Two New Classroom Blocks Open New Opportunities for Students in West Kwara’ae

Students in Dala North and Laugwata communities in West Kwara’ae now have access to safer and more spacious learning environments following the completion of two new classroom projects supported through the Solomon Islands–Australia Community Partnerships program.

Heather Murphy, Political Counsellor, Australian High Commission officially hands over the keys to the new classroom building at Dala North CHS. 

At Dala North Community High School, a new three-classroom building has been completed to help the school accommodate its approximately 400 enrolled students.

In neighbouring Laugwata, a new classroom block containing three classrooms and an office is expected to benefit students from six highland communities, representing a combined population of more than 3,000 people.

The three new classrooms at Dala North CHS will help the school to adequately accommodate for the 400 students enrolled.

Before the project, students in Laugwata faced challenges accessing suitable secondary education facilities. Some were learning in deteriorating primary school buildings, while others had to travel long distances, often at significant cost, to attend secondary school.

The new classrooms are therefore expected to provide students with a safer and more suitable environment to learn closer to their communities.

Since 2019, Australia has supported 342 small-scale infrastructure projects across every constituency in Solomon Islands, helping communities address local development priorities.

Australian High Commissioner Jeff Roach said Australia was proud to support communities across the country through small-scale infrastructure projects.

The new classroom building at Laugwata CHS contains three classroom and an office space.  

“Australia is proud to support communities all across the country with life-changing small-scale community infrastructure projects, in partnership with the leaders and government of Solomon Islands,” he said.

He also acknowledged the contribution and support of the Member of Parliament for West Kwara’ae, Hon. Alfred Tuasulia, in supporting the classroom projects.

High Commissioner Roach said locally led projects were important because communities and leaders understood their priorities and were best placed to help shape solutions.

“When communities and local leaders lead the planning and implementation, they create outcomes that are transparent, sustainable, and make a real difference for years to come,” he said.

The new classroom facilities also support the Solomon Islands Government’s efforts to improve access to education, particularly for students in communities where access to secondary education remains challenging.

The Laugwata CHS project will benefit six highland community with a combined population of over 3,000 residents.  

“Education is an important part of the Solomon Islands-Australia partnership, and Australia is proud to work closely with the GREAT Coalition Government to support its education agenda, which is a key national priority,” High Commissioner Roach said.

For students in Dala North, Laugwata and surrounding communities, the new classrooms represent more than new buildings. They provide improved spaces for learning and create better opportunities for young people to pursue their education without having to leave their communities.

Meanwhile, the Australian High Commission is continuing to accept applications for the Community Partnerships program until 24 August 2026, providing an opportunity for communities to put forward locally identified development priorities.