Aligegeo, 21 August 2026 – The Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development (MEHRD), together with the Malaita Provincial Government, officially handed over the newly completed Aligegeo Provincial Secondary School Dining Hall, marking an important milestone in improving student welfare, nutrition and learning support at the school.
The ceremony was attended by representatives of MEHRD, the Malaita Education Provider, DFAT, Ropiko Enterprise Limited reps, the School Board, school staff, teachers and students.
In his speech, the Minister for Education and Human Resource Development highlighted that the Aligegeo project, fully funded by the Solomon Islands Government through MEHRD’s Development Budget, cost approximately SBD 9.6 million and represents a significant investment in student welfare and the education sector.
He further acknowledged Ropiko Enterprise Limited for its professionalism and quality workmanship, as well as MEHRD’s Asset Management Division for its technical guidance and oversight throughout the implementation of the project.
The Aligegeo School Principal also thanked the Government for providing a dining hall that meets students’ needs and supports their wellbeing, while the Malaita Provincial Government Education Minister echoed the acknowledgement and urged the school community to use the facility responsibly, stressing the importance of valuing such investments for future generations.
The official opening featured the cutting of the ribbon, followed by the handing over of the keys to the School Principal, symbolising the formal transfer of the facility to the care of the school community.
The ceremony concluded with a communal feast, where food was prepared and shared among guests, students, staff and the Aligegeo community. As a highlight part of the meal, a cow was slaughtered, cooked and served alongside other dishes to those who gathered to witness the handover and celebrate the completion of the new dining hall.
There was clear joy among students, who looked forward to using the new dining hall the very next day. The facility will give them a safe and welcoming place to eat together and enjoy better meals that support their learning and school performance.
The handover reflects the Government’s ongoing commitment to strengthening access to quality education and improving school infrastructure across Solomon Islands, while supporting the wider goal of creating healthy and supportive learning environments for all students.
