The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) last week handed over two ablution blocks to two primary schools in Gizo, Western Province.
Ngari and Titiana primary schools in West Gizo Island are the proud recipients of these new sanitation facilities, providing their students with improved access to safe and clean hygiene infrastructure.
Project for both schools were made possible under a project called ‘Turn On The Tap’ (TOTT) which is funded by ADRA Australia and is being implemented by ADRA Solomon Islands.
The handover ceremonies took place on different days—Ngari Primary School received its facility on Tuesday, 1st October followed by Titiana Primary School on Wednesday, in the village of Titiana.
Invited guests including Minister of Provincial Health and Medical Services Kenneth George, Western Provincial Sanitation Coordinator and UNICEF representative Alfred Ruika, Western Provincial Education Officer Willy Etupio, ADRA Country Manager Director to Solomons and its team, community leaders and students who witnessed the official opening.
During the official opening ceremony in Titiana, ADRA Country Manager, Leyn Gantare, expressed his gratitude and emphasized the importance of proper sanitation in schools, stating that the project was part of ADRA’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the well-being of communities in the Solomon Islands.
Mr Gantare said the newly constructed facilities are expected to significantly improve hygiene standards at both schools, ensuring a healthier and more conducive learning environment for the students.
He said children especially students really need a quality, good access to clean and safe sanitation access.
‘’From now on, you are so lucky to use good toilets and bathroom showers; mind you cleanliness is next to Godliness.
“We must enjoy our time in a learning environment where there is a clean and hygiene access to avoid sickness and diseases that can make us sick,” he added.
Titiana Primary Deputy Principal, Dennis Narakana acknowledged ADRA and the main funders of the project for the handing over of the ablution block to the school.
Mr. Dennis Narakana said every school must have a proper ablution block so that they can use as part of adopting a clean and safe hygiene.
‘’What ADRA is doing is a great approach and by witnessing this handover, this ablution block will last forever as students now have access to proper sanitation facility.
‘’Thank you ADRA for implementing this project,’’ he added.
ADRA’s TOTT Project Manager Sharon Kele said, the both projects are part of the Phase three 2 component and currently six schools in Western province are part of the project.
These school includes Barasipo, Ngari, Titiana, Rawaki, Tehila and Babanga schools.
She said, the other two schools are in Simbo will be handed over anytime this month.
‘’However, this is a part of the project from the previous phase,” she added.
She added that it was fortunate that ablution block for Ngari and Titiana School was constructed by Mambuzu Rural Training Centre (RTC) students within a duration of four weeks.
The project for various schools commences January up to August this year.
Community also provided support towards the project through raw materials.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
