Solomon Islands
We are taking education to children in the Solomons!
The problems children face in the Solomons to get an education are huge, especially when schools have no electricity, safe water, toilets, or even desks.
The 2007 earthquake and tsunami devastated many schools in the Solomons. Since then, there has been a concerted effort to rebuild them using the UNICEF build back better approach, where communities are restored with infrastructure that is better than before the disaster.
"If ever there was a great example of how to rebuild after a disaster, this is about as good as it gets", says Gareth Morgan.
Gareth and Jo Morgan have were so impressed with what they saw when they visited the Solomons, that they have pledged to support the rebuilding and refurbishment of 44 schools in Western and Choiseul provinces, including:
- Building/restoring all 44 primary schools
- Providing safe drinking water and solar panels
- Building dormitories and teacher accommodation
- Building separate latrines for boys and girls
Education transforms communities
When children in developing countries are educated, and learn about the importance of clean water, good nutrition and hygiene, they take the lessons home to share. The effect is immediately multiplied, improving the health and living standards of their family, and ultimately, their whole community.
In fact, the simple act of teaching a child to wash their hands can literally save lives.
Gareth and Jo believe that education is ''one of the most fertile investments you can make in the future in the future of any developing country, because it eventually takes cares of all the other problems''.
Safe water and sustainable power
In rebuilding and refurbishing schools, provision of safe water and sustainably-produced power are important priorities.
We will bring water to the schools by installing rain catchment systems or piping water from nearby springs.
All the schools will be fitted with solar panels so that the school rooms can be better utilised for supervised evening homework lessons, community meetings and adult education.
THE IMPORTANCE OF PROPER LATRINES
Lacking suitable facilities, children have become accustomed to using the lagoons and bush when they want to go to the toilet. This practice puts their health at serious risk, and can also lead to sickness throughout the wider community.
Part of the UNICEF education programme includes building proper latrines, which greatly improves school attendance. Without toilets, girls often drop out of school when they reach puberty.
Building a better future for everyone
While children are the main beneficiaries of the Solomon Islands project, there are immediate flow on effects for the community at large. In nearly all cases, locals take part in the rebuilding programmes and are taught valuable skills along the way which they can use to assist others in their communities.
Education is also arms them with the knowledge to care for their environment and protect their communities from exploitation of resources by unscrupulous logging and fishing communities.
Gareth and Jo will match dollar-for-dollar any donation you make! You can donate now using the form on the right.
View photo essay about the Solomon Islands.
Gareth and Jo Morgan recently visited the Solomon Islands with UNICEF NZ Executive Director Dennis McKinlay. You can read about their trip on our blog.
