Cold water to quench their thirst!
La Salle Technical Secondary School, Hohola, has recently embarked on a significant project to enhance the health and well-being of its students and staff. With the generous support of Oakhill College Castle Hill, (Sydney), the school has installed cold water dispensers at key locations around the campus, providing easy access to clean, cold drinking water. This initiative supports the health and safety of the school community today and into the future. The donation of PGK30,584 , 12,930.28AUD funded the purchase and installation of the filtration and dispensing equipment.
Access to clean drinking water is a pressing concern across Papua New Guinea, with the World Bank reporting that only 40% of the population has access to safe drinking water, one of the lowest rates in the Pacific Islands. While urban areas like Port Moresby fare slightly better, only 60% of this population has it piped directly to their homes.
The Lasallian Foundation thanks the Oakhill Community for their generous and ongoing support of La Salle Technical Secondary School, Hohola. The school was able to purchase and install four high-quality cold-water dispensers in areas frequented by students and staff, including the main corridor, the cafeteria and the library. These dispensers are strategically placed to provide convenient access to cold drinking water throughout the school day, contributing to the health and well-being of everyone on campus.
In addition to supporting the health of the school community, the project has had environmental benefits. By reducing the reliance on single-use plastic bottles, the school is fostering a culture of sustainability, teaching students the importance of caring for the environment while meeting their hydration needs. This commitment to environmental stewardship aligns well with Church, Institute and PNG government policies and initiatives.
The cold-water dispenser project is a shining example of how collaboration and generosity can create lasting positive change.