The Seventh Day Adventist church has been commended for its contributions to health services, education, and leadership in the country.
Prime Minister Gordon Darcly Lilo offered the accolades when opening the church’s centenary celebration at Viru, Western Province, last Tuesday.
Lilo said the SDA church’s contribution to nation building over the last 100 years is highly commendable.
“Your contribution in the areas of health services, education, training, shipping, governance and leadership is acknowledged,” he told leaders of the church.
“The countless contributions the church has made in the last 100 years, I can testify has made in building and moulding the people and communities of Solomon Islands.”
He added that since the humble beginning of the church, it continues to play a significant role in building and shaping societies within the country
“The education sector of SDA church is the largest private education authority operating in all the provinces with 14 high schools and 700 primary training centres with 800 teachers mentoring 12,000 children each year.
“In terms of health and medical services, SDA Solomon’s operates a private hospital which is Atoifi hospital, established in 1966 on Malaita with 18 clinics serving the remote communities in seven provinces.
“Schools, hospitals, workshops and commercial enterprises that are part of the SDA mission are exemplars of progress,” he said.
The week-long celebration will end tomorrow.
STEPHEN DIISANGO
