The Joy of Reading

A broad smile crosses Olivette’s face as she shares, “My favourite book is The Fantastic Mr Fox by Roald Dahl.” Olivette is a student at St Joseph’s Marist College in Tenaru, the Solomon Islands.

She answers each interview question articulately and eloquently. In response to a question about the importance of a new library for her school, Olivette replies, “A new library would help make a difference by helping students to be exposed to new knowledge and improve their literature in terms of speaking in English.” It’s easy to imagine Olivette achieving her goal of becoming a lecturer at the University of the South Pacific.

St Joseph’s is a long-established Marist school. The Marist Brothers returned to the Solomons in 1946 following the war. Today, St Joseph’s is a school bulging at the seams from enrolments, with a student population bigger than its capacity. It’s a well-worn school, and buildings like the library need attention to support

the growing number of students.

AMS’ partner mentor, Milika Nation, reported that after a recent visit to St Joseph’s, “There were really no books in the library. It’s completely infested with mould. The flooring is cracked in some places, and I don’t think it’s a place students really go, to be honest.” Without a functioning library, students’ only option for research or study is to pay expensive bus fares to Honiara.

The students at St Joseph’s understand the impact a library will have on their education. Mary, 19, states, “Education is important for

our students because education is the foundation for our future, to be able to have a better future and give back to the community.”

Karldo, 18, reflects, “In the Solomon Islands, poverty is now increasing as many are uneducated. Through education, people can strive for the best. Education is the best weapon that can change the world.”

Abraham Hihiru recently served as Principal of St Joseph’s. He reiterates what his students have shared, that a new library will impact on students’ literacy: “The literacy rate [in the Solomon Islands] is very

low, unfortunately, less than 30%.

“So, I think the support that is given to St Joseph’s is very important. The need is genuine, and we would like to see more students reading books. Developing those skills is very important for the overall development of our country.”

“A library in the Solomon Islands is very important as a developing country. There’s a lack of a lot of the resources needed in schools.”

Abraham points out that a library will improve teaching and learning: “The support that is given to the library will help teachers in doing the research that supports their teaching.”

AMS is conducting its Mid-Year Appeal until 30 June to support projects like a new library at St Joseph’s. A new library would allow students to access books, develop their literacy, and build a brighter future. Every donation above $2 is tax deductible and contributes to the futures of students like Olivette, Mary, and Karldo.

You can donate today to the Mid Year Appeal using the details on page 15.