AMS Christmas Appeal: Support Inclusive Education in Asia and the Pacific

In Solomon Islands, current available data indicates that roughly 6% of the population lives with deafness or hearing impairment (Jones, 2024). Due to inadequate infrastructure and national data collection systems, this number could be significantly higher.

The available data suggests that some cases of deafness in Solomon Islands may be linked to side effects of malaria and/or associated medication. In other instances, hearing impairment may occur in children born to mothers who did not take malaria medication during pregnancy, as the condition can be passed on in utero.

AMS Luci Sitanggang and Father Paul O'Sullivan at San Isidro in 2023

Another contributing factor is “swimmer’s ear,” an infection of the outer ear canal commonly caused by water remaining in the ear after swimming or showering. In countries such as Australia, this condition can often be treated through minor surgical procedures, like the insertion of grommets; however, access to such interventions is limited in Solomon Islands due to scarce healthcare resources. Meningitis and rubella are also among the leading causes of hearing loss. All diseases are highly preventable, highlighting that hearing impairment in Solomon Islands is closely linked to broader issues of poverty and the failing healthcare services provided by the government.

Barriers for deaf community in Solomon Islands

Among the challenges faced by the deaf and hearing-impaired community in Solomon Islands, isolation is one of the most significant, resulting from difficulties in communicating and being understood. This is closely linked to the stigma that can surround being born without hearing, which may result in individuals and their families being treated differently due to the shame that is associated with this form of disability.   

Program Manager, Luci Sitanggang and Father Paul O'Sullivan being received by students during an AMS Project Monitoring visit to Solomon Islands

As a result, many are withdrawn from public life and are unable to participate fully as members of their communities. A report by Australian Catholic University (ACU) found that, for many deaf participants, much of their time was spent alone or within their household. When they did venture into public spaces, they were frequently subjected to physical bullying (Jones et al., 2025).

Most concerning is that studies show people born with a hearing impairment are often located in rural areas, which limits their access to the support and care they need to live with dignity. Given that much of the country’s development is concentrated in Honiara, this situation highlights multiple forms of marginalisation for those living outside the capital.

San Isidro Rural Training Centre, Solomon Islands

Located in West Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, AMS program partner, San Isidro Care Centre provides education and training opportunities for people with hearing and speech impairments from across Solomon Islands. Each year, roughly 40 students enrol in programs ranging from one to four years. Courses include English, Mathematics, Carpentry, Building, Joinery, Sign Language, Health, Christian Education, Agriculture, and Life Skills such as sewing and cooking.

Senior students at San Isidro

Established in 2007 by Br George van der Zant SM of the Marist Fathers, the Centre was founded to offer access to education and vocational skills for individuals who had previously been excluded from mainstream schooling. In 2018, the Sisters assumed leadership of San Isidro, with Sr. Maria Fe Rollo, SMSM, currently serving as Principal. For nearly 100 years, the Missionary Sisters of the Society of Mary (SMSM) have worked alongside communities throughout Solomon Islands, focusing on education, health, and social inclusion.

San Isidro remains the only training centre of its kind in Solomon Islands. Most importantly, students are taught AUSLAN (sign language). Vocational training often equips students with skills to pursue entrepreneurial opportunities to assist their communities in day-to-day functions in their remote villages.

By learning these skills, reintegration into their communities can be made easier, allowing students to demonstrate their ability to participate fully in society. This, however, is not always straightforward; without proper support, some students may return to their communities still feeling isolated. It is therefore important at a community level that awareness and understanding of hearing-impaired individuals is prioritised.

Posing outside of the Chapel and Community Hall funded by AMS

And AMS is not the only organisation supporting the great work of San Isidro. As part of an ACU program launched in 2022 with Sr. Maria Fe Rollo, AUSLAN is taught to potential teachers, who then go into communities to raise awareness and identify potential students. The program also offers teaching of AUSLAN to families. This initiative helps make reintegration smoother for students who return home after graduation.

In addition to sign language training, all participants in the program are eligible to receive a Certificate of Teaching and Learning from ACU, a qualification recognised by the Solomon Islands Ministry of Education for employment in schools or other institutions. Current teaching staff included educators who are deaf and live on-site with their family.

San Isidro lives out St Marcellin Champagnat’s vision and mission: bringing education in love, to those would often go overlooked.

Together, we bring hope.

As we lead into our AMS Christmas Appeal, AMS is excited to share with you other stories from our programs centred on disability inclusion. If you feel inspired by this story you have read and would like to support our programs that help young people access the education they deserve, please donate today. Thank you for your generosity and support.

Sources:

ABC Pacific. (2024, February 6). Project aims to make sign language common communication in Solomon Islands. ABC. https://www.abc.net.au/pacific/programs/pacificbeat/plans-to-make-sign-language-common-in-solomon-islands/103435494

Jones, M., Smith, C., & Meke, J. (2025). Education and inclusion for deaf people in Solomon Islands – The Iumi Tugeda Helpem Solomon Aelans Def Komuniti Project. International Journal of Educational Research, 134, 102810. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijer.2025.102810

Australian Marist Solidarity is the international agency for the aid and development work of the Marist family in Australia throughout Asia and the Pacific Islands. AMS works with the people in this region on a combination of long-term and short-term development projects. These projects aim to develop or support locally sustained education opportunities for the young people in these regions. AMS works to bring education and hope to young people living in Asia and the Pacific so that they can build a brighter future.