In recent years a group of committed Aussie tradesmen and Year 11 students from Hills Adventist College, Sydney, have helped build infrastructure and resources in six Seventh-day Adventist High Schools in the Solomon Islands.
What has been achieved in those years?
- Six new generators have been installed in schools by a team of electricians and helpers. 3.5km of overhead wiring has been hung. New switches, fluorescent holders and lighting has been provided.
- Water supplies improved. Electric and solar motors have been fixed that pump thousands of litres a day from river supplies. 1.6km of pipe has been laid underground to provide water for ablution blocks, houses and facilities.
- With the support of Greater Sydney Conference, thirteen containers have been shipped to the Solomon’s containing clothing, generators, building materials including steel, paint, corrugated iron, etc.
- Two ablution blocks have been built to improve sanitation, providing showers, flush toilets, hand-washing and clothes washing facilities and places for drying clothes in wet weather.
- Hundreds of bags of clothing have been distributed to needy people which has helped open villages and the hearts of people to learn about the three angels messages.
- Chapels and meeting places have been renovated with building materials provided by James Hardie.
- A cement block and steel library is currently being built and hundreds of books have been distributed to many schools.
- A new brick machine is now producing bricks for the library and other buildings.
- Gardens have been improved with new varieties of plants.
- School desks and tables have been provided for some schools or desks have been repaired.
- Buildings have been painted inside and out.
- Six happy rooms have been painted by local talent that have transformed classrooms and developed a great school pride.
- Healthy relationships have developed between local persons and expatriates.
Plans for 2016. Below are the projects and budget we are working on for next year.
- We hope to send 4 containers of gear in 2016 which will cost for shipping etc $50,000. In these containers beside gear for schools we send hundreds of bags of clothing.
- 2 Ablution blocks etc for Puzivai, Choiseul. $37,500
- Dining Room and Kitchen, tile chapel and library, complete library for Tenakoga. $40,000.
- Slasher for Kukudu High School – $3,000.
- Continuation of Happy Rooms in schools. $2,500
- Bekabeka High School – paint and desks. $5,000.
If you are able to donate to these project please give through the Conference who can arrange for tax deductibility through ADRA.
Written by Alex S Currie