Building stronger foundations for learning in Hela
More than 1,780 students and their families in Hela Province are expected to benefit from improved learning environments after Santos Foundation supported early childhood learning programs at Tari Admin Primary School and Wabia Primary School with library resources, educational materials, upgraded water, sanitation and hygiene (WaSH) facilities and 20 student desks.
Designed for children aged four to six years, the early childhood learning spaces at both schools now have access to reading books, learning resources and improved WaSH amenities to support literacy, early learning and student wellbeing.
Representatives from the education sector and local communities gathered to mark the handover, reinforcing a shared commitment to improving educational opportunities for future generations.
At Tari Admin Primary School, local ward councillor from Pinaka Council, Pape Etoko, said the new learning resources and WaSH facilities would have a lasting impact on children and families in the community.
“We are grateful for this support and for listening to the needs of our community. The learning resources and WaSH facilities will help create a better environment for our children and give them a stronger start to their education,” Mr Etoko said.
“This is an investment in our future, and we will work together to ensure these resources are well maintained.”
Representing the Hela Provincial Division of Education, Provincial Guidance and Counselling Officer Anna John Lakaio said the projects demonstrated the value of partnerships in responding to community needs.
“These projects began with requests from schools and communities based on identified needs, and Santos Foundation responded,” Ms Lakaio said.
“Partnerships are important, but sustainability is equally important. We encourage teachers, students and communities to take care of these resources and facilities so they continue to benefit future generations. An educated population is a population that can create positive change.”
Santos Foundation Community Development Program Manager Priscilla Pius said the Foundation was proud to work alongside local communities to support education initiatives identified as local priorities.
“Every child deserves a strong start to learning. By working alongside schools and communities, we can help create safe, supportive learning environments that encourage literacy, wellbeing and future opportunities,” Ms Pius said.
Community leaders, school representatives and parents welcomed the support, including handwashing amenities, library resources and educational materials, describing it as an important investment in children’s education and the future of their communities.
Together, Tari Admin Primary School and Wabia Primary School serve more than 1,780 students, including 1,100 girls and more than 680 boys, ensuring the benefits of the initiative reach children and families across both school communities.
Wabia Primary students excited for their new learning resources.
After recognising a need for more classroom furniture during school visits, Santos Foundation Community Affairs Supervisor Peter Andaja secured support through the Santos Foundation Small Grants Program to provide 20 desks to Tari Admin Primary School. The initiative forms part of Santos Foundation’s broader investment in education across Hela Province, including early childhood literacy programs and community libraries that support more than 300 children and help create stronger foundations for lifelong learning.
Students at Tari Admin Primary School celebrate the arrival of 20 new desks provided through the Santos Foundation, supporting better learning opportunities for local children.
“These projects demonstrate the value of partnerships in responding to community needs.”
