Solomon Islands will introduce free basic education next year.

The Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation reports, the prime minister, Derek Sikua, made the announcement during his recent provincial visit to Isabel.

Dr Sikua says school fees currently paid by parents will be offset with funding from China or Taiwan.

He says the Ministry of Education is currently working on figures for the school fees, to be submitted to the Taiwanese Embassy.

Dr Sikua says the Taiwanese funding woudl be handed out to the schools as grants.

He says the initiative is expected to encourage parents to send all their children to school.

Produced by Radio Australia and Australia Network