Every child deserves a safe place to learn, play and grow. Yet for many children around the world, even the simplest elements of a good learning environment – a safe floor beneath their feet or shelter from the sun and rain – cannot be taken for granted.
At Make A Mark Australia, we believe that meaningful change often begins with practical, achievable improvements that open the door to greater opportunities.
That belief is at the heart of our latest project in Solomon Islands, where construction has commenced on important upgrades to the Burns Creek Learning Space, operated by The Salvation Army in Honiara.
A place of learning, hope and opportunity
Burns Creek is one of Honiara’s largest informal settlements, where many families face significant financial hardship and access to quality early childhood education can be limited.
For approximately 80 children each year, The Salvation Army’s Burns Creek Learning Space provides something invaluable: a welcoming environment where they can learn, develop confidence, make friends and begin preparing for primary school.
The Salvation Army has been supporting communities across Solomon Islands since 1986, and its commitment to early childhood education in Burns Creek reflects a deep understanding of the importance of giving children a positive start in life.
But maintaining a safe and effective learning environment is not without its challenges.
The outdoor learning area has lacked permanent shade, leaving children and educators exposed to Honiara’s intense tropical sun and heavy rainfall. Inside, years of use have taken their toll on the flooring, creating safety hazards and limiting accessibility.
These might seem like relatively modest infrastructure challenges, but their impact on children’s everyday learning experiences can be significant.
Small improvements, lasting impact
Through our partnership with The Salvation Army Solomon Islands District, MAMA is helping to address these challenges by supporting the construction of a permanent outdoor shade structure and essential repairs to the Learning Space’s flooring.
With construction now underway, these improvements will help create a safer, healthier and more inclusive environment for children, educators and families.
The new shade structure will allow outdoor learning and play to continue more comfortably throughout the year, while the flooring repairs will remove hazards and improve accessibility for children of all abilities.
Importantly, these improvements will also provide teachers and volunteers with greater flexibility to deliver engaging learning activities, helping children develop the foundational skills they need as they transition into formal schooling.
And the benefits will extend beyond the children themselves, strengthening a valued community resource that brings families together and supports the wider Burns Creek community.
Working together for a brighter future
One of the most encouraging aspects of this project is the commitment of the local community.
Parents, teachers, community leaders and Salvation Army staff have helped identify the improvements needed, and community members will continue to play a role in supporting the project and maintaining the facilities into the future.
This local ownership is central to MAMA’s approach. We believe the most meaningful and sustainable outcomes are achieved when we listen to communities, respect their priorities and work alongside organisations already making a difference.
We are grateful to The Salvation Army Solomon Islands District for its ongoing dedication to the children and families of Burns Creek, and for the opportunity to support this important initiative.
For MAMA, this project is another reminder that improving educational opportunities does not always require large investments or ambitious new buildings.
Sometimes, it begins with a roof that provides shelter from the rain. A safe floor where young children can sit, learn and play. Or a teacher who can deliver a lesson without worrying about the conditions around them.
These are simple things. But for a young child taking their first steps in education, they can make a world of difference.
As construction progresses, we look forward to sharing updates and, most importantly, seeing the children of Burns Creek enjoy the benefits of a safer and more welcoming place to learn.
