Huonville primary school returns to normalcy following ADRA and UNICEF support

Students and teachers inside the temporary classroom set up by UNICEF for teaching and learning (Image: Supplied)

Students at Huonville Primary School are set to resume a standard learning schedule this week, ending three weeks of disruptive shift teaching.

The return to normalcy follows a devastating weather event in late January, where heavy rain and gale-force winds destroyed several classrooms.

The recovery was made possible through a joint intervention by the Adventist Development and Relief Agency [ADRA] and UNICEF, who donated five High-Performance Tents to serve as Safe Temporary Learning Spaces.

During the handover ceremony last week, ADRA Humanitarian Project Leader Shyhiroze Aiyo Gani Lalo emphasized the core mission of the donation: ensuring that environmental disasters do not derail a child's academic future.

"The students must continue their schooling regardless of the disaster, and we are here to support them," Lalo stated, representing the partnership's commitment to Education in Emergencies.

Temporary shelter set up by UNICEF to accomadate students learning (Image: Supplied)

Judah Rabang, representing Provincial Education, expressed profound gratitude to the non-governmental organizations for stepping in during a critical time. He said the temporary structures provide more than just shelter; they offer a safe, spacious, and conducive learning environment.

"Your support clearly shows your commitment to education," Rabang said. "This donation will make it possible for lessons to continue without further disruption to the learning process.

While the tents provide an immediate solution, the school’s resilience has been bolstered by wider community support. Mr. Rabang extended additional thanks to the Lae City Authority and local business houses.

With these temporary classrooms now operational, the school can move away from the staggered shift system, allowing all students to return to full-time instruction while permanent reconstruction plans are assessed.