Students and teachers at Aoani School in West Kwaio, Malaita Province, are facing a serious water shortage after two school water tanks stopped functioning, leaving the community without reliable access to drinking water during the hot season.
The shortage affects classes from kindergarten to Grade Four, with students coming from nearby communities including Kwabu, Sinamauri, Sinasu, Osa’ania, Ailakwa, Busi’i, Takwaisae, and as far as Ngalade.
With temperatures rising, access to clean water has become a daily struggle.
Deputy Head Teacher Ben Oloisae said the tanks were funded and supplied by the Sisters of Charity as part of their support for the school’s development.
“We are very thankful to the Sisters of Charity.
The tanks were a big help, but now both have problems, and teachers and students do not have proper access to water during school hours,” he said.
Since the start of the year, students have had to bring their own water bottles from home, creating challenges for families and forcing some children to return home to drink water in extreme heat.
Teachers also lack a reliable water source, raising concerns about health, safety, and learning conditions, as hydration is essential for concentration and well-being.
School leaders say restoring the water supply is a top priority.
Despite the challenges, they remain grateful to the Sisters of Charity and hope to work with partners in 2026 to repair or replace the damaged tanks and develop new projects.
As the hot season continues, the urgent need for a sustainable and reliable water source at Aoani School remains clear.
By Lesley Foinagwa
West Kwaio, Malaita
