On May 28, 2024, two Adventist primary schools in Western Province, Solomon Islands, held ceremonies celebrating new sanitation facilities.

The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Solomon Islands provided the sanitation facilities to Varu Adventist Primary School and Kukudu Adventist Primary School through the Turn on the Tap (TOTT) project. The project aims to partner with school leaders, education providers, and provincial sectors to improve access to water, clean and safe toilets, sustainable menstrual supplies, and effective hygiene facilities.

The project is funded by ADRA Australia and prioritizes the needs of female students and children with disabilities. Many female students in the Solomon Islands cannot attend school regularly due to inadequate toilet facilities that lack running water and privacy and are not designed to meet their needs. The project also aims to educate school leaders on ways to develop and maintain infrastructure that is compliant with national standards and guidelines.

Adrianne Kele, the associate education director of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Solomon Islands, and Alili Steven, the area church pastor for Central Kolombangara Island, oversaw the handing-over ceremonies at the schools. Kele expressed his gratitude to ADRA for funding the sanitation facilities for the schools.

“On behalf of the education department of the Seventh-day Adventist Church here in Western Province, I would like to thank ADRA for funding these important sanitation facilities, fully supported and assisted by the community,” Kele said.

Sharon Kele, TOTT project manager, said she was proud and acknowledged the achievement as one of the biggest developments for the schools and communities.

“Today we have witnessed the completion of the sanitation facilities that all have contributed to,” Mrs Kele said. “This project started last year and was finally completed this year.”

Clinton Davis, Kukudu Adventist Primary School principal, said the sanitation project contributes to the success of the school in the competitive and knowledge-dependent educational environment.

 “Our school is excited about this opportunity, and we are looking forward to working collaboratively to raise the level and quality of education in our school, communities, and region,” Davis said. “Despite challenges, we are confident about our brighter future in our village homes and communities," he added.

Derick Ghele, Varu Adventist Primary School headmaster, also expressed appreciation to ADRA Solomon Islands on behalf of the community and church for making the project possible.

“For years, this school has struggled with inadequate facilities that posed serious health risks to our children,” Ghele said. “Lack of proper hygienic practices affected their physical wellbeing and hindered their ability to learn and thrive. However, we are so thankful to ADRA for these wonderful and high-quality facilities, giving us access to clean and safe sanitation.”

The original article was published on the South Pacific Division website.