AUSTRALIA FUNDS NEW LIBRARY FOR GAIRE SCHOOL

Gaire Primary school's Elementary 2 students Lahui Kala (right) and Alinama Sere reading one of the books from the new school library.

OVER 400 students from Gaire Primary School can now access learning resources and information conveniently, right on their own door-step, using a new library built with funding from the Australian Government.

The library, built at a cost of K67,900 has been made available through the Australian Government funded Strongim Pipol Strongim Nesen(SPSN) Program. It provides a small but state-of-the-art facility fully equipped with books, desks, AV resources and many other educational aids including more than one-hundred palm-top computers, ideal for reading, research and internet learning.  Made possible by the generous support of prominent citizens from Gaire village like Henao Iduhu and Governor Kila Hoada, as well as many other smaller donors, this is truly a community initiative brought to fruition by Australian Government assistance.

At an inspiring ceremony last Friday (May 2, 2014), scores of people joined jubilant students and teachers at the school to celebrate the official opening of a resource which is sure to enrich the lives of everyone in Gaire.  It was a double celebration for the Gaire Primary School which also received a cheque for K100, 000 from the Central Provincial Government.  It’s the kind of joint and co-operative funding that SPSN is proud to encourage and support.

School Head teacher, Mr. Gima Winnie, said the day was: “a dream come true for the school”.  

The community have been working towards this day since 2006, all the time diligently planning and raising funds.  Like all those involved Mr Winnie is understandably proud:

“We are able to see our dream become a reality today and we are thankful for the kind donations of present and past Central leaders Paru Aihi, Governor Haoda but especially the taxpayers of Australia. Thank you Australia, we would not have been able to celebrate today without your support”.

SPSN Deputy Program Director, Dr. Naihuwo Ahai, urged students to read more books to improve their learning, and he called on the community to sustain the program so it continues to benefit as many children as possible in the future.

He paid tribute to the parents, teachers, citizens and the school board for their commitment and perseverance:  “in order for a nation to prosper it needs strong community collaboration and Gaire has demonstrated the very essence of community spirit through hard work, vision and determination”.