BY MORRIS NAFU
Aorigi Primary School on Santa Catalina Island in Makira Ulawa Province will receive a new staff housing project funded by the Australian High Commission.
The initiative aims to address long-standing accommodation shortages that have hindered teacher recruitment in the school.
The agreement was formalized last week during an official project award ceremony at Mendana Hotel, where Australian Acting High Commissioner Andrew Schloeffel signed the deal alongside representatives from the school.
The initiative, valued at $ 300,000 SBD, will be constructed by Smart Technology in partnership with the East Makira Constituency office.
James Rofoi, the school’s Project Coordinator, voiced eagerness for the development, describing it as a critical solution to a persistent challenge.
“We currently have only two staff houses for the entire school, which has made it tough for teachers to relocate and teach here.
“We’ve often had to look elsewhere for educators, but the lack of housing has been a major obstacle. This project directly tackles one of our most pressing needs,” Rofoi explained.
Rofoi added that the new facilities will enhance the school’s infrastructure, supporting broader development goals.
“We’re thrilled about this initiative; it fulfills a long-overdue requirement that we faced for so long.
“We extend our gratitude to the Australian High Commission for acknowledging our situation.
“The community is buzzing with excitement, and you’ll witness our joy firsthand next year at the official handover,” Rofoi said.
Schloeffel highlighted Australia’s commitment to Solomon Islands’ progress.
“We take pride in the large-scale infrastructure we’ve backed nationwide, but we also value the profound effects of smaller, community-focused efforts, particularly in remote regions.
“These projects transform lives on a personal and enduring level,” he said.
This marks the second rollout of 2025 under the Australian Government’s Community Partnerships program, which funds 57 such initiatives across the country.
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