“Our Betikama Multipurpose Centre is now a reality,” says Mr Bevan Tutuo, Principal of Betikama Adventist College.
“I’m overwhelmed with gratitude, excitement, and joy at this historic achievement. Our College, with its rich history and long-standing commitment to academic excellence and spiritual growth, has served countless students over the decades.
“Yet one major piece of infrastructure had remained missing — a multipurpose hall. On 14 October 2025, that dream has finally come true.”
Since its establishment in 1948, students of Betikama Adventist College gathered for chapel under the open sky, beneath the great rain tree near the basketball court,” explained Chareen Simbe, Registrar at BAC.
“This setting limited participation and made it difficult for everyone to hear and engage fully. But now, those days are over.”
The new Betikama Multipurpose Centre (MPC) is a 600-square-metre steel structure measuring 40m by 15m, standing 4m high. Pastor Ray Eaton, co-leader of the Solomon Islands Education Support Group — an Australian organisation supporting Adventist education in the Solomons — said, “The MPC was primarily funded by our group with $108,000AUD, alongside significant contributions from BAC, its alumni, Home & School Association, and the broader community.”
Principal Tutuo added, “Our school community raised more than $200,000 in cash and materials to complete the foundations and slab. This achievement was made possible through genuine partnership and faith.”
Mr Tutuo expressed heartfelt gratitude to all who made the project possible. “On behalf of the Administration, Teachers, and Workers of Betikama Adventist College, as well as our Students and the wider Community, we extend our deepest thanks to the the Solomon Islands Education Support Group, and the students and staff of Hills Adventist College for dedicating their time, energy, and hearts to help build our new Multipurpose Centre. Your generosity, service, and friendship will leave a lasting legacy on our campus,” he said.
“This new Multipurpose Centre will transform and revolutionise how we gather, learn, and celebrate,” said Principal Tutuo. “For the first time, our entire College family can meet under one roof. It will host assemblies, chapel services, cultural events, and sports activities, while also serving as a place of refuge during emergencies. The hall will nurture a stronger sense of belonging, pride, and unity — for our students, teachers, alumni, and the wider community.” Bevan Tutuo
Located east of Honiara, Betikama Adventist College serves over 741 students — including 560 boarders — with 29 teachers and 18 auxiliary staff. Students come from across the Solomon Islands and neighbouring regions, drawn by the College’s academic reputation, discipline, and Christian values.
Betikama Adventist College School Captain and Year 12 student Lerianna Lianga, said “We are so excited for this new multipurpose centre. We’re so grateful that we want to say thank you to the Solomon Island Education Support Group and the Hills Adventist College.
“Soon we’ll be having programs and activities in this hall such as our exams, chapel and other important school activities. This is an exciting day for Betikama.”
A team of 31 Year 11 students from Hills Adventist College in Sydney, led by Ms Abbey Tricot, joined the construction effort during a week-long service trip in October. “This wasn’t just a symbolic gesture,” said fellow team leader Mr Jayden Groves. “The students were hands-on — lifting beams, drilling bolts, and helping in every stage of the build.”
The Solomon Islands Education Support Group, led by Dr Alex Currie, Pastor Ray Eaton, and Brett Partridge, has been a vital partner in strengthening Adventist education across the nation. In the past three years alone, they have coordinated over 30 containers of materials — over 520 tons — valued at more than $620,000. Since its inception, their total contribution has exceeded $4.5 million, enhancing schools including Kukudu, Tenakoga, Bekabeka, Puzivai, Burns Creek, and Kukum.
Hills Adventist College has become renowned for its commitment to service learning. Their long-standing partnership with the Solomon Islands reflects a deep belief in the power of shared mission and education.
“Our students see these experiences not only as service projects but as opportunities to build bridges of understanding and friendship,” said team leader Ms Abbey Tricot. “Together we’re learning that faith and education can truly transform communities.”
Hon. Tozen Leokana, Minister of Education in the Solomon Islands Government, himself a former Betikama student and teacher, praised the initiative.
“Our Government’s mission is to provide quality education that develops individuals to live in harmony with others and their environment.
“This multipurpose centre will not only meet a critical infrastructure need but will transform how education is experienced at Betikama,” he said.
The Hon Tozen Leokana continued: “The Betikama Multipurpose Centre stands as a symbol of gratitude, partnership, and shared vision. The construction of the Multipurpose Centre is a great example of my Department’s policy of encouraging schools to work with communities to improve access to education.
“I commend the partners to this transformative project which is the combined efforts of the Australia based Solomon Islands Education Support Group and the Betikama Adventist College community, and its Alumni and Home and School Association”.
As Principal Tutuo concluded, “May this hall remind us that when we serve together in gratitude and love, we build not only structures, but stronger hearts and brighter futures.”
By Loanne Liligeto and Dr Ken Long
Loanne Liligeto, Solomon Islands Mission Communication
