Schools supported to ‘Turn on the Tap’
New sanitation facilities have been provided by the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) to two primary schools in Western Province, Solomon Islands, through the Turn on the Tap project.
The project aims to partner with school leaders, education providers and provincial sectors to improve access to water, clean and safe toilets, sustainable menstrual supplies, and effective hygiene facilities. To mark the completion of the project, ceremonies were held at the two schools: Varu Adventist Primary School and Kukudu Adventist Primary School.
Turn on the Tap prioritises the needs of female students and children with disabilities. Many female students in the Solomon Islands cannot attend school regularly due to inadequate toilet facilities that lack running water, privacy and are not designed to meet their needs. The project also aims to educate school leaders on ways to develop and maintain infrastructure that is compliant with national standards and guidelines.
Varu Adventist Primary School headmaster Derick Ghele expressed appreciation to ADRA for making the project possible.
“For years, this school has struggled with inadequate facilities that posed serious health risks to our children,” Mr Ghele said. “Lack of proper hygienic practices not only affected their physical wellbeing but also hindered their ability to learn and thrive.
“However, we are so thankful to ADRA for these wonderful and high-quality facilities, giving us access to clean and safe sanitation.”