The Solomon Islands Community Health and Development Project was formed in 2004. We conducted our first project in the Solomon Islands during 2006. This project involved 27 volunteers who travelled to the remote village of Samasodu to build a much needed medical clinic. This initial project totalled over $400,000 in costs with all monies raised through sponsorship, donations and fundraising.
Through this initial project we were able to establish a first class medical facility. This clinic has saved and enriched the lives of the people of Samasodu and surrounding district.
In 2008 approximately 25 volunteers returned to the village of Samasodu. A building project was carried out which provided more medical assistance,. This focussed on providing sanitation, toilets, and electricity to the village school. An education program was also conducted in the school.
In 2010 a team of 30 volunteers again travelled to Samasodu Village to build housing for the two nurses that now reside in the village. This project totalled in excess of $400,000 which was raised through sponsorship, donations and charity events.
In 2012, a team of 30 volunteers returned to Samasodu Village and installed around 7 kms of water pipe. Clean drinking water was sourced from a water fall 3 kms from the village and piped through around 40 outlets in the village. The families and children in Samasodu now have clean drinking water.
In 2014, several more teams volunteers returned to Samasodu Village. The village population has grown from around 500 people in 2006 to well over 1000 people now. This is largely because of the quality medical infrastructure that we have been able to build over the last 10 years. During these projects the teams laid over 10 kilometres of pipe and installed around 100 water outlets throughout the village. This delivered clean drinking water to the entire village and significantly improved the health and well being of the entire village.
During 2015 our charity commenced work on the Katova District High School which will be based near Samasodu Village. So far a parcel of 1000 hectares of land has been donated to the project and written undertakings from the Solomon Islands Government and Isabel Education Authority have also confirmed their commitment to the project. In total, the Katova High School will involve the construction of around 50 buildings and will provide a high school education for over 420 children. Many of which currently have no opportunity to attend High School.
The village of Samasodu is located north of the capital, Honiara, and is only accessible via a 22 hour boat trip that is only available on a fortnightly basis. The village has a population that survive on subsistence agriculture and fishing. The village is in a stable socio/political environment.
The clinic also services many nearby islands and a greater population of over 5000 people. Two nurses service the clinic and live within the village. The only doctors are available at Honiara. Over 2 babies a week are born in the clinic. Injuries such as amputations, tropical disease infections, gangrene, spinal damage, and many other serious injuries are treated at the clinic. In addition, dozens of people are treated for malaria and other infections on a daily basis.
Over the next twelve months we will be travelling to travelling to Samasodu several times undertake construction on the High School. The first two trips are outlined below;
Trip 1: Thursday 18 October, 2018 to Thursday 1 November, 2018.
• Complete survey
• Site preparation and install water supply
• Up to 20 participants
• Coordinated and led by Rod Peet
Trip 2: Thursday 11 April, 2019 to Thursday 25 April, 2019
• Construct classroom block
• Up to 30 participants
• Coordinated and led by Rod Peet
Other aspects of the trip may include;
• Conduct a ministry training program
• Conduct a school/education program in the Samasodu Primary School
• Maintenance of existing infrastructure including water supply system, painting, repairs.
• Medical assistance team
This project has grown beyond the capabilities of what our small church (Wamberal CRC) can manage. We are seeking assistance and support from across the CRC denomination. Could we please request that you consider assisting us with the following;
1. Holding a collection for this project.
2. Circulating the information to your members to see if any of them could assist with providing the larger ticket items.
3. Circulating the information to your members to see if any of them would like to join the upcoming teams
4. Dedicate time during church services to prayer for these projects.
I am happy to speak with you and answer any questions that you might have. Here is a link to more information and a participant registration form should any person want to join a team: Participant Info & Registration
Promotional video can be accessed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2UGfMUGwWkA&feature=youtu.be
Alternatively, a link can be sent and the video can be downloaded to facilitate easier viewing during a church service.
Major items that could be sponsored include;
1. Shipping container and freight – $8000
2. Purchase of Tools for the projects – $20,000
3. Charter of landing craft – $20,000
4. Purchase of mobile timber mill – $15,000
5. Donation of a front end loader/backhoe
6. Donation of reliable Hilux 4×4 ute (does not have to be registered)
Looking forward to any assistance you can provide. Donations can also be made through the CRCA website here.
Yours sincerely,
Rod Peet
Katova High School Project Coordinator (Australia)
Elder, Wamberal Christian Reformed Church