Beaufort Bay Primary School students share success story on accessing fresh water during World Water Day

By Fredrick Kusu

Students of Beaufort Bay Primary school celebrated the World Water Day on Friday by sharing their success story on accessing fresh water.

Despite a small number of about 76 students, they successfully invited the caretaker Minister for Education and Human Resources Development Lannelle Tanaganda, the New Zealand High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Jonathan Schwass, representatives from UNICEF, Live and Learn, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services and the Guadalcanal provincial government to hear their story on their struggle to access fresh water until a Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facility project was implemented at the school.

The students’ struggle to access fresh water started after an earthquake caused damages to the source that is supplying water to the school. Water taps then stand idols without a supply.

This issue remained until dedicated teachers attended training on the importance of having access to fresh and clean water for students with the help of New Zealand, UNICEF, Live and Learn, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services and the Guadalcanal provincial government.

A WASH committee was established to work on ensuring students have access to fresh and clean water and in 2023, WASH facilities were implemented at the school.

Today, the school has access to improved WASH facilities such as gravity water supply, rainwater tanks, borehole and hand washing station while working on completing a sanitation facility.

Speaking during the celebration, Head Teacher Albert Beno said the implementation of the WASH facility at the school is a testament of how the school and surrounding communities work together to ensure their children have access to water.

“What once seemed to be a challenge is now transformed into a story of resilience, empowerment and hope for brighter water security for the future”.

“After the assistance from Live and Learn, UNICEF and Guadalcanal province, we have come to enjoy water,” Mr Beno said.

He acknowledged the presence of those who attended the celebration as part of providing awareness to the students on the importance of accessing water.

In her address, caretaker Minister for Education and Human Resources Development Mrs Tanaganda said having access to water and sanitation is important for the wellbeing of students.

“The provisions for water, sanitation and hygiene are central to the wellbeing of students and teachers.”

“Water alone and its many uses is a peaceful commodity and a source of life that humans…require for survival on our only one planet earth,” she said.

Live and Learn Country Manager Elmar Panisi said the WASH facility will help the school to be resilient and overcome the impacts of climate change.

She urged the students to take good care of their facility.

New Zealand High Commissioner to Solomon Islands His Excellency Schwass said New Zealand is committed to ensure young people in Solomon Islands have access to good drinking water, good sanitation and hand washing facilities.

“New Zealand feels that having access to good drinking water, good sanitation and hand washing facilities is a vital part of education. This is why we are supporting NGOs such as Live and Learn, UNICEF…to work with the national and provincial governments in Guadalcanal to bring in clean water and sanitation to schools,” Commissioner Schwass said.

The celebration provides an opportunity for the students to learn about the importance of accessing water and sanitation that forms part of their education journey.

This year’s World Water Day focused on the theme ‘Leveraging Water for Peace’ which aims to raise awareness and inspire actions to tackle the water and sanitation crisis.

World Water Day falls annually on 22 March.

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