By Fabian Hakalits – EM TV News, Lorengau
The provision of safe water and sanitation facilities in schools is a first step towards a healthy physical learning environment.
This was the take home message at the opening of a sanitation project, at the Nuwok Adventist Primary School, in Manus Province.
Nuwok is a church agency school, outside of Lorengau Town, and was built in 1965.
Since then, students and teachers outside Lorengau have been using pit toilets for waste management.
A small but significant ceremony that reflects partnership between churches and Government was the new sanitation facility opening.
It’s been described as a blessing, and praise has been given to the Community Development Department for supporting this project with K45,000 including other stakeholders.
On Thursday October 22, saw the commissioning of the new facilities. Deputy Secretary of the Community Development Department, Leo Kulumbu officiated at the event.
According to head teacher, Steven Mathew Kaulei, this modernised facility will cater for 240 plus students including their teachers. It will promote behavioural change through innovation, information and education.
Grade 8 students, Hephzibah Lunn and Cassandra Poliau, thanked the Community Development Department under the leadership of Sohe MP Delilah Gore as the National Minister for the timely gift.
Meanwhile, Manus Provincial Education Advisor, Leonard Jonly, said the sanitation issue in Manus must change and schools must be used as models.
Parents and citizens were challenged to take ownership of the schools assets.
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