Kolombangara

LLOTC had a committee for community education, which was concerned about the consistent rise in school drop-outs. A plan was set for the development of a community training centre. Submissions were made to aid donors for the purchase of chainsaws and a walkabout sawmill (two men were sent to PNG for training in chainsaw operation and walkabout saw-milling). Work on the centre began in February 1981, under the supervision of Reverend Boaz Jo, and was completed in September 1983. Community volunteers helped to clear the chosen site. They built four leaf houses, with kitchens and planted gardens. A road was built form Sasamunga to the centre, improving access.

The site consists of fertile land surrounded by forest. Sasamunga Village is an hour's walk away. The centre buildings (of permanent materials) are located on hillocks overlooking a playing field. We have one classroom, one girls' dormitory, one boys' dormitory, a kitchen, dining hall, clinic, small store, and seven staff houses. We have nine water tanks, a generator, radio and photocopier. Transportation is limited to two canoes with outboard motors. We are looking into acquiring more agricultural, carpentry and mechanics tools, seeds, home economics equipment, and business textbooks.

We can accommodate a maximum of 55 students, male and female, of all denominations. With three staff members, we aim to provide an alternative quality education to school-aged children who have left the formal education system. Kolombangara is a Full Member of SIARTC.