Lata Community High School (CHS) in Temotu, which operates both primary and secondary streams, is grappling with significant challenges following its relocation to two separate sites 2022 till now. 

The high school has moved to the Mothers Union in Luova, while the primary school is situated in the Nella SDA compound next to Nela SDA Primary School. 

These developments were highlighted by Mr. Daniel Waiwori, the newly appointed chairperson of Lata Community High School.

The school has encountered difficulties due to its failure to meet verbal agreements with the Diocese of Temotu and the Nela SDA church, which had allowed them to occupy the premises for three years while planning the construction of a new facility. 

Mr. Waiwori noted that progress on this new building project has been disappointingly slow, hindered by financial constraints and the challenging geographical conditions that complicate the transportation of construction materials. 

The project is currently taking shape in Lata Park, adjacent to the Lata Market. 

A key concern is the lack of temporary structures to accommodate the school’s current student body. Without these facilities, there could be a decline in specialized staff willing to work at Lata, as many will be unable to enroll their children in school. 

Additionally, the right to education for children in the community may be compromised if these issues are not resolved. 

Parents are investing additional time and resources to ensure their children’s educational opportunities remain secure through 2025.

 In response to these pressing challenges, Mr. Waiwori has spearheaded the formation of a task force dedicated to establishing temporary buildings for both primary and secondary classrooms ahead of the 2025 academic year. 

The new sites for these classrooms will be located in Lata Park, within the USP and SIBC areas owned by the Temotu Provincial Government (TPG). 

Importantly, plans have been made to preserve the park’s native trees, with temporary structures to be constructed beneath them. 

However, this endeavor will require substantial resources to complete within the allocated timeframe. 

Additionally, the Nela Adventist community service team has committed to assisting in the construction of two classrooms to support Lata Community High School and its families. 

Progress is being made, with timber already prepared by both the Nela Adventist community and the school’s parent committees. 

Both groups are actively raising funds through local food sales and public donations to finance the necessary classroom buildings. 

This fundraising initiative is significant, as the construction spans multiple educational levels, from ECE classrooms to those accommodating grades one through six, as well as forms one to five. 

Despite reaching out to the Temotu Education Authority for guidance and assistance, Mr. Waiwori reported that the response has been less than helpful thus far. 

He is now appealing to all residents of Temotu for support in any form, urging them to contribute to the completion of the school facilities before the start of the 2025 academic year, ensuring that students can access quality education and thrive in their studies.

By Glen K Nhavie

Photos supplied