The Katova High School project, located in the remote village of Samasodu in the Solomon Islands, has been a monumental community-driven effort to revitalise education facilities in a region with limited access to infrastructure and resources. Led by a team of 40 volunteers from Australia, the project has taken shape over the last 5 years to rebuild existing classrooms and add critical new facilities to create a lasting educational space for local children.
Getting resources to such a remote area was no easy feat. After a long journey to the village, volunteers encountered the logistical challenges of moving tonnes of building materials—along with machines, fuel, and two shipping containers full of equipment—across soft sands and up the beach to the school site. With the support of the local community, the team completed this effort and began construction, laying the foundation for classrooms and new infrastructure that would impact the entire village.
To address the region’s tropical environmental challenges, Lysaght provided CUSTOM ORB® sheets in Shale Grey™, used in the roofing of new classroom blocks, a teacher’s office, and a new ablutions block. “In the Solomon Islands, one of the most precious things you can own is metal roofing,” said Rod Peet, Chairperson of the Solomon Islands Work Group.
“Traditional leaf roofs need replacing every 5 years, and locally sourced metal roofing deteriorates rapidly in this climate,” continued Rod. “LYSAGHT® roofing materials are far superior to anything else we have been able to source, and the very first classroom we built 5 years ago has held up beautifully.”
Designed to withstand the area’s heavy rainfall and high humidity, LYSAGHT CUSTOM ORB® ensures that the new buildings will serve the community for decades, giving students a safe, durable space to learn and grow. “The gift of precious roofing from Lysaght means that the Katova High School will provide an ideal learning environment for the students,” said Rod.
But the school is only part of the story. The team’s efforts also led to the installation of a water supply system, adding much-needed taps and water tanks to the school site. Through further earth-moving work, the grounds have been levelled to create space for future expansion. Beyond construction, volunteers provided health and agricultural training to local villagers, donated essential supplies, and established a small library for students. Each addition is helping Katova village grow into a more resilient, self-sustaining community.
This project has been a great success, thanks to the power of collaboration and quality solutions. Lysaght is honoured to have supported such a vital initiative, contributing materials that align with our commitment to building better, more sustainable futures.
With 8 completed classrooms, 4 staff houses, two dormitory blocks, ablutions blocks, kitchen and dining hall, the school has now been approved by the Education Authority to commence in 2025. We look forward to seeing the positive ripple effects that this project will bring to the lives of students, teachers, and the entire community.
