Mbokonavera Community High School (CHS) in Central Honiara on Friday marked a major milestone in the school’s history with the opening of a new classroom block.
The celebration of achievement was marked with the garlanding of guests, the singing of the national anthem, an opening prayer, ribbon-cutting, handing over of keys, blessing of the new facility, cutting of the celebration cake and feasting.
Principal Agnes Te’e delivered in her opening remarks welcomed all the guests to the opening ceremony.
Te’e explained that the project cost about $1.25 million and took two and a half years to complete, financed entirely through school fees and fundraising.
Construction was delayed by fee collection challenges and the death of architect and contractor, who was honoured with a minute of silence.
“Firstly, I would like to thank all my good parents, guardians and the fee payers. For this classroom building, it’s not built from any other funds outside but from the school fees that we’ve been paying for the past three years and also some of the cash contribution fundraisers that we have done previous years.
Your hands, your good hands, built this beautiful classroom that we witness today,” she said.
The new block includes four classrooms, three staff offices and a computer lab.
Te’e urged students to take responsibility for the facilities: “I want you to have ownership of them because you own them. Care for them. Use them wisely. Because if you use them wisely and care for them, your own children and your grandchildren in the future can be able to use them as you use them today.”
School Board Chairman Simon Rilawa praised the administration’s leadership and described the building as a legacy of vision and teamwork.
“This building is not just made of cement and iron,” he said. “It is a symbol of vision, sacrifice and teamwork.
“It will serve our students and community for many years to come. Principals, this building is your legacy.
“Long after today, whenever students and teachers walk into this building, they will remember your leadership and dedication.”
He encouraged future leaders to follow this example. “As a school board, we encourage our future principals who will leave this school one day: follow this example, lead with vision, work with your team and leave something beautiful behind. Something that people will remember you for. May this building continue to inspire excellence in our school.”
Guest of honour Ellison Mane, Chief Education Officer (CEO) of the Honiara City Council Education Provider, cut the ribbon to officially open the classrooms and handed over the keys to the school administration. Mane commended the achievement as a model of community-driven development.
“This classroom is more than infrastructure – it is an investment in the future of our children,” he said.
“Education is the foundation of development, and today Mbokonavera has shown what determination and unity can deliver. This is a testament to what communities can accomplish when they work together.”
He also emphasized the broader significance of the project for the city’s education system. “What we are witnessing today is not just the opening of a building, but the strengthening of our education sector,” he said.
“When parents, teachers, students, and the wider community come together, we can overcome challenges and create opportunities. This building will stand as proof that collective effort can achieve lasting change.”
He urged students to value the new facility and use it to pursue excellence. “I appeal to you, the students, to respect this building and make the most of it.
“It is here to serve you, but it is also here to remind you that education is the key to your future. Treat it with care, and it will continue to serve generations to come,” Mane said.
Students also voiced their excitement at the new facilities. Michael Aleadalo, a form 4 student said the classrooms would make a real difference to their learning environment. “Before, we had to share space and sometimes it was overcrowded. Now we have more room, and even a computer lab. It makes us feel proud because we know our parents and community worked hard to build this for us,” he said
“We will take care of this building because it belongs to us. It shows that when we all work together; we can achieve something big.”
The ceremony concluded with a blessing of the new classrooms, underscoring their role as both a practical resource and a symbol of shared commitment.
Mane added: “Your presence here today is a manifestation of our partnership, collaboration and cooperation in the quest to deliver better and improved education services to our students.”
The event also acknowledged contributions from sister schools in Honiara, which supported fundraising efforts, and private donors such as local businesswoman Grace Cheng, who provided building materials on credit.
The construction company Waigo was recognized for completing the project after the passing of its contractor.
Looking ahead, Principal Te’e said the school plans to expand its library and cover a major drainage system to accommodate growing enrolment.
“This year, we had three streams of Form 1s, and those three streams, they don’t come from any other school. They come from our primary on the other side. So we need to create more space for the current population that we have,” she explained.
The day ended with celebrations among students, teachers, parents and guests, marking not only the completion of a building but the strengthening of community spirit. “Congratulations to all of us,” Te’e said.
“This building is ours, and together we will continue to build a stronger future for our school and our nation.”
By ANDRIANAH DELASALET KOLE
Solomon Star, Honiara
