century, the Spanish (searching for gold) were the first Europeans to build scattered settlements here. All eventually failed, and the British subsequently established a protectorate over the Solomon Islands in 1893. It was then seized by the Japanese in 1942.
The Solomon Islands gained self-government in 1976 and independence from the UK in 1978. It remains a member of the Commonwealth. The major industries are agriculture, forestry and fishing and tourism is also growing.
Before 1984, most of the training needs of Solomon Islands were met by various training institutions established by the government and administered by responsible ministries. Some of these training schools existed before independence.
In 1984, the Solomon Islands College of Higher Education Act was passed. This Act basically pooled all the existing schools then under the government to form the Solomon Islands College of Higher Education (SICHE). These schools were Solomon Islands Teachers College, Public Administration Training School, Ranadi Marine Training School, Honiara Nursing Training school, and Honiara Technical Institute. They formed the basis for the establishment of the current schools: School of Education, School of Finance and Administration, School of Marine and Fisheries Stuides, School Nursing and Health Studies, School of Industrial Development and School of Natural Resources.
In 2008, the need to diversify the training scope was realised by the government which gave rise to the need to amend the Solomon Islands Act in 2008 to include the School of Tourism and Hospitality and other schools. This amendment made way for the establishment of the School of Humanities, Science & Media.
Official Name: Solomon Islands
Population: 496,200
Capital City: Honiara (54,600)
Languages: Melanesian (Pigin), others
Currency: Solomon Islands dollar
Religions: Anglican, Catholic, others
Land Area: 28,900 sq km (11,158 sq miles)
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Solomon Islands College of Higher Education (SICHE)
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