On 21 May 2014, the MAMA team was thrilled to announce the details of our ninth project. The partnership with the Mercy School in Burns Creek, Honiara, will include the building of two new classroom buildings to accommodate a rapidly growing student population. Located in an underdeveloped settlement with limited access to basic services, the Mercy School provides free education to impoverished children, who otherwise would have no access to schooling.
MAMA launched the project in Canberra with a representative from Mercy School, Leigh Pirie.
4 July 2014
Honiara firm Pacific Architects supplied the plans for the two classrooms.
21 July 2014
Funding agreement between MAMA and Mercy School signed and finalised.
Chairman Dickson Koke signing the MAMA funding agreement. He is surrounded by fellow board members and building supervisor
(L-R: James Qwauna, Joyce Boykin, Dickson Koke, Fred Kinata, Patteson Amos (Builder), Grace Rifasia and Hamuel Abeta)
Signing the Building Contract. (L to R: Leigh Pirie, Patteson Amos and Acting Head Teacher, James Qwauna)
22 August 2014
Year 5 and 6 students from Mercy School assisted with preparing the site for the building.
One of the Year 6 students, Kevin, demonstrated remarkable commitment to the task, working solidly in high temperatures to get the job done.
The students and teachers have also started working on the new sanitary block, including digging 2m-deep holes for the new dry pit toilets.
4 September 2014
After the site was prepared and levelled, the foundations were laid and piers inserted ready for the bearers.
10 September 2014
The classroom structure commenced and the floor made ready to raise the walls.
The construction crew working on the project: Philip Toside, Stephen Pafet, Mark Ata, Patteson Amos, Henly Anika, Gensis Suka, and Benjamin Waneta.
12 September 2014
Starting to really take shape.
1 October 2014
Framework complete and roofs installed.
8 October 2014
Roof is complete, with walls being fitted with fibro sheets.
22 October 2014
Classrooms are almost ready!
31 October 2014
One of the Year 5 classes enjoying the new classrooms, looking forward to moving in after the shelving and joinery are finished. The children in this photo are also benefitting from a letter exchange with students from Gold Creek School in Canberra.
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