THE people of Samasodu village in the Hograno Kia Kokota Havulei (HKKH) constituency of Isabel Province are honoured and fortunate to have established a relationship spanning over 20 years with Supporting Workers in Mission (SWIM).
SWIM has made a number of significant contributions to the people of Samasodu. Assistance provided has included water and sanitation projects, a clinic, and, more recently, the Katova High School.
The new Katova High School is what brought the Prime Minister, Honourable Jeremiah Manele, MP, Australia’s High Commissioner to the Solomon Islands, His Excellency Rod Hilton, and SWIM Project Coordinator Rod Peet to Samasodu this week.
On Tuesday, 5th November 2024, Samasodu village came alive as villagers prepared to meet Prime Minister Manele, High Commissioner His Excellency (HE) Rod Hilton, and SWIM Project Coordinator Rod Peet.
Coincidentally, the Prime Minister is from Samasodu village; however, SWIM’s relationship with Samasodu was established long before PM Manele became a Member of Parliament. When SWIM made its initial contact with the villagers of Samasodu, Prime Minister Manele was serving as our Ambassador to the United Nations in the United States.
The arrival of the Very Important People (VIPs) in Samasodu is significant; for Prime Minister Manele, it marked his first trip to his constituency since becoming the Prime Minister of the 12th Parliament.
After a warm welcome from the women warriors, the VIPs were escorted to the main venue of the program.
During his speech, the Prime Minister acknowledged the partnership forged between SWIM and the people of Samasodu.
Prime Minister Manele praised SWIM for recognizing the importance of education and for its willingness to work with the villagers to bring the Katova High School to fruition.
The Prime Minister also spoke highly of Australia’s assistance with the Katova High School project, adding that it demonstrated the benefits of positive partnership.
Prime Minister Manele acknowledged the villagers, particularly the chairman of the project, Eddie Holara, for ensuring that it was completed and ready for operation.
The Katova High School project is the culmination of a partnership forged between SWIM, the HKKH constituency, and the Australian government.
The HKKH constituency has built two staff houses and will build an additional two. The Australian government contributed an ablution block, while SWIM is responsible for the classrooms, boys’ and girls’ dormitories, and other school amenities.
Supporting Work in Ministry (SWIM) is a mission arm of the Christian Reformed Churches of Australia (CRCA).
SWIM is a Registered Charitable Trust in the Solomon Islands and is an associate member of Solomon Islands Christian Association (SICA).
All the projects created by SWIM are funded by kind-hearted Australians and assistance from governments as well.