BY MYRNE LIVETT
LOOKING after School administration is an important role, especially in rural schools in the Solomon Islands which strive to develop academic standards, it is not really an easy task as one sees it at face value.
Last week Sunday Isles was able to chat with Exodus Bobotu, the Head of the Primary School division at Betivatu Community High School, a tough school to run in central Guadalcanal.
Mr Bobotu is a teacher for 23 years and held the Head Teacher’s role since 2017.
“I observe a big difference after COVID and one of the challenges is having to recall teachers and students back to school to start off with classes.
“We experienced a low attendance in the first two weeks, however, communication nowadays is reliable with mobile phones, so, I use an approach to convince them to return to Betivatu school and encourage teachers to continue to embrace the value of the teaching profession,” He said.
“We teachers received salary even when we’re not working. He pointed out. We must value this profession.”
“As a school leader, I have to strategize in order to attract teachers and students back to school. I apply leadership skills that I acquired through training and experience as well,” Mr Bobotu stressed.
Mr Bobotu also mentioned that Betivatu school which is situated in central Guadalcanal expected, assistance from companies operating in the constituency. Not only that but he said government leaders of the constituency as well as the government itself must assist the development of education in central Guadalcanal.
“We expect to get more help from our member of parliament, and also the government which has benefited from most of our resources, we expect the government to recognize and prioritize our school.
“Apart from Non-Government Organizations which have assisted our school, Gold ridge company, Tina Rive Hydro project and logging companies operating in central Guadalcanal must support our school,” The Head Teacher pointed out.
However, he said, the school board must be active and play their part in approaching development partners, to develop the standard of Betivatu Community High School.
“We have a school board; this is the group that should be active in liaising with government and companies. Members of the school board received allowance during board meetings, but they fail to do their job,” He pointed out.
“I met a lot of challenges, like criticisms which somehow also makes me move forward to another level. The main thing I always want to emphasize is my call on parents, and the community to come forward and work together with school administration and teachers,” He maintains. “Betivatu CHS needs the people of the Malango community to take the lead in school maintenance, and fundraising, and that parent and fee payers have to be consistent in paying school fees.
He pointed out that the bottom line is to develop the school to a higher standard of learning environment, as Betivuatu CHS is also looking forward to accommodating forms six in the near future.
