In the village of Tetere, nestled on the coast of Arosi in West Makira, a 15-year-old girl named Beverlyn has her sights set on a future filled with purpose and compassion. As the second-born child in a family of six, Beverlyn's life is deeply rooted in her close-knit family, which includes three brothers and two sisters. But her aspirations reach far beyond her village, as she dreams of becoming a pharmacist - someone who can bring care and healing to her country, Solomon Islands.
"I want to become a pharmacist to serve and care for those who are sick in my country," she says with a hopeful smile. Beverlyn’s commitment to making a difference in the lives of others is clear, and it’s something that fuels her every day.
A proud student of Our Lady Queen of Martyr, Beverlyn chose to attend this school because of its strong Catholic values. As a devout Catholic herself, she feels that OLQM offers the perfect environment to deepen her faith and build the character that will guide her throughout her life.
While she loves her school, Beverlyn also sees room for improvement. "I feel comfortable and safe here," she says. "But so far, we study in small and old classrooms." These spaces may be cramped and outdated, but Beverlyn is optimistic about the future. "I hope that soon we will move into new classrooms funded by the Australian Marist Solidarity. Those classrooms will have more space, a cleaner and safer environment, and we will be able to focus more on our studies."
For Beverlyn, the opportunity to study in these new classrooms isn’t just about comfort; it's about progress. "There are many Catholic students in my village who would love to attend OLQM, but right now, there’s no space for them," she shares. This expansion will not only benefit Beverlyn and her classmates but also open doors for more students in her community to access education.
Beverlyn’s desire for improvements doesn’t stop at the classroom. She dreams of new dormitories for students who, like her, walk for hours to get to school each day. "At home, we walk for hours to go to school," she says. "It’s not easy, and we need better facilities, especially dormitories, so that students can have a place to rest and learn with peace of mind." She also hopes for a dining room where students can gather to enjoy their meals, building camaraderie and strengthening the sense of community at the school.
Her gratitude towards the sponsors who have made the new classrooms possible is immense. "I am deeply grateful to those who have sponsored these classrooms," she says, her voice full of appreciation. "Your generosity is helping us, and those who come after us, to receive a better education."
Beverlyn’s story is one of hope and determination. Despite the challenges she faces, she remains focused on her goals, driven by the desire to serve her community and her country. With her faith, her education, and the support of those around her, Beverlyn is determined to make her dreams of becoming a pharmacist a reality and, in doing so, make a lasting impact on the lives of those who need it most.
In 2024, the six-classroom block was completed in time for students to undertake their national exams. Built by the community for the community, staff and students of OLQM are proud of their achievement and grateful for the support they have received to make much needed improvements.
With the generosity of our kind donors, AMS provided support for the construction of a six-classroom block to meet the needs of the growing student population in recent years in OLQM. Additionally, AMS contributed to the development of two ablution blocks for the female and male boarders, strategically located closer to their sleeping quarters.
Written by Milika Nation, Communications and Engagement Coordinator
Pic Credit: Milika Nation
Australian Marist Solidarity is the international agency for the aid and development work of the Marist family in Australia throughout Asia and the Pacific Islands. AMS works with the people in this region on a combination of long-term and short-term development projects. These projects aim to develop or support locally sustained education opportunities for the young people in these regions. AMS works to bring education and hope to young people living in Asia and the Pacific so that they can build a brighter future.
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