BY INDY MAEALASIA

STUDENTS and staff at Areatakiki Adventist Primary School in Central Guadalcanal had a reason to celebrate following the handover of a brand-new two-story classroom yesterday.

Funded through the Japan Grassroots and Human Security Project, the building valued at over $USD 700,000 will soon be hosting grade 1-6 and is a long-awaited need- better classroom for a learning-friendly environment.

 Head Teacher, Darren Kent expressed his excitement at seeing the completion of the project.  

“We are here together to celebrate a significant milestone: our dreams become reality. We are now witnessing, celebrating, and enjoying the amazing gift from the people of Japan…..It means a lot to us,” Kent said.

For years, Areatakiki Primary struggled to provide a conducive environment and occasionally used local materials sourced from the forest for building maintenance.

“Now the 241 students with their teachers will enjoy their brand-new classroom, “Kent said proudly.

He highlighted that better school buildings have always been a vision of past leaders and expressed his satisfaction in seeing the project come to fruition.

 Kent also recognized the strong bond between the school and Japan, forged through life-changing projects like this one

 “Your gift will continue to light the candle of our heart, and it will remain. I believe this is not by choice, not by power, but by the true love that’s shown through actions by the people of Japan,” he said.

Ambassador Miwa Yoshiaki emphasized that investing in such infrastructure is essential to breeding a well-educated and healthy youth population

“A well-educated generation is great for the advancement of the society, economies, and increasing the standard of living for the future,” he said.

The ambassador further reaffirmed his country’s commitment to supporting the Solomon Islands

Japan will continue to engage in the education field in terms of infrastructure for all sectors, territory assistance, and capacity building in the workplaces to see more healthy faces in many places of Solomon Islands, and to cultivate the collateral relationship between Japan and Solomon Islands,” he added.

By Loretta B Manele

The Chinese people believe in the phrase “leaving no one behind” and this is what the Chinese government has been doing.

China’s ambassador to Solomon Islands, Cai Weiming expressed the sentiment at the handing over of donated items to Rennell and Bellona constituency at the embassy yesterday.

He stressed that by putting its people first, China has lifted 800 million people out of poverty.

“By putting our peoples first, China is ready to work with Solomon Islands to improve the lives of Solomon Islands people from every province including Renbel”

Weiming emphasized this by quoting what Chinese president, Xi Jinping said at the G20 summit this week of which he said, “If China can make it, other developing countries can make it too”

The ambassador said they will continue to provide assistance within their capacity to help Solomon Islands, deepen cooperation at all levels and create a better future for our peoples.

He added that provincial cooperation is an important part of China-Solomon Islands relations and Renbel is a beautiful province with abundant resources.

“Our visa exemption deal which will soon take effect will attract more Chinese tourists to visit your beautiful province. Two days ago, the Chinese government scholarship for 2025 has opened to the public.

We welcome more students from Renbel to apply for the scholarship to study in China and give back to their motherland”

Weiming hopes that the donated items which are; 2 sewing machines, 40 radios, 40 solar batteries, 260 solar lights, 120 T-shirts and 120 short pants will help improve the living and working conditions of the people of Rennell/Bellona constituency.

“I wish to thank Hon Tuhaika for his assistance in connecting us with your communities”

It shows how much you value the improvement of your people’s lives and we are happy to be part of it”

Member of parliament for Rennell Bellona constituency, John Tuhaika Jr also shared a few remarks at the occasion.

“Solomon Islands values the friendship we have established and we continue to see the commitment of the Chinese government to the people of Solomon Islands distant communities like ourselves”

Tuhaika said they are able to meet the basic needs of some of their communities but are still very far behind in terms of development.

He added that this is why they are working very hard with our partners, China being one very important partner in addressing their basic needs.

Tuhaika said it is welcoming to note that the visa free travel will be implemented very soon and they are very keen and will ensure that they prepare to welcome visitors from China.

He also mentioned that China being able to lift almost 800 people out of poverty by itself should be a message for our communities and people.

“I just came back from China almost a month ago. It was a very eye-opening experience. China has been able to lift almost 800 people out of poverty by themselves.

That is the message we should be telling our own communities and our people that if China can do that, we can do it as well with commitment and setting our priorities correct”

He also took the opportunity to thank and appreciate the donation from the Chinese ambassador.

“I thank you for this generous gift on behalf of the people of Renell/Bellona and on behalf of the Solomon Islands government”

BY INDY MAEALASIA

Vavalu Primary School in Central Guadalcanal marked World Toilet Day on Tuesday with the official opening of three newly upgraded toilet facilities, a historic milestone for the school.

This year’s global theme, “Toilets: A Place for Peace,” emphasized the importance of toilet facilities in promoting a healthy lifestyle and maintaining a pollution-free environment.

The new facilities include one male and two female Sato pan toilets, a low-cost hygienic latrine system designed for rural areas with minimal water usage. These upgrades were made possible through the Upscale WASH in Schools project, funded by the New Zealand Government and UNICEF, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) and implementing partner Live & Learn Solomon Islands. The project aims to enhance sanitation and hygiene facilities in 19 schools across Guadalcanal.

Before these upgrades, the school faced serious challenges, including frequent diarrhea outbreaks and high absenteeism, especially among female students who lacked adequate facilities to manage menstruation.

Head Teacher Timothy Tangiavoa expressed optimism about the impact of the new facilities:
“With the use of these new facilities, we expect a significant reduction in health issues and absenteeism while providing a safe and pollution-free environment for our students,” he said.

The upgrades were met with strong support from the local community. Church elder John Wesley shared his joy, saying:
“It is good to support such changes. In the olden days, we did not have these facilities. This is important as it will contribute to long life, good health, and happiness for our children.”

Wesley also encouraged other communities across the country to support similar WASH projects to improve their lifestyles and environments.

Additionally, MPA for Vulolo Ward, Willy Dai, praised the school community for their initiative:
“I salute the community, church elders, school administration, and students. You did not rely on the national or provincial government; instead, you stood on your own feet and achieved this yourselves,” Dai remarked.
“I am proud that this school is setting an example for our ward and other parts of Guadalcanal,” he added.

Vavalu Primary School currently serves 137 students from Prep to Grade 6, with seven teachers catering to seven nearby villages.

By Loretta B Manele

According to one of the children who spoke at the International Children’s Day event in Honiara, children are our future.

Lisa Cuatt, the country director for Save the Children, Solomon Islands shared this whilst speaking at the first ever “Children’s high-level dialogue” at the Paul Tovua Complex building yesterday.

She expressed that the child said we always talk about children being our future, a point Cuatt agreed to.

Cuatt added that this child also said something she thought is very wise which was that we all must think about children in the present.

In this regard, she stressed that what we need to do now is to set the foundations for the future.

“So, what can we as adults do to ensure our children have a healthy start to life, have access to a good education, and to make sure children feel safe and protected in their homes, in their schools, in their communities and online”

Cuatt thinks a very important first step for adults to take is to listen which she also refers to as the “starting point”.

“To listen to what children have to say about the things that make them happy and the things that they are concerned about.

Hearing what children have to say is included in Article 12 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the child’s right to be heard”

Cuatt voiced that we often think of children as not understanding things or being vulnerable however, children do need the support, care and guidance of adults.

“It is equally important to recognise that children have capabilities, children have strength and they have a unique perspective on the world”

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACOM) is preparing to build its new Provincial Headquarters, to be called the Saints of Melanesia Provincial Headquarters.

A groundbreaking ceremony for this significant project was held yesterday at the former Provincial Headquarters site, next to the Provincial Press and ACOM Bookshop in Point Cruz.

During the ceremony, ACOM Archbishop Leonard Dawea highlighted the importance of this development. He remarked, “The new ACOM Provincial Headquarters will be named Saints of Melanesia. This structure will replace the original office building, which has served the church since its establishment as a province in 1975.”

Archbishop Dawea described the new facility as a modest two-story building that will incorporate Melanesian culture and embody the humility of the church as the body of Christ.

He noted that the previous headquarters, constructed in the early 1970s after ACOM was granted the land title on November 1, 1969, had effectively served its purpose as the church expanded into more dioceses and increased its administrative staff.

However, by 2000, the old building could no longer meet ACOM’s growing needs. Discussions for a replacement began in 2012, leading to the ACOM Trust Board’s establishment of a task force to plan for a new office. In 2015, an Australian Volunteers International representative recommended transforming the old headquarters into a three-story building to house church offices and commercial rental spaces.

Archbishop Dawea explained that by 2018, the Melanesian Mission Trust Board (MMTB) of New Zealand recognized the urgent need to replace the aging structure, which had become unsafe. The building had leaking roofs, malfunctioning electrical systems, and a deteriorating environment unsuitable for staff.

In 2019-2020, the MMTB took charge of the project, overseeing its technical and financial aspects. James Cubitt Architects (JCA) of Australia were engaged for the architectural design, although progress was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite the setbacks, consultations continued to ensure the building’s design met ACOM’s needs. The new facility will be exclusively for church offices and related activities.

Archbishop Dawea expressed confidence in the project, saying, “We anticipate that the Saints of Melanesia building will create a transformative presence in the central business district of Honiara City.”

BY LORETTA B. MANELE

The Solomon Islands’ first-ever children’s high-level dialogue took place at the Paul Tovua Complex building yesterday.

The highlight of the program was when students from Vura CHS, Koloale CHS, and the Red Cross Special Development School presented the issues they were facing in their schools.

Students spoke on topics such as climate change, child protection, education, and disability. While sharing their concerns on these issues, they also took the opportunity to present their pledges, which focused on issues they want the government to address.

Lisa Cuatt, Country Director for Save the Children Solomon Islands, expressed that she was honored to be part of this historic event. She emphasized that this was an opportunity for children to identify issues of concern to them and present these issues directly to the highest-level decision-makers in the country, including members of parliament.

“I also want to thank the parents who have supported their children to be part of this day and to be part of the Children’s Advocacy Committees. I would like to acknowledge the children, every one of you who are here today, representing the voices of other children as part of the Children’s Advocacy Committees,” Cuatt said.

Cuatt expressed hope that they could continue to involve children in finding solutions to the issues they raised during the event.

The Member of Parliament for East Malaita and Minister for Infrastructure Development, Manasseh Maelanga, referred to the occasion as a very important gathering, where leaders would hear directly from the children.

He told the children, “You are the architects of tomorrow, bringing creativity, resilience, and the ability to make a difference.”

Maelanga encouraged the students, particularly those facing physical challenges, to remember that their strength is not defined by what they lack but by how they rise.

“Disability is not inability; history is full of people who shattered barriers to achieve greatness. You are no different. Imagine a world where we celebrate each other’s uniqueness and build bridges of collaboration instead of walls of separation. That all starts here in this room with you.”

This event was attended by students from Vura Community High School, Koloale Community High School, and the Red Cross Special Development School. These schools are part of Child Advocacy Committees (CACs) supported by Save the Children, Australia.

In addition to the Minister for MID, other leaders who attended the event included: the Member of Parliament for North New Georgia constituency and Education and Human Resources Chair, John Dean Kuku; the Member of Parliament for East Honiara and Chair of the Parliamentary Health Committee, Morris Toiraena; the Member of Parliament for West Kwara’ae, Alfred Tuasulia, who is also a member of various committees; and the Member of Parliament for North Malaita, Daniel Waneoroa.