Ghatere Adventist Primary School, Solomon Islands, has received a new sanitation facility from the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA).
The facility will directly benefit the 64 students enrolled in the school—located on South Kolobanagara Island in Western Province—as well as the surrounding communities who attend meetings and church services in Ghatere.
A handover ceremony took place on March 18 at the school compound, attended by a large gathering of community members. The project was funded by ADRA Australia and implemented by ADRA Solomon Islands through the Turn on the Tap (TOTT) Project. The new facility includes one shower room, toilet facilities for both boys and girls, and a water tank.
The ceremony was officiated by Pastor George Bekele, area church pastor for Central Kolobangara District of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, who also offered a dedication prayer. Other attendees included the Kukudu ADRA team, church leaders and community representatives.
Speaking at the ceremony, ADRA communication and Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning officer Denver Newter urged the community and school to take good care of the facility.
“We also encourage you to allocate some funds from your school grant for its maintenance, ensuring that it continues to support students and staff in maintaining proper health and sanitation,” Mr Newter said.
School headmaster Dalton Runimetu expressed his gratitude for the much-needed facility.
“I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to ADRA Australia for their generous support, which has made our dream a reality—providing our school with a proper ablution block,” he said.
“For a long time, the lack of an ablution block has been a major issue for our students. This facility is not just a building, it is a symbol of what we can achieve when we come together with a shared purpose to promote hygiene and create a more comfortable learning environment. It will significantly enhance the daily health and wellbeing of our students.”
The TOTT Project collaborates with school leaders, education authorities and provincial service providers to improve access to clean drinking water, safe and hygienic toilets, sustainable menstrual supplies and effective hygiene education in schools across Western Province. The initiative prioritises the needs of female students and children with disabilities while equipping school leaders with the skills to develop and maintain infrastructure that meets national standards and guidelines.
