Students at Kalaka Community High School (CHS), Paposi Primary School, Paibeta CHS, and Pokilo CHS in Savo Island will now have access to safe, clean, and hygienic facilities, creating healthier and gender friendly facilities for students.
Officiating at the handover ceremony are Australia High Commission Counsellor for Human Development, Dr. Tristan Armstrong, Provincial Premier Kenneth Sagupari, UNICEF Chief Field Officer Benjamin Grubb, and Coldrine Kolae, MEHRD Deputy Secretary Cooperate.
The facilities were funded by the Australian Government and implemented by UNICEF in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) and the Central Islands Provincial Government.
The handover of the WASH facilities marks the implementation of the WASH project in 26 schools across Central Islands Province.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, UNICEF Chief Field Officer Benjamin Grubb emphasised the importance of the project, stating, “Our children need more than classrooms, desks, chairs, and learning materials.
“They must have access to clean water and safe, private and gender-friendly toilets so they can stay in school and learn with dignity, comfort and confidence.”
Central Islands Province Premier Kenneth Sagupari appeals to all stakeholders to protect the investment.
“I urge the schools, communities, and students to take ownership, maintain the facilities, and educate others about the importance of hygiene and sanitation,” he said.
Australian High Commission Counsellor of Human Development, Dr. Tristan Armstrong, noted that Central Islands Province has now established a total of 26 WASH facilities, making it the leading province in WASH infrastructure across the Solomon Islands.
He assured that work is ongoing to ensure that all of Savo Island becomes open-defecation-free before mid-2026.
Speaking on behalf of MEHRD, Deputy Secretary of Corporate Services Coldrine Kolae acknowledged the mutual partnership between the Australian government, Central Province, and UNICEF and urged students and teachers to sustainably care for the facilities.
He highlighted that under the new Education Act 2023, schools are required to have WASH facilities in place before they can be formally established.
The implementation of the WASH project in Central province will positively transform daily school life, bringing a positive impact to the schools and communities.
