Huonville primary rebuilds for junior high status despite back-to-back disasters

Lae City Authority cheif executive officer Robin Calistus (in suite) presenting the K100,000 cheque to Huonville primary school head teacher Dairi Baru, flanked by District Education, School Board members and students (Image: NBC News / Phison Artang)

Huonville Primary School refuses to let nature stand in the way of its future. After battling a devastating termite infestation seven years ago and a destructive windstorm just two weeks ago, the school is rising again, bolstered by a K100,000 emergency assistance from the Lae City Authority [LCA].

The funding, presented at the school grounds today, is a direct response to the gale-force winds that leveled temporary classrooms for Grade 5 and 6 students. However, the story behind the cheque is one of remarkable speed and resilience.

While the formal presentation took place today, LCA Chief Executive Officer Robin Calistus revealed that the wheels were turning long before the ceremony. Lae MP John Rosso visited the site just two days after the disaster and approved the funds on the spot.

"The funds were made ready 48 hours after the disaster," Calistus said. "But this is not just about a one-off payment. We see the parents and citizens of Huonville working hard on their own '8-in-1' building currently in progress. Because of that dedication, the LCA will match that effort by assisting with another '8-in-1' classroom block for Grade 6."

District Education Manager Kaumu Laga said the Huonville's journey to becoming a Junior High School was derailed seven years ago when termites gutted the original buildings.

Huonville primary students witnessing the cheque presentation (Image: NBC News / Phison Artang)

"We were saddened by the termite destruction back then," Laga said. "They were in the phase of rebuilding when the winds hit them again. I am happy now that the MP is backing this school so they can finally continue their mission."

Board chairman Ramsey Yehimen praised the MP’s ownership of the only school located in the heart of Lae. He said the rapid response shows Rosso's hallmark of responsible leadership.

"We value this partnership," Yehimen said. "The swift response during a disaster shows a leader who is invested in our children’s future."

With the LCA’s backing and the community’s sweat equity already at work on the ground, Huonville Primary is no longer just recovering, it is expanding simultaneously.