Steve Carter – Education Authority Adviser, Makira-Ulawa Province in Solomon Islands

Steve was a primary school principal for 30 years working in Canterbury, the Wairarapa, Wellington & Taranaki.  Before heading off on assignment he was living in Taranaki.

What Steve is doing in the Solomon Islands

Steve is working as an advisor to the Makira Ulawa Education Authority which is one of the nine provincial education authorities in Solomon Islands.  His role involves everything from delivering exams to schools, helping people with their queries, to helping formulate a policy or procedure and giving advice especially to the CEO who drives things.

In addition to this general role, Steve also works specifically with teachers and head teachers assisting in their training.  Most of the teachers are young and in many cases were students just last year.

Making a positive impact  

Steve recognises that all organisations are (or should be) in an ongoing state of ‘moving forward’. The satisfaction he gets comes from being part of that development. He feels if he has helped or contributed to that process in some small way then that’s good.

Steve’s highlights so far

 “I really enjoy working with the people and sharing their company, humour, achievements and the highs and lows of their lives.”

 “In the Solomons, provincial identification is very strong and to be accepted as a ‘Makira person’, belonging to a province, one of us, is a privilege.”

What the Solomon Islands has taught Steve

“To keep seeing the challenges as opportunities.”   

 “It has reinforced just how incredibly well off and privileged western societies are in every aspect.”

 “How important rain and fresh water is.”  

“’Give us this day our daily bread’ is so true here.”

“The incredible technology of the place.”

“That it is a crime to fail the next generations.”