Inmates, staff and families at the Tetere Correctional Facility in Solomon Islands received free health services through a partnership between Adventist Health in the South Pacific Division, 10,000 Toes ambassadors and Amazing Facts Oceania.
The 10,000 Toes ambassadors, from Mamulele Seventh-day Adventist Church and Barana Hand Church, helped deliver health screenings alongside dental care, medical consultations, physiotherapy and eye care delivered by the Amazing Facts team. The visit was held as part of the Solomon Islands for Christ initiative.
Through these efforts, volunteers were able to help relieve pain, address health concerns, improve vision and bring renewed hope to many people within the facility.
Dr Geraldine Przybylko, director of Adventist Health in the South Pacific Division and executive director for ELIA Wellness, reflected on the importance of reaching people in places where health needs are often significant.
“Every person deserves to experience care, dignity and hope,” Dr Przybylko said. “These health outreach programs allow us to serve communities, but they also remind people that they are valued by God and that His love reaches every individual, regardless of their circumstances.”
The team also thanked God for opening the way for the initiative to take place and for granting approval to serve the Tetere community.
“We want to praise God for helping us put this initiative together and for making it possible to receive approval,” the team shared. “We were all praying that we could get this opportunity so we could serve this community. We are especially thankful to Sergeant Don Kelly, program officer for rehabilitation and reintegration, for his support and for helping make this outreach happen within just two days.”
Alongside the clinical services, volunteers presented health education sessions on the harmful effects of betel nut use and the prevention and management of hypertension and diabetes. The program also included spiritual encouragement, messages of forgiveness, personal testimonies and reminders of God’s love and the value He places on every person.
Volunteers shared the message that God cares deeply for each individual, that every life has purpose and that Christ gave His life for everyone.
The team was warmly welcomed by Tetere Correctional Facility Commander Charles Noli, who expressed his appreciation for the services provided and his support for the initiative. As the first program of its kind at the facility, Commander Noli encouraged other correctional centres to open their doors to similar health and wellbeing programs.
