A 30 minute boat ride off Kavieng town lies Nusalava Island, which is located in the Tigak group of Islands in the Tikana LLG.
The Island which is home to several thousand Islanders also accommodates a primary school and a United Church mission ground.
The primary school has been taking in students from the nearby islands since anyone can remember.
While there is eagerness to learn this has been met with challenges because the commute mostly by canoes is an arduous journey on a daily basis for the students who’ve had to wake up as early as 3 am just to make it to school on time.
Hearing the cries of his people New Ireland Governor Sir Julius Chan handed over a funding of K100,000 two years ago for the Primary school to utilize on vital infrastructure for the school.
Finally on the 22nd of September the New Ireland Government led by Governor Sir Julius Chan, Deputy Sammy Missen, PEC members and Education CEO Apelis Benson set foot on the Island to attend the official opening of not one but five impact projects.
The delegation was gracefully welcomed by the Nusalava and New Hanover Islanders who lined the picturesque jetty leading up to the school.
There was no shortage of happy choruses and dances dedicated to the Government of the day.
The impact projects included two student dormitories allowing for students from the nearby Islands to be accommodated on the school grounds, a school hall and two teachers houses.
“Nusalava you have put to shame schools in town who only came up with one project with the same amount of funding we gave to you.
Liklik money tasol bigpla wok yupla makim. I see a group of proud people because you have achieved so much with the little you have. You are the roots of this generation,” said Sir J.
Head teacher Kepas Otnil said it was no easy feat because of the remoteness of the Island. He also presented his acquittal report to Sir J before going on with his remarks.
“ We had to use coral to make the cement foundation and the cost of boat hire is very expensive but standing here I am very proud that together with my school board and parents and citizens contributions we were able to complete these projects,” said Otnil.
CEO for education Benson Apelis congratulated the school for being the first in New Ireland to produce so many projects using the limited funding as well as submitting its acquittal report on the day of the official opening.
He emphasized that the students were the biggest priority of the province. “Pull strong, because there is something greater out there waiting for you.”
Projects officer Jenny Tamela conveyed that the Tigak Islands have received a total of over K1.18 million worth of projects through the New Ireland Government.
Upon the delegations departure the locals lined up all the way down to the jetty making sure they shook hands with Sir J and his team. It was definitely a milestone achievement worth celebrating.
