Secondary school set for name change in honour of founder

Education

THE Asaroka Lutheran Secondary School in Eastern Highlands Province will be renamed Reverend Len Tscharke Memorial Asaroka Secondary School, principal Aki Olisave says.
This follows the passing of Asaroka Lutheran High School (as it was known) founder during an emotional farewell at the school recently.
“We are in discussions to rename the school as Rev Tscharke and his wife Clair founded the school in 1954,” Olisave said.
Rev Tscharke passed away at his Golden Grove home in Adelaide.
“We are deeply saddened, as are all those who passed out of Asaroka (Asarokans). We all feel a part of Tscharke family,” Olisave said.
“His passing is a great loss to us.”
He said after educating many locals who are prominent citizens, the Tscharkes left in 1972.
Olisave said the school would be renamed in recognition of Rev Tscharke’s hard work.
Community leader Ikime Gorosahu said Rev Tscharke contributed immensely towards the transformation of the people of Asaroka and its neighbours.
Gorosahu said his late father and other prominent villagers were good friends and associates of late Rev Tscharke as he was instrumental in bringing much needed services to the community.
“The current water supply running into the Asaroka Secondary School and the village were part of Rev Tscharke’s contribution,” he said.
“I thank the school administration and organising committee for staging a successful memorial service that is rightly deserved by Rev Tscharke.”
Former principal Peter Hasu described Rev Tscharke as a “hero of heros”.
He said Rev Tscharke gave the best years of his life to Asaroka.
Hasu said God used him as a vessel to bring good news and established the school which Rev Tscharke always referred to as God’s seed planted in God’s garden.
The school management killed several pigs and prepared food to share with guests and visitors after the memorial service.