A fire has destroyed two classrooms and two science labs at Tenakoga Adventist High School in Solomon Islands overnight.
Teachers’ offices between the classrooms were also destroyed by the blaze, which broke out around 4am. The cause of the fire is unknown is at this stage. Fortunately, no lives were lost and no-one was injured.
“The fire spread so quickly we couldn’t save any resources, or desks and chairs that have been donated,” said teacher Chareen Simbe.
“Our teachers couldn’t save their students’ work. Most of the community came to help us put out the fire. Thankfully they were able to save the other classroom wing which is only metres away.”
Trans Pacific Union Mission education director Mele Vaihola said the school had just celebrated a special week.
“They were on a high note as they had just finished their Adventist Education Week with 25 student baptisms and one teacher baptism—and now the fire,” Ms Vaihola said.
“We praise the Lord that no lives were lost. Please remember the principal, staff and students in your prayers.”
Tenakoga Adventist High School is located approximately 90 minutes’ drive from Honiara in North East Guadalcanal. About 240 students are enrolled at the boarding school.
Anyone who would like to support the school at this time is asked to contact the Solomon Islands Mission: sim@adventist.org.sb or Pastor Ray Eaton: rayeaton@adventist.org.au or 0431 579 303. Pastor Eaton co-ordinates a Solomon Islands Education Support team in Australia. This team has provided significant support to Tenakoga including building a dining hall, library, two ablution blocks and water and electrical infrastructure.
