Firms pitch in to get children back into class

Education

By EREBIRI ZURENUOC
LAE’S Huonville Primary School in Lae is building new classrooms with the help of donations from two companies.
The school closed on April 16 when the provincial government authorities ruled it unsafe for students and teachers.
Officers from health, education, fire and physical planning divisions concluded after an inspection that the facilities, which were built in 1962, badly needed renovation.
The schjool’s 1869 students were sent home.
Head teacher Willie Vilakiva said Barlow Industries Ltd and Soltra Ltd donated materials for classrooms.
“Barlow Industries donated roofing irons, ridge caps, mesh wire and two cartons of nail,” he said.
“It is the initiative of the parents who are working with the company.
“They asked the company management, and the management was very kind enough to help.
“The total material is worth K20,000.
“We will use the materials to complete one building, and the leftover will be used to complete the other building.
“We also have received some roofing sheets from Soltra Ltd from Malahang.
“Three mothers working with Soltra Ltd spoke to the company management on behalf of the school.
“The management was very helpful, and we received 20 roofing sheets as a donation.
“We are currently building two makeshift buildings: One will cater for six classes and the other will cater for seven classes.
“A total of 13 classrooms are being built.”