BY CHRIS ALEX
A fence may seem simple, but it plays a crucial role in ensuring that students learn in a safe and secure environment. This sentiment was echoed by Lindsay Buckingham, Minister Counsellor from the Australian High Commission, during the official handover ceremony of the Ilia Community High School (CHS) fencing project yesterday.
Addressing students and staff, Buckingham emphasized the significance of having a school fence. She noted that while a fence may appear to be a basic infrastructure, it provides essential security and allows students to focus on their education without distractions from the outside world.
“The fence not only creates boundaries to keep the school secure but also helps in protecting school property,” she said. “A safe learning environment means fewer distractions and more focus on studies.
Highlighting the broader impact of education, Buckingham described students as future leaders, innovators, and change-makers for the Solomon Islands. She underscored the importance of a secure learning environment in enabling students to acquire knowledge and build their dreams.
Moreover, Buckingham hailed the fencing project as a testament to the strong partnership between Australia and the Solomon Islands.
“Australia recognizes that the best solutions emerge when local communities are empowered to take charge of their future growth. This project is a perfect example of that,” she said. “It also illustrates how partnerships with communities can lead to tangible differences.”
She expressed gratitude to the school principal, headmistress, and project manager—who is the former principal—for their dedication in making the project a success. Buckingham reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to working with local communities to improve infrastructure and provide the necessary tools for success.
The Ilia CHS fencing project was funded in 2022 as one of 13 projects supported by Australia that year. Buckingham revealed that Australia had increased its funding for the initiative, and in 2024 alone, the Australian government funded 100 community projects across all provinces in the Solomon Islands. This year, Australia plans to fund another 100 projects under the Solomon Islands and Australia Community Partnerships program.
