Betikama Adventist College has officially opened a new multipurpose centre on its campus east of Honiara, Solomon Islands.
The facility, completed through a partnership between the school, its alumni and community, the Solomon Islands Education Support Group, and Hills Adventist College (NSW), will serve as a central venue for assemblies, chapel services, cultural events and sports activities.
The 600-square-metre steel structure was dedicated on October 14, fulfilling a decades-long goal for the school community. “I’m overwhelmed with gratitude and joy at this achievement,” said principal Bevan Tutuo. “For the first time, our entire college family can meet under one roof. It will strengthen unity and provide a safe space for learning and worship.”
The project was jointly funded by the Solomon Islands Education Support Group, which contributed $A108,000, and Betikama Adventist College, whose staff, students, alumni and parents raised more than $A200,000 in cash and materials to complete the foundations and slab.
A team of 31 students and staff from Hills Adventist College joined the construction effort in October as part of a service-learning trip. “The students were hands-on—lifting beams, drilling bolts and helping in every stage of the build,” said team leader Jayden Groves. Hills teacher Abbey Tricot added that the trip was “an opportunity to build bridges of understanding and friendship” through practical service.
The Solomon Islands Education Support Group, a ministry run by Adventist church members led by Dr Alex Currie, Pastor Ray Eaton and Brett Partridge, has provided long-term support to Adventist education in the Solomons, coordinating more than 30 containers of materials worth more than $A620,000 in the past three years.
Solomon Islands Minister for Education and a former Betikama student Tozen Leokana congratulated the partners involved. “This multipurpose centre will not only meet a critical infrastructure need but will transform how education is experienced at Betikama,” he said.
Established in 1948, Betikama Adventist College serves more than 740 students, including 560 boarders. The new facility will also serve as a community shelter during emergencies.
“As we celebrate this new chapter,” said Mr Tutuo, “we’re reminded that when we serve together in gratitude and love, we build not only structures, but stronger hearts and brighter futures.”
