THE Ghatere Adventist Primary School (GAPS) on South Kolobanagara Island in Western Province has received a new Sanitation Facility (Ablution Block) from the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA).
The official handover took place on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at Ghatere Village School Compound, with a large gathering of community members came to witness the official handing over ceremony.
ADRA Communication and MEAL Officer, Denver Newter, officially handed over the ablution facility to the school and community on behalf of ADRA Country Director, Leyn Eliezer Gantare, who was unable to attend due to work commitments in Honiara.
The Ablution Block was Funded by ADRA Australia and implemented by ADRA in Solomon Islands through its Turn on the Tap (TOTT) Project. The new facility has included one shower rooms and toilet facilities for both boys and girls including water tank supplied water to the ablution block.
The project was built last year with support from the community. It was originally scheduled for handover last year but was delayed due to unforeseen circumstances. However, on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, ADRA and GAPS decided to make the official handing over celebration.
The ceremony was officiated by the Area Church Pastor (ACP) for Central Kolobangara District Pr George Bekele, the ADRA team in Kukudu, Church leaders, Community representatives, School Parents Teachers Association (PTA) representative, and the school Headmaster, Mr Dalton Runimetu.
The TOTT Project collaborates with school leaders, education authorities, and provincial service providers to improve access to clean drinking water, safe and hygienic toilets, sustainable menstrual supplies, and effective hygiene education in schools across Western Province. The initiative prioritizes the needs of female students and children with disabilities while equipping school leaders with the skills to develop and maintain infrastructure that meets national standards and guidelines.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, ADRA Communication and MEAL Officer, Denver Newter, urged the community and school to take good care of the facility.
“Please look after this facility, as it is expensive and difficult to obtain. ADRA encourages you to take good care of it”
“We also encourage you to allocate some funds of your school grant for its maintenance, ensuring that it continues to support students and staff in maintaining proper health and sanitation, Mr Newter said.
Last year, under the TOTT project, ADRA funded similar ablution blocks for several schools, including Barasipo Community High School in Vonavona Lagoon, Rawaki High School, Titiana Primary School in West Gizo, and Ngari Primary School in West Gizo—all of which are owned by the United Church Education Authority. ADRA also supported Mansoika SDA Primary School, Kalaro Primary School, and Nusa Simbo Primary School on Simbo Island, which are also under the United Church. Varu SDA Primary School in Kolobangara and Ghatere Primary School were beneficiaries of this project.
However, the Headmaster of Ghatere Adventist Primary School, Dalton Runimetu, thanked ADRA for funding the much-needed facility for the school.
“I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to ADRA Australia for their generous support, which has made our dream a reality—providing our school with a proper ablution block.
“For a long time, the lack of an ablution block has been a major issue for our students. This facility is not just a building; it is a symbol of what we can achieve when we come together with a shared purpose to promote hygiene and create a more comfortable learning environment. It will significantly enhance the daily health and well-being of our students,” Mr. Runimetu said.
Meanwhile, the sanitation facility will directly benefit the 64 students currently enrolled at the school, from PPY up to Year 6, as well as the surrounding communities who will attend meetings and church services in Ghatere Community.
Source: ADRA Press Release
