Improve the availability and quality of education throughout Solomon Islands by innovative use of ICT and develop ICT know-how in the workforce and public generally. Imprufim afeilibiliti an quality of edukesin truaot Solomon aelens by inofetif ius of ict nd defelopim fo safe hao fo iusim ict insaed lo wokples an public ples tu. Issues 161. Objective 4 of the National Development Strategy is to “ensure all Solomon Islanders can access quality education and the nation’s manpower needs are sustainably met.” To achieve this goal, the National Education Policy states the following vision:60 Our vision is that all Solomon Islanders will develop as individuals and possess the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to earn a living and to live in harmony with other people and their environment. We envisage a united and progressive society in which all can live in peace and harmony with fair and equitable opportunities for a better life. We envision an education and training system responsive to its clients and efficiently managed by its stakeholders and clients. 162. The policy on human resources development and employment is to: 61 Ensure that the education and training system supports economic and social development so that Solomon Islanders with the required skills and attitudes will be available to satisfy local and international labour market demand. 163. While improvements have been achieved in primary school net enrolment rates and adult literacy, further progress remains to be achieved, particularly in relation to girls’ and women’s access to education and particularly in rural areas:62 School attendance, educational attainment, and literacy rates are much lower in the rural than in the urban areas, which is the result of the disparities of the educational systems in the urban and rural areas where schools lack resources and qualified teachers. 164. More accessible ICT have the potential to contribute substantially to education in Solomon Islands, including by extending access to education into rural areas. 165. Improved access to, and use of, ICT could potentially contribute to the following development objectives for education and manpower development:63 60 Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development National Education Action Plan 2007-2009 p 12 61 Solomon Islands Government National Development Strategy (2011) p 21. 62 Solomon Islands Government 2009 Population and Housing Census (undated) p 204. 63 Solomon Islands Government National Development Strategy (2011) pp 20 – 22. Page | 57 Solomon Islands National ICT Policy