Materials for all the construction have been secured. The foundations for the building have all been laid and Stage 1 work has been completed. This includes foundation to slab work (steel, concrete mortar, and brick), milling timber, storage shade and sign board.
Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Update
Project Code: SBPT-1200061 | Project Location: Solomon Islands
About the project
The project’s broader goal is focused on ensuring equitable and quality education. The construction of a new classroom building will directly improve the teaching and learning facilities at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs. Once the renovations are complete, the school will be able to expand and add additional school years. The school currently has Forms 1, 2 and 3 and there are plans to include Forms 4 and 5 in the future.
This project aims to improve the school’s facilities so that students, staff, and the wider community can access inclusive and equitable quality education. The key objectives of the project include:
- Providing safe and sustainable learning for students and staff by renovating current facilities.
- Increase the school’s capacity to cater to larger numbers of students.
- Engage with the broader community to promote greater collaboration and desire for youth to attend school.
There were initial delays in the delivery of building materials, due to the cyclone season but renovations at Our Lady of Martyrs are now progressing well. Students, teachers, and the wider community have shown great enthusiasm and support for the project, with community members coming together to help carry materials from the boat to the building site.
The builders have remained flexible throughout the construction and have been able to adapt their work schedule according to the weather as best they can. For example, making and preparing any building materials which could be done undercover during extended rain.
Latest updates & challenges
Strong foundations
Staff hard at work
The builders are now preparing to work on Stage 2. This will include laying wall brick, horizontal bars, concrete mix, and door frame and window frames. The foreman has a skilled team of builders working on the site, showing innovation and flexibility in a difficult environment.
Environment considerations
All timber has been sourced with landholders’ permissions. Solar electricity is being utilised along with rainwater collection into tanks. Environmental stewardship is built into teaching modules. There is also a limited use of plastics and non-perishables in the kitchen and classrooms.
Our work with Australian Marist Solidarity
Catholic Mission has been working in collaboration with a range of Australian Catholic religious congregations for several years now. These partnerships allow Catholic Mission to support the important work of Australian Missionaries around the world.
Our partnership with the Australian Marist Solidarity (AMS) has spanned a range of countries including Vietnam, Cambodia, East Timor, the Solomon Islands, and Fiji to help deliver a range of life-giving projects. In order to give our work focus we place priority on partnering with AMS projects that take place in the
Pacific.
The Fratres Maristae a Scholis (Marist Brothers of the Schools), most commonly known as the Marist brothers have a specific charism for educating young people, especially the most disadvantaged which complements Catholic Mission’s work through the Holy Childhood Society education programs. Catholic Mission and the Australian Marist Solidarity collaborate and work towards to same mission in serving the most disadvantaged and through this strategic partnership can reach out and provide greater support to those most in need. Catholic Mission is currently working with the Marists on developing a new project in Bougainville PNG.