BY SHOREYANN RAGOSO
For many years, students and teachers at Vare-Tutty Adventist Memorial School on the northern part of Vella La Vella Island have used a classroom as their school hall. Every morning assembly, devotion, announcement, and special program was held in that small space.
Soon, that will change.
The school is now close to opening its new school hall, a long-awaited project that is expected to be completed anytime from this month until April. For the school and nearby Dovele communities, the new hall is more than just a building. It is a sign of progress, hope, and unity.
Speaking on behalf of the school, Head Master Mr John Wayne shared how difficult things were in the past.
“The school hall we have been using is not a school hall, it’s a classroom,” Mr Wayne said. “When it’s time for chapel, the classroom does not fit all students, so we have to break the wall in the middle so everyone can sit down.”
Despite these challenges, teachers and students continued to gather each day, making the best use of what they had. But expectations have been high since construction of the new hall began.
“When the picture of this school hall comes up, the expectation of teachers and students is on the new hall,” Mr Wayne said.
He explained that the hall has always been part of the school’s vision and dream, but for many years there was no funding to support such development.
“It has been the school’s dream for such development,” he said. “But because there was no help available, it did not happen. Now Australia has given us the support.”
The one-year project is funded by the Australian Government and runs from April 2025 to April 2026. The funding covers building materials, while nearby communities have contributed local resources such as gravel, sand, and other materials needed for construction.
Mr Wayne acknowledged that support from earlier school leaders and members of the Dovele community helped the school access funding more easily.
“With the help of the previous administration and some of our Dovele people who supported it, it became easier for us to access the funding quickly,” he said.
Eight carpenters from nearby villages were selected to work on the hall, supported by community members who volunteered their time and labour. The school, community, and leaders have all played a role in making sure the work continues.
“I estimate that almost thirty thousand dollars was used by the school to meet the labour costs of the carpenters,” Mr Wayne said. “With the help of our Member of Parliament, Honourable Clezy Rore, who supported us with the carpenters’ payments, we were able to keep them working. We cannot hold the communities for too long because they are very busy.”
While community support has been strong, the project has faced challenges. Many volunteers also have responsibilities to clinics, churches, and other development work.
“The challenge we face is commitment,” Mr Wayne explained. “Last year, communities were very supportive, but they also have other commitments. When we call them, they want to help, but they are busy too, so we struggle a bit.”
Even with these difficulties, excitement continues to grow as the building nears completion. Once finished, the hall will serve not only the school but the wider Dovele community. It will be used for large gatherings, celebrations, and events, and may also be rented out as a multifunctional facility.
“Completion of this new school hall will be our pride,” Mr Wayne said. “It will be the pride of the people of Dovele community.”
The hall will also bring new learning opportunities. Mr Wayne said several rooms will be set aside for Distance Flexible Learning (DFL) through Solomon Islands National University and other online programs.
“Students can now study university-level programs right at home,” he said. “That is why we installed Starlink, so students can do online courses once the hall is completed.”
Vare-Tutty Adventist Memorial School’s new hall is expected to be completed anytime from this month until April. For students, teachers, and the community, it marks the start of a brighter and more connected future.
