14 November 2013
Operation Render Safe gives McMahon Community High School a make over
McMahons Community School in Tulagi, Central Province had a make-over during the week, thanks to Australian Defence Force personnel working in Solomon Islands on operation RENDER SAFE 2013 - a month long operation to clear explosive remnants from World War Two.
The school had new window and door frames installed, window grilles replaced, classrooms repaired and a new water tank and roof gutters installed. Classrooms will also be painted. The Render Safe also started clearing remnants of war from around the school area. Before they left Tulagi, they also played a soccer game against the school community.
The principal of McMahon Community High School, Patrick Kaoni thanked the Australian Defence Force for their help.
“We are grateful for Australia’s assistance with material and man-power to fix our classrooms and provide the new water tanks – this will be a big help our students. It is also good that old unexploded material be removed from the area to keep our students and community safe,” he said.
Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Matt Anderson said McMahons Community School is one of three schools in Central Province being helped by operation RENDER SAFE.
“Through our support to the Ministry of Education, the Australian aid program is helping fund the materials for the repair work and new water tanks, with the repair and installation work being done by the Australian Defence Force,” Mr Anderson said.
Nukufero and Yandina schools in Russell Islands will also be helped by the Operation Render Safe team. A new water pump and tank will also be installed at the Christian Care Centre in Honiara to provide fresh drinking water for people at the shelter, as well as clearance of unexploded war remnant around the centre.
Operation RENDER SAFE 2013 is a long standing commitment by Australia to remove explosive remnants of war from the Pacific. More than 200 Australian Defence Force personnel will spend the next month in Solomon Islands clearing explosive remnants from World War Two. This will be supported by information to educate Solomon Islanders about the dangers of these devices to discourage people from handling items and minimise the chance of injury.