Updated: March 2009
Solomon Isands
Overview | World Vision's history in Solomon Islands | World Vision in Solomon Islands today
OverviewThe Solomon Islands are located in the South Pacific and comprise nearly 1,000 islands that extend 930 miles southeast from Papua New Guinea. Volcanoes are situated on several of the larger islands, while many of the smaller islands are low-lying coral atolls with one or two trees. The islands’ tropical monsoon climate is hot and humid with little change in seasonal temperatures. Fish and timber are abundant; other natural resources include gold, lead, zinc, nickel, and phosphates.English is the country’s official language but is spoken by only two percent of the population. There are more than 120 different indigenous languages used throughout the islands. Melanesian is spoken as a common language between people groups. Nearly 95 percent of people in the Solomon Islands are Melanesian. Most of the rest of the population is made up of Polynesians and Micronesians. In 1886, Great Britain took control of the territory of the Solomon Islands. The Japanese invaded in World War II, and the islands were the scene of the famous battle of Guadalcanal. The British retained control of the territory after the war. The country gained independence in 1978. In early 1999, two rival militia groups fought in the nation’s capital, Honiara. Ethnic violence and expulsions ensued until the rival groups agreed to a cease-fire in mid-2000. A magnitude 8.1 earthquake and tsunami struck the islands in April 2007, killing at least 34 people and destroying villages. Participation rates at all levels of education in the Solomon Islands are among the lowest in the Pacific region. Many isolated communities have virtually no access to education services. Primary school enrollment is 56 percent, but less than half go on to secondary schooling. |  |
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Many children drop out to assist their parents in subsistence farming; others stop attending because of the cost of school fees. In addition, more than 89 percent of children have had their schooling significantly disrupted due to the effects of the tsunami. Back to top World Vision’s history in Solomon IslandsWorld Vision’s work in the Solomon Islands began in 1979 with the launch of agriculture, income generation, and vocational training projects. A massive cyclone ripped through the islands in 1986, causing devastating mudslides and floods that killed an estimated 130 people. World Vision responded by clearing and repairing roads, helping to construct new houses, and providing vitamin tablets to malnourished children. World Vision also supplied materials, equipment, and training following the destructive tsunami that struck the islands in 2007.Back to top World Vision in Solomon Islands todayWorld Vision is committed to partnering with the people of the Solomon Islands to enhance their lives today and to help enact sustainable solutions for the future of their communities, families, and children. World Vision operates a few development programs, all of which are supported by donors in other countries. Activities focus on clean water, food security, and literacy. World Vision United States does not currently fund any programs in the Solomon Islands.For more information on World Vision’s work in the Solomon Islands, please contact the United States office. Back to top | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Newsletter Sign-Up
World Vision
Phone: 1-888-511-6548
P.O. Box 9716
Federal,WA 98063-9716
© 2009 World Vision Inc.
- Fraud Alert
- Our Mission
- Trustworthy
Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability
Accredited Charity
Charity Navigator Your Guide To Intelligent Giving
- Careers
- FAQs