Year 11 Hills Adventist College Students Spearhead Transformation at Burns Creek SDA School

Between September 25 and October 4, Burns Creek Primary and High School in Honiara, Solomon Islands, embarked on a transformative project – the construction of a Multi-Purpose Hall. Under the leadership of Principal Partinson Bekala, this essential development aims to address the lack of assembly space for the 1,000 students of the school. The new hall is envisioned to be a unifying structure, designed to bring together students and staff, thereby strengthening the school's community spirit.

This project is a collaborative effort involving the Australian Solomon Island Educational Support Team, Hills Adventist College in Sydney, tradesmen Ben Smith and Lachlan Gover, Burns Creek parents, school staff, and the Solomon Islands Mission. The Multi-Purpose Hall is more than a building; it's a symbol of transformation for the school and its influence in the community.

Hills Adventist College, located at Castle Hill and North Kellyville in Sydney's northwest, has dedicated itself to serving the Solomon Islands community for more than a decade. Year 11 students from the College have undertaken service trips to the Solomon Islands as an integral part of their curriculum. Their most recent initiative involved 23 Year 11 students, two teachers, and a school chaplain who embarked on a trip to Burns Creek to help construct the Multi-Purpose Hall. Their involvement was not limited to casual volunteering; these students actively participated in every phase of the construction process. From physically demanding tasks like lifting beams and trusses into place to the precision work of drilling bolt holes and even the straightforward task of shovelling dirt, these students were wholeheartedly committed to the project. 

The College’s involvement in the Solomon Islands is part of a long-term commitment to support education in the region, with previous service initiatives including multiple visits to Tenakoga Adventist College for the construction of a similar multi-purpose hall, along with contributions to BekaBeka Community College and Kukudu Adventist College. 

"The College’s involvement goes beyond the physical act of constructing buildings; it symbolises a bridge of support and collaboration between Hills Adventist College and schools in the Solomon Islands," remarked Malcolm Coulson, South Pacific Division Education Director and former College Principal. "Through their hands-on participation, the students not only contribute to tangible structures but also nurture a spirit of unity and mutual growth between the two communities. Hills Adventist College's sustained commitment reflects the essence of global citizenship and a belief in the transformative power of education and service." 

In addition to team leader Jayden Groves, Ms. Abbey Tricot, another Year 11 homeroom teacher, played a crucial role in classroom teaching, garnering appreciation and letters from many students. Students such as Ellyssa Vanas, Jaimi Steyn, and Anneliese Howie were also involved in teaching opportunities within the School. The overall experience underscores the genuine connection and positive impact fostered by the ongoing collaboration between the two schools. The students of Burnscreek School celebrated their graduation ceremony for Grade 6 and Form 6 and that was a history-making for the largest Adventist Day school under the Seventh-Day Adventist Church here in the Solomons.

TO GOD BE THE GLORY. 

Story by Dr Ken Long