BY JOY OFASIA
STUDENTS and staff from Mount St Patrick College, a Catholic co-educational secondary school in Murwillumbah, New South Wales, Australia, demonstrated solidarity and service during their recent visit to Visale, North-west Guadalcanal, demonstrating their commitment to service.
The group visited the Sisters of the Catholic Church, bringing not just their goodwill but also practical assistance that has left a lasting mark on the community.
As part of their mission, the students and staff rolled up their sleeves to repaint a dining hall, infusing the space with fresh energy and a renewed sense of community. The brightened hall now stands as a symbol of the strong ties between the Australian visitors and the people of Visale.
But the visit wasn’t just about beautifying the community; it was also about empowering the community with sustainable energy solutions. With the help of Brad from PowerWells, an Australian organization focused on providing renewable energy to remote communities, the team installed solar-powered powerwells in the staff house and student dormitories. These powerwells will provide crucial access to electricity for phone charging and lighting, a much-needed resource in a region where such amenities are often limited.
The installation of solar power not only improves the quality of life for the Sisters and students at Visale but also serves as a tangible reminder of the global community’s capacity to support and uplift one another. The collaboration between Mount St Patrick College and the Visale community shows the core values of Catholic education: service, compassion, and stewardship of the Earth.
For the students and staff of Mount St Patrick College, this visit was more than just a service trip—it was a life-changing experience that featured the importance of giving back and the power of collective action. The smiles, laughter, and bonds formed during their time in Visale are sure to resonate long after they return to Australia, reminding them that their small acts of kindness have made a world of difference.
As the sun sets over the newly painted dining hall and the solar-powered lights flicker on for the first time, the Visale community is left with more than just improved facilities. They have new friends from across the sea who have touched their lives with a gift that will keep on giving—light, hope, and the knowledge that they are not alone in their journey.
