Acom Women in the Front Line Workshop

ISSUE: August - September MESSENGERThe Melanesian 2018 Melanesian Messenger Monthly Updates . 8 pages P O BOX 19, HONIARA, SOLOMON ISLANDS ACOM WOMEN IN THE FRONT LINE WORKSHOP HE women in the Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACOM) are no strangers to Tpeacemaking, be it at home in their own families, in their communities or for some the expe- rience of a life time during the Solomon Islands Ethnic Tension more than ten years ago. The workshop provided by the team from Lam- beth Palace, UK and led by Mrs Caroline Welby the wife of the Archbishop of Canterbury was highly commendable as this was the very first time that ACOM women had the opportunity to attend a formal training in the areas of Conflicts, Peacemaking, Reconciliation, and Restoration. The two and a half days training begun with re- treats from Monday to Wednesday, followed by reflections, sharing and discussions. A keynote (From front right) Mrs. June Takeli, Mrs. Welby and her small team address was also delivered on the first day of with the Workshop participants during welcome ceremony at TNK. training (Wednesday afternoon) by the Arch- bishop, the Most Rev. George Takeli, where the women were encouraged to work and be at the dle [being neutral]. very strong foundation on biblical and scrip- frontline in mission for reconciliation. More than twenty women representing the nine tural underpinnings that challenges our own Canon Rev Sarah Snyder facilitated the work- Dioceses in the ACOM attended the workshop. faith to be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ shop with help from the team [Caroline, Keren The participants included the Archbishop and here on earth. & Jane]. Bishops’ wives, other women leaders with in the The training was held at Tete Ni Kolivuti (TNK) Topics discussed during the workshop included; Dioceses of Central Melanesia (DOCM) and the the Head quarters of the Community of the Sis- - Women in the home as peacemakers - Think- Provincial Mothers Union office in Honiara. ters of the Church and is located at the eastern ing about; - Otherness [people different for us], It was highlighted by participants that the work- side of Honiara, a few kilometres inland from Women as victims of conflict; Stand in the mid- shop was very inspiring and uplifting through its the main road along the Blackpost road. ‘WE ARE PRAYING FOR YOU’: ARCHBISHOP TAKELI The Most Reverend George Takeli ocese of Central Solomons (DOCS), reminded Police officers at the -Tu which was located in the Central Is- A group photo of lagi Police station, in the Central Is- lands Province from the 15th to 17th Archbishop Takeli lands Province of Solomon Islands September. (third from right) that they are not alone in their work. The Archbishop made the following Bp Seka and team “We hide behind the scene praying statements when he visited the Di- with the Provincial for you each day as you carry out ocese of Central Solomons (DOCS), Police Commandar your daily duties in bringing Peace, which was located in the Central Is- (front left) and of- Safety, Security and sustainability in lands Province from the 15th to 17th ficers infront of the our Communities, Provinces and this month. Police station the nation Solomon Islands”. the The Central Islands Provincial Po- Archbishop said. lice Commander, Mrs. Patricia Leta your prayers we do not have too day so take courage and do what He went on further to say that “not in her response acknowledges the much difficulties in our opera- your nation wants you to do. Your only do you provide security, but visit and reierated the very signifi- tions”, Mrs. Leta said. presence in our communities and also pastoral care in a sense that cant role churches play in support- Before he prayed for the Police societies bring hope to the children, you are physically involved in pro- ing the work of the Police especially officers at the station, Archbishop women and to the vulnerable in our viding peace when someone fights”. during the recent ethnic crises. Takeli again encouraged the of- communities”, Archbishop George The Archbishop made the following “Working together with the Priests, ficers that Bishop’s, Minister and concluded. statements when he visited the Di- Ministers and Pastors and through Pastors are praying for you each Melanesian Messenger Monthly Updates . page 1 of 8 P O BOX 19, HONIARA, SOLOMON ISLANDS August - September Issue Melanesian Messenger Monthly Updates ACOM VANUATU MISSION TO SEAFARERS

HE Mission to Seafarers in Port Vila, Vanuatu for the first time T held a ‘Ship Visitation and Seafarer’s Welfare’ workshop at Tagabe Anglican Church on the 19th of September 2018. The workshop was facilitated by the Port Chaplain of Honiara Port, Fr Hillary Anisi. The purpose of this workshop is to encourage clergymen and lay people both men and women on the work of the Mission to Seafarers as ship visitors. The ship visitation workshop is aimed at encouraging volunteers to of- fer friendly hospitality to seafarers and to understand the challenges seafarers, as human beings, face in their work environment. As ship visitor, volunteers also learned that ship visitation is the core of God’s mission and ministry to the Seafarers. It is a Christian outreach to all, Workshop participants after Department of Tourism/VTO Awareness talk regardless of religion, race, culture and gender; with the view that all human beings are created equal. Anglican Communion which offers help and support to merchant sea- The workshop was attended by members of the Anglican Region of Port farers. The charity provides its services through Port Centres manned Vila/Noumea, which included both Clergy and Laity. Officers from the by Port Chaplains in over 50 countries. Ship visitors supported by Vanuatu Maritime Regulatory and Department of Ports and Habours volunteers usually give free advice on employment issues or personal also participated and an awareness team from the Department of Tour- problems, as well as assistance during maritime emergencies. Mission ism and Vanuatu Tourism Office (VTO) gave a talk on Cruise Ships in to Seafarers centres also provides communications, stores, land trans- Vanuatu, noting the significance of seafarers to the Tourism Industry portation, counseling and other services for seafarers. in Vanuatu. The Mission to Seafarers is looking forward to hold a similar kind Mission to Seafarers is a Charitable Organisation associated with the of workshop in the near future. “AUKI CARE AND COUNSELING CENTER”

IN 2007 the Diocese of Malaita (DOM) through the Anglican Church of Melanesia Board of Mission, implemented the Safe Families project funded by Ox- fam Solomon Islands. The project is aimed at addressing Family and Sexual Violence For more information about the Auki Care and Counseling Center or issues (Gender Based Violence want to support? Please contact the Diocesan Secretary of the Diocese of and all forms of violence against Malaita-Anthony Maelasi on 7246165 or email; [email protected] women, girls and children), which is increasing at an alarm- tion, belief or religious affiliation. we would need at least another source Center. However, the center ing rate in both Malaita and Te- As a service provider, it is cru- SBD$50,000-00 for the full comple- has very limited space and can only motu Provinces of Solomon Is- cial that an inclusive and sup- tion of the building and installment accommodate limited number of lands. portive environment is enhanced of water and electricity, including women for at least a night or two. We are yet to decide on a name and made accessible to members furniture and fittings. Plans are be- Providing a caring environment for for the center and feel that the of the community needing psy- ing put to ensure that the center be- victims of abuse and sexual violence name should reflect the origin cho-social support and assistance. comes self-reliant and self-support- through counseling, and healing, is and purpose of the Center; that The initial budget for the building ive in the longer term. an important mandate and mission it is an Anglican, Christian, Care, was SBD$89,000-00. However, we We felt it is important that we build of the church. Counseling, Inclusive and set up have decided to do a permanent a permanent building for its sus- Such services can be seen as one in Malaita Province etc. building instead of the original tainability and further expansion in way of addressing these social is- It is envisaged that the center is leaf thatched building. We have the future if needed. sues in our communities. We can inclusive and will provide free, also decided to build a kitchen The only other organization pro- only hope and pray that by God’s professional and confidentialfacility, toilet and shower in the viding shelter and care for victims grace, things will improve as we go counseling services for women building as well. of domestic violence in Auki is along. and children of every denomina- As a result of that alteration, the Malaita Province Women’s Re- Melanesian Messenger Monthly Updates . page 2 of 8 P O BOX 19, HONIARA, SOLOMON ISLANDS August - September Issue Melanesian Messenger Monthly Updates

Melanesia Brotherhood Oóte Mission for new Christian Converts

THE Melanesian Brotherhood (MBH) mission to Oóte, in East Kwaio highland region of Malaita Province, Diocese of Malaita (DoM) is becoming fruitful. Oóte is where a mother and eight members of her family recently decided to be baptized as Christians. Reverend Fr. Edmond Telehanimae, Senior Priest of Arekwa Region, DOM, stated that apart from this family, there are four other families who have said that they will follow when the Church house or site is ready. Upon receiving a request, a team of 5 Novices and 4 Brothers led by Br George Bugoro (MBH) set forth on a mission to build a church and few houses at the beginning of the year. New church building at Oóte community According to Br. George, the mission was challenging but fruitful as they managed to attending programs organized have also greatly prayers, cash or kind for O’ote mission. complete the church building and resi- encouraged the Brothers in their work. “Let us continue to keep them in our prayers dence. The increasing number of converts On behalf of the team and MBH, Br. George as they begin to worship our God who gives and those who have shown interest by thanked everyone who has contributed in life to all humankind” Br. George concluded. CSM SEWING APPAREL

EWING APPAREL is one of a sideline S activity done by the Community of the Sisters of Melanesia (CSM) in the Anglican Church of Melanesia. This sewing project helps the sisters to raise income to help them in their mission and ministry as they continue to serve God in ACOM. Sr. Glenda Hapuara who has been mandated by the community to manage Sewing Projects at the CSM Pogo Household in Honiara, stated that the project is operating slowly but surely. “We sew Clergy Vestments for all Liturgical Seasons, uniforms and other apparels based on orders”, said Sr Glenda. Her assistant, Sr. Heather Meithegna pointed out Sr. Glenda Hapuara (standing) and her assistant hard at work when the team visited them at Ellison that “Should we have further financial assistance, Pogo house hold in Honiara. we are planning to expand marketing of our products to all our dioceses and CSM Households “A proper set-up is vital for the smooth operations of our Sewing Project and long- throughout Solomon Islands and Vanuatu”. term sustainability of this project”, Sr Glenda highlighted. The Sister in-Charge of Pogo Household further The Sewing project which was initially started in 2015 has now become one of the stated that they have been trained on Basic Life leading income generating projects apart from their poultry, piggery and small canteen Skills and Sewing, therefore can sew just like any currently operating at the CSM headquarters – Verana’aso on west Guadalcanal, next other tailors do. to Selwyn College. Their biggest challenge now is to secure a room The CSM, an indigenous religious community, would like to acknowledge the An- purposely for this project so that sewing can be glican Mission board (AMB) New Zealand 2018 Small Grants Project for financially done at any time whenever the demand is high. supporting CSM Sewing Apparel. Melanesian Messenger Monthly Updates . page 3 of 8 P O BOX 19, HONIARA, SOLOMON ISLANDS August - September Issue Melanesian Messenger Monthly Updates PEACE BUILDING WORKSHOP

The General Secretary also said that with the increase in development in all its various forms, a growing number of cases of conflicts arising from competing claims over resources required from these developments and the sharing of benefits from these activities. ‘All of us here would have experienced ourselves conflicts or disagreements within our families or communities resulting from the use of tribal or family owned resources.’ Many families have been separated as result of disagreements over land use and the harvesting of forests or marine resources. Many communities and families have become dysfunctional Training facilitators Mrs. Leibling Toganivalu and Reverend Raki due to conflicts amongst themselves. Tigarea (third and fourth from left) with Rev. Graham (third from Thirdly, with the growing population of our communities, there is right)some of the participants bound to be conflicts caused deliberately or unintentionally by any members of the community. And with existing kinship relationships, THE COMMISSION on Justice, Reconcilliation and Peace has recently a minor disagreement between two people could quickly involve all completed a Peace Building workshop at the Solomon Islands Trans- members of the tribes or clans. lation Advisory Group (SITAG) in Honiara from Monday 24th to Fri- Given the propensity of these factors to cause conflicts, there is a need day 28th September. for more peace builders. Having sustainable peace is paramount to The training workshop was officially opened on Monday morning by achieving all planned activities, including mission related programmes the General Secretary of the Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACOM) and activities. Dr. Abraham Hauriasi. Also with the rapid increase of antisocial behavior, tensions and con- Dr. Abraham Hauriasi in his opening address said the necessity of hav- flicts, ACOM and other stakeholders need to be equipped with skills ing such training is underpinned by a number of factors: Solomon and knowledge on trauma healing, conflict management, conflict reso- lutions and conflict transformation. Islands is in a post conflict situation. He explained that most, if not, all Reverend Mark Graham, of the Commission on Justice, Reconciliation communities in the country would have experienced conflict, some in and Peace concluded that “Equipping every diocese in this field will more serious form than others, during the period of the ethnic tension enable them to respond effectively to all forms of conflict and violence.” . Some people may have been emboldened by what they have witnessed Fifteen participants representing the seven dioceses in Solomon Is - and experienced during that period so that any hint of disagreement lands, Institution and representatives from other Church denomina- between any parties, whether blood related or not, could quickly es- tions attended the training. calate into open hostility and even physical confrontation. Increasing The workshop was organized by the Commission on Justice, Reconcil- cases of more violent behavior perpetrated by people resulting from iation and Peace and is facilitated by Reverend Raki Tigarea and Mrs. very minor issues have been reported. Hence, there could be witness- Leibling Toganivalu from the Institute of Mission and Research, at the ing more and more communities who are torn apart from conflicts. Pacific Theological College in Suva, Fiji. ASSISTANCE STILL NEEDED FOR THE VICTIMS OF AMBAE VOLCANOE

THE Anglican Church of Melanesia through the Diocese of Vanuatu and New Caledonia (DOVNC) continues to support our brothers and sisters from Ambae whom were evacuated to nearby islands because of current volcanic activities. Early September, the newly consecrated Bishop of DOVNC, the Right Reverend James Tama and his team from the Diocesan office and ACOM Vanuatu head office visited primary school children whom were evacuated to Luganville, Santo with their parents. The visit was to ensure that the children have a safe and friendly learning space to continue on with their education. Bp Tama with the Children from Ambae during Church of the Holy Spirit, Sarakata Parish, also played an important handing over of school items for Pre School role by providing a space for these little children. During the visit, Bishop James Tama and Chairman of Parish Council Mr. Semion Torgil Rural Training Centre. Bage presented assorted stationaries, tables and chairs. Three class- The Section Headquarter of the Melanesian Brotherhood in the rooms were also set up at Sarakata Parish to host Ala Memorial Southern Region, Tumsisiro, was also on Ambae. The Brothers had Primary School, one amongst many other schools that was forced to already secured space on Malo island, off Santo to relocate the Section close due to the volcanic eruption. Headquarter. It was understood that ACOM Vanuatu is still working closely with A statement released from the ACOM Vanuatu Disaster Risk Reduc- the Government, Municipal Authority of Luganville, and other stake- tion Office stated that assistance is still needed to rebuild the lives of holders for the relocation of the church run St. Patricks College and 11,000 people whom were evacuated from the island of Ambae. Melanesian Messenger Monthly Updates . page 4 of 8 P O BOX 19, HONIARA, SOLOMON ISLANDS August - September Issue Melanesian Messenger Monthly Updates

Participants of the CANDO workshop at the South CANDO focuses on Seas Evangelical Church (SSEC) conference room. humanitarian activities

THE Church Agencies Network Disaster Operation (CANDO) is focusing on implementing activities in addressing the humanitarian sector towards any future natural occurrences. This was confirmed during a workshop at the South Seas Evangelical Church (SSEC) conference room, when the National Disaster Manage- ment Office (NDMO) was invited by CANDO consortium in the Sol- omon Islands to do a presentation on the Country’s Disaster National Arrangement on Friday 14th Sept, 2018. CANDO is focusing on the activities that fall within the four objectives: tralian Lutheran World Service (ALWS); Transform Aid Internation- Improved church coordination in disaster response; Develop a Pacif- al (TAI); Uniting World (UW); and Caritas Australia (CA). ic theology of Disaster Risk Management (DRM), this will be devel- In addition to building emergency response capacity, the consor- oped as a regional activity and the resources will be used by Churches tium also seeks to work with Partners to increase capacity in disaster throughout the Pacific, train and mobilize Church volunteers in disas- risk reduction and management with countries in the pacific such as ter risk management activities and build a Strategic Asset Management PNG, Fiji, Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands. system for Church facilities for DRM. Over the next four and half years CANDO with churches in the Sol- The Church Agencies Network Disaster Operations (CAN DO) con- omon Islands including; The Roman Catholic/CARITAS, Anglican sortium was formed in 2016 in the interests of collaboration and coor- Church of Melanesia (ACoM), SDA/ ADRA, United Church of Sol- dination in the humanitarian sector to enhance community resilience omon Islands (USI), South Sea Evangelism Church (SSEC) and Sol- to disaster and conflict. omon Islands Christian Association (SICA) the churches governing The consortium consists of the following members: Act for Peace; The body in the country will work together in disaster preparedness and Adventist Development and Relief Agency Australia (ADRA); The An- coordination for response during any future emergency. glican Board of Mission (ABM); Anglican Overseas Aid (AOA); Aus-

PAMUA SANITATION PROJECT NEAR COMPLETION

THE WORK on the Pamua girls Sanitation is progressing well, according to the ACOM Project Manager Mr. Philip Luiramo. “Phase one has been completed and now the work is in phase two which is the installation of plumbing fixtures and fittings and the final stage will be finishing jobs such as installation of water tanks and electrical fixtures,” Mr. Luiramo said. “There are few remaining materials needed for the project such as water tanks and water pump,” he added. The school as part of their contribution provided all the timbers for the project. (Above): The new Sanitation building for Pamua girls. (Below): Interior of the building. Thanks to the Melanesian Mission in United Kingdom (MMUK) Photos taken early September when ACOM Property Manager for financing the project as well as ACOM Provincial Headquar- went to asses the project. ters for support. According to ACOM Property Manager, the total cost of the project is around 400,000 SBD. The project is estimated to be completed by end of October 2018 provided that all the remaining building materials needed for the finishing job are on site. “The only delay is the availability of materials,” Mr. Luiramo said. Pamua Primary and Pamua Rural Training Center are still without proper sanitation or wash facilities and this is the first sanitation block for girls at the college since its establishment.

Melanesian Messenger Monthly Updates . page 5 of 8 P O BOX 19, HONIARA, SOLOMON ISLANDS August - September Issue Melanesian Messenger Monthly Updates ACOM EDUCATION STANDARDS WORKSHOP SUCCESSFUL

FINAL workshop on the ACOM Education Standards was held at Bishop Norman Palmer school here in Honiara from Monday 17th September to Friday 21st September 2018. ACOM Education Standard is the document or set of guidelines for all ACOM Schools to follow both in the Solomon Islands and Vanu- atu. This includes; Quality, Accessibility, Management and Christian Distinctiveness. All ACOM schools are expected to deliver quality teachings, materials, and have quality leaders that schools are well managed must be Christian Distinctive where students must practice Anglican Ethos and lived by Christian Values and Teachings.. Access to education also needs to be inclusive (disabilities) and gender balanced. ACOM Education Secretary Mr. Desmond Waita said it is important Mrs Joana Middlemiss (standing) listening for all ACOM schools to have this document so that education officers to a group discussion in one of the session. visiting schools will know what he or she is doing and teachers will know what is expected from them by the education authority. The mary, Early Childhood teachers and school board members. workshop was facilitated by Mrs Joana Middlemiss a ACOM Educa- The aim of the hands on training is for ACOM Education officers to tion consultant who work as VSA (Volunteer Service Abroad) based be well versed with the content of the Standards and with confidence in ACOM head office in Lugainville, Espirito Santo, Vanuatu. apply the Standards in schools next year. The official launching of the A three day hands on training of the education standards was then ACOM Education Standards will be held in February 2019. also conducted at Bishop Norman Palmer School for Secondary, Pri- JCPU HANDING OVER EDUCATION COURSE CHILDREN LEARN HOW TO MATERIALS TO ACOM AUTHORITIES PREPARE BREAD FRUITS

THE recent handing over ceremony of Course Materials by John Coleridge Pat- teson University (JCPU) coordinators to the Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Melanesia marks an important step to the establishment of the JCPU. The handing over ceremony was held in recognition of ACOM’s ownership of JCPU and for funding the work which now completed. As the entity who owned and funded the work, it is only proper to Rev. Akao (in green) handing over course hand to them the results of their funding. material to Archbishop Takeli (in purple). PROVIDING young children with opportunities JCPU on behalf of ACOM wishes to ex- qualified to enrol in the program. for play, a safe environment, proper nutrition, press its gratitude to lecturers from USP The diploma in teaching primary (in-ser- education and a nurturing home life are crucial for and SINU for their fastidious, exception- vice) is the second program JCPU has co- their development and have long-lasting positive ally and voluntarily quality piece of work. ordinated in its efforts to develop and create effects. The holistic nature of early childhood Collaboration, not duplication is needed its academic programs. The first one was care and development addresses these essential among tertiary institutions in the coun- the Theological Education by extension elements that contribute to the physical, emotion- try. And SINU and USP have committed program currently managed by the staff of al, intellectual and social development of children to that collaboration and have assisted BPTC and delivered at St. Nicholas College. aged up to six years, according to (https://www. JCPU with the completion of its first ac- During the handing over ceremony, Coor- wvi.org). ademic and education program courses. dinators of JCPU heartedly expressed that This is what Toutamat Pre-School in the Diocese With the completion of the materials, the work of JCPU has just began; a collec- of Banks and Torres do as pictured above. JCPU is looking forward to deliver its tive effort and a legacy that ‘we as a church “Education is not only in class learning Alphabet first education studies in 2019. The pro- have created for ourselves.’ The Coordina- and Numbers but now go as far as preparing Slow gram is a Diploma in Teaching Primary tors finally called for mutual understand- Food for themselves”, a statement from the Dio- (in-service) meaning that teachers in the ing, cooperation and support to achieve cese of Banks and Torres Facebook page stated. country who hold Primary Certificates the church’s vision of establishing the John This is part of their extra cariculum activities they in teaching, and have been teaching for Coleridge Patteson University. did in their pre-school campus. many years, are the only ones who are Melanesian Messenger Monthly Updates . page 6 of 8 P O BOX 19, HONIARA, SOLOMON ISLANDS August - September Issue Melanesian Messenger Monthly Updates IN BRIEF Source: Diocese of Banks and Torres Facebook page THIRTEEN new members of the Mothers Union in Sanmal GOD is a God of call- Region- Diocese of Vanuatu & ing and sending. New Caledonia were admitted Here is what God had by Vicar General of DOVNC, done with some of his Rev. Timothy Vora to take up Brothers Servant in call to serve the Church and to Lensey Section Head be specially concerned with all Admission of the newly admitted Quarter in the Diocese that strengthens and preserves MU members of Banks and Torres marriage and christian family in Vanuatu during the life. A powerful sermon delivered Mango to witness this important Festivities of St. Michael and All the Angels over the weekend (30th by Rev. Timothy Vora saying " day. Celebrations will continue Sept. 2018). You are called to hear and obey with speeches and entertainment. Thirteen Aspirants to be Novices and five Brothers renew their prom- the word of God to shelter Christ The event took place on the 19th ises as they continue to serve the Mission and Ministry of the Church within you". September 2018. through the Melanesian Brotherhood (MBH). Members of the MU,Melanesian Bishop of the Diocese of Banks and Torres, the Right Rev. Patteson Brothers and families gathered Source: Anglican Church of Melanesia Worek did the commissioning and renewal of promises. at St. Andrews Anglican church, in Vanuatu Facebook page

ARCHBISHOP the Most Such visit is to help him Reverend George Takeli and know more about how each his wife, June Takeli talking diocese operates, learn their to a sick patient at the Central challenges and strengths and Islands Province Mini Hospital to identifying their needs in Tulagi. (Top left photo) and set priorities to allow all He also offered a special prayer dioceses to work together for the sick and for those who and move our church in the serve at the mini hospital. same direction. Archbishop and wife were accompanied by Bishop of the Archbishop and team also Diocese of Central Solomons made courtesy visits to the (DOCS) the Right Rev. Ben Central Islands Provincial Seka and team. Headquarter (photos on right) This is part of his (Archbishop) and Tulagi Police Station as first official visit to the Diocese can be seen on the bottom of Archbishop and team chating with of Central Solomons (DOCS) front page. the nurses out side the mini hospital since becoming the Archbishop. PACIFIC DISASTER PARTNERSHIP MEETING CHURCH Agencies Network Disaster Oper- ations (CAN DO) is a group of eight Austra- lian based humanitarian church agencies that exists to build the resilience of communities, to strengthen the capacity of partners, and to enhance agencies’ effectiveness in responding to disasters, especially in the Pacific. Lynold Dau (front right) at the Pacific Disaster As the coordinating partner on behalf of the Partnership Meeting. Photo by Lynold SICA and Church Partners in Solomon Is- on Disaster Ready Preparedness and Man- omon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji and throughout lands, ACoM has been represented by Lynold agement. Six Dioceses in the ACoM Solo- the region through the ACoM Disaster Com- Dau ( Aid & Program Officer) in the Social & mon Islands have already established their mittee based at the PHQ. ACoM Vanuatu do Developments Projects office in this meeting Diocesan Committee’s to respond immedi- have similar Disaster Set-up at the diocesan which is currently going on in Sydney. ately and coordinate to any disaster events in level as well. ACoM through the Social & Developments our islands. CAN-DO Church Network in Solomon Is Projects Office is Strengthening the Capacity ACoM has been responding to all disasters will be linked to the SIG-NDMO National of its dioceses, communities and institutions affecting our communities throughout Sol- Arrangements! Melanesian Messenger Monthly Updates . page 7 of 8 P O BOX 19, HONIARA, SOLOMON ISLANDS

August - September Issue Melanesian Messenger Monthly Updates SAFE STRONG COMMUNITY PROJECT SAFE Strong Communities Project in partnership with Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACOM) upgraded the much needed lighting LIGHTS UP FAU’ABU CLINIC at Fau’abu Area Health Centre in September. The Safe Strong Communities project is funded by the Anglican Overseas Aid, based in Melbourne, Australia. Safe Strong Communities Project Manager, Holland Sikou, who installed the 3000 watts’ solar system said the it will now provide 24-hour power supply and lighting to Centre. Salome Maheiro, a registered nurse who manages the Centre said at the commissioning and handing over of the property that the assistance is timely and has truly met the need of the Centre. “It was miracle for us both nurses and the whole population within Information and photos west Kwara’ae and west Fataleka constituency where our health supplied by Holland Sikou. depend on the services Fau’abu clinic provides”, she said. “We operate without proper lighting over the last four years and Photo 1 :- The 3000 Solar Panels most times we use torches and mobile to attend to our patients installed on the roof tops. during night especially working with women in labor ward,” Salome added. (Below) - Mr. John Paruku The health centre has admission wards including children, female, standing on the main switch board. male and outpatient and can accommodate up to eight patients each ward. “The most worrying trend over the past four years without pow- Brief about Fau’abu Clinic er was safety of our patients and medication that needs power to provided by DOM be maintained at their right temperature,” the registered nurse in charged, Salome said. Fau’abu Area Health Centre in the Mr. John Paruku, the chief consultants for clinics located in the Diocese of Malaita (DOM) is Central Region of Malaita, who also attended the commissioning located at the cross road between and handing over of the property to Fau’abu community said, the West Kwara’ae and West Fataleka importance of lighting and presence of power always adds value to constituencies. This is at the the work of our nurses. northern side of Auki, the He strongly encouraged the nurses at Fau’abu to make good use Provincial capital of Malaita Province. of the opportunity to advance health services to the surrounding Fauabu was built in 1931 by Authur Hugh Fletcher, a New Zealander communities. who joined the staff of the Melanesian Mission from Auckland NZ in According to Mr. Paruku, the historical health centre provides 1927. He joined as a layman for ‘general utility work’. health services to a population of around 13,535 from around West He started working on Fauabu in 1931 and for the next 6 years 3 Kwara’ae and West Fataleka constituencies. wards comprising 24 buildings of concrete blocks and timber were According to Mr. Sikou, the power upgrade will provide 24hr power completed. supply to the pharmacy and Malaria laboratory, security lighting The hospital including operating theatre and accommodation was and hospital wards. built over 5 years with the help of native unskilled labour, along with a The Anglican Church of Melanesia thank the Australian govern- fellow New Zealander George Smith (bricklayer). ment for funding the solar equipments. He tapped the water fall and brought water to the hospital along with The total cost of the funding is AUD$16,000 where population of electricity for lighting within the hospital theatre. around 13,535 will benefit from. Fauabu was the first hospital in Solomon Islands and even had a nurse The Safe Strong Communities 3 years Project is funded by Austra- training school then. Now Fauabu is classified as a ‘Clinic’. It has gone lian Aid through partnership with Anglican Overseas Aid (AOA) down over the years and is need of upgrading. It is one of two clinics and Implemented by the Melanesia Board of Mission (MBM) operated by ACOM. The other is St. Clare in Taroniara, Central Projects Office. Islands Province.

Dr. Abraham Hauriasi Rev. Fr. Nigel Kelaepa Aldrin Peloko General Secretary Mission Secretary Communication Officer OUR Telephone: (677) 20170 Telephone: (677) 21892 Telephone: (677) 21892 Mobile: (677) 7596777 Mobile: (677) 7784332 Mobile: (677) 7926927 CONTACT: Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Melanesian Messenger Monthly Updates . page 8 of 8 P O BOX 19, HONIARA, SOLOMON ISLANDS