_{By Georgina Maka’a}

Australia today handed over refurbished and upgraded facilities at St Joseph’s Tenaru to the Solomons Islands government ahead of next month’s Pacific Games in Honiara.

The facilities will be used as accommodation during the two-week games, which kicks off on November 19.

Australia contributed more than SBD$90 million towards the games preparation. 

The funds were used to refurbish and upgrade school facilities at King George the Sixth, Solomon Islands National University, Don Bosco Technical Institute, St Nicolas College and Iumi Water Sports Park.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, who is also the Minister responsible for the Pacific Games, was at hand to receive the St Joseph’s Tenaru facilities from Australian High Commissioner Rod Hilton.

“Whilst the primary reason for the upgrade work to these facilities at St Joseph Tenaru school is to ensure we have adequate rooms to cater for athletes and officials coming to the 2023 Pacific Games, this work will leave behind a legacy for the school because the renovated facilities will serve our students for years to come,” Sogavare said.

_{^{Australia High Commissioner to SI Rod Hilton (left)hands over the key of the refurbished facilities for the games to the Prime Minister/Minister of Pacific Games, Manasseh Sogavare(right) as NHA Vice Chair Martin Rara looks on}}

“I urge you all to take good care of these upgraded facilities and take ownership of them,” he told staff and students of the school.

Sogavare said the total cost of the upgrade is around SBD$11.7 million.

“This budget was fully funded under the Australian Government support to the 2023 Pacific Games.

 “Thank you, Australia.”

Sogavare emphasized that Australia continues to be Solomon Islands main development partner not only in infrastructure development but also in other areas such as health, education, security, justice, private sector development, governance and people-to-people connection.

“Your commitment in ensuring we host a successful Pacific Games is deeply appreciated and it will continue to strengthen the friendship between the people and government of Australia and Solomon Islands.”

Australian High Commissioner Rod Hilton said these improvements to the school environment increase health and learning outcomes for our students and the next cohort of skilled workers.

“We will continue to do what we can to support the Solomon Islands Government to ensure quality education is accessible by all children,” Hilton said.

He stressed Australia’s economic partnership is rooted in creating a more skilled, inclusive and productive workforce that enhances Solomon Islands prosperity.

“We’ve saved the best for last – 14 upgraded classrooms, 7 dormitories, 2 ablution blocks,and a dining room for St Joseph’s Catholic National Secondary School – our biggest refurbishment,” Hilton said.

He acknowledged NHA, GOC, Schools, Principals, MEHRD and the contractors who worked hand-in-hand with them on refurbishing the schools in preparation for the Pacific Games.

“We want all our work here investing in your jobs, economy, and people.”

^{Unveiling of the plaque to signify the official hand over the refurbished school buildings}

Deputy Principal of St Joseph Tenaru Jeffrey Ogamauri also acknowledged Australia for choosing his school as part of the venues to host the athletes for the upcoming games.

A senior school teacher who has been teaching at St Joseph for 30 years, Theresa  Hou, told In-depth Solomons that the refurbishment of the school facilities will be a boost for the new generation of students.

She said as someone who spent most of her time at the school, the upgrading of the facilities is a joyous moment for all of them.

“All these changes now at the school will enable our students to learn in a new environment; our new group of students now are very privileged to be learning in the newly refurbished facilities,” Hou said. 

Saint Joseph Tenaru School will accommodate athletes from Solomon Islands and Kiribati during the two-week event.