Buruku Adventist Primary School in Western Province was one of the schools affected by the devastating 8.3-magnitude earthquake that struck the province in 2007.
The earthquake severely damaged the school’s building, shaking its foundation and placing students at serious risk.
Established in the early 1960s through a community initiative, the school has long served children around Rendova.
Over the years, it has produced two Prime Ministers of Solomon Islands and one Premier of Western Province.
However, despite this proud legacy, the school has remained in a state of neglect.
This concern was raised by the school’s PTA Chairman, Mr Patrick Masakolo, who spoke on behalf of the school and the community during a grant agreement signing with the Embassy of Japan in Solomon Islands for the construction of a new school building.
Mr Masakolo explained that the school buildings are not only used for learning but also serve as a safe haven for the community during cyclones, when residents seek shelter.
“However, as the years passed, the buildings began to disintegrate,” Mr Masakolo said.
He added that despite strong collaborative efforts by the Buruku community to address the situation, they were unable to secure sufficient resources to construct new classrooms or carry out proper maintenance to ensure a safe learning environment for their children.
“With the foundations broken apart, the buildings only posed a serious threat to our children,” he added.
Mr Masakolo further stated that in 2023, under the leadership of the current school principal, Mr Maclean Jilini, an initiative was put forward to seek funding assistance from the Embassy of Japan.
“We waited for three years and eventually lost hope, thinking our application had not been considered,” he said.
“However, towards the end of 2025, the school received confirmation that the project had been approved. Our hearts were filled with joy. The Embassy of Japan looked beyond our inability to address our immediate needs,” he added.
Mr Masakolo reiterated the school’s and the community’s sincere and profound gratitude to the people and Government of Japan for their generous support.
By AGNES MENANOPO
Solomon Star, Honiara
