Taking a step toward enhancing education infrastructure in Solomon Islands, Lambi Community High School celebrated the official handover of its newly constructed double-storey classroom building.
The project, valued at approximately SBD$2 million, was jointly funded by the Australian and New Zealand governments in partnership with the Solomon Islands Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) through the Education Sector Support Program.
Built by MY Construction, the facility represents the Australian, New Zealand and Solomon Islands governments shared commitment to improving education standards in Solomon Islands.
The new classrooms will directly benefit 202 students and 17 teachers, providing a conducive learning environment that fosters collaboration and supports the development of students.
Participants attending the ceremony included the Guadalcanal Education Minister John Bocha; Provincial Member for Savulei Ward Justin Lima; Deputy Secretary Corporate Services, Coldrine Kolae from the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development; Counsellor Human Development, Dr Tristan Armstrong from the Australian High Commission; New Zealand High Commission First Secretary Olivia Benton-Guy; and Principal of Lambi Community High School Albert Switzer.
“After the Lambi school classroom was destroyed by cyclone Harold, we are so happy for the gift in receiving funding for the classroom as it will be of great support to parents and the school community in ensuring our children have access to quality education,” school principal Albert Switzer said.
He said the project is an investment in the future of Lambi Community High School and the Lambi community.
“The facility addresses the immediate needs of students and teachers and lays the foundation for educational growth in the region,” Switzer said.
The project was implemented under the Education Sector Support Program (ESSP), a collaborative initiative between the governments of the Solomon Islands, Australia, and New Zealand, aiming to improve access to quality education for all Solomon Islands children.
The opening of this new classroom building highlights the ongoing efforts of the partners to foster a brighter and more inclusive future for Solomon Islands.