ACoM Provides Emergency Support to Flood‑Affected Schools and Institutions in North West Guadalcanal
The Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACoM), through its Provincial Disaster Committee, has delivered vital emergency food assistance to Anglican schools, religious communities, and neighbouring villages in North West Guadalcanal, following severe flooding caused by prolonged heavy rainfall.
Days of continuous rain led to widespread flooding, destroying food gardens and disrupting subsistence livelihoods across the region. Many households, including those connected to ACoM institutions, faced an immediate risk of food insecurity as gardens, the primary source of daily nutrition, were washed away or waterlogged beyond recovery.
In response to urgent appeals from affected institutions, ACoM activated its emergency intervention plan and began its initial humanitarian response. Emergency food supplies were delivered on Saturday, 31 January, ensuring that students, religious communities, and families received immediate support while further assessments continue.
Institutions and Communities Assisted
Emergency food relief was distributed to:
- Bishop Patteson Theological College, Kohimarama
- Tabalia – Melanesian Brotherhood and surrounding communities
- Selwyn College
- Verana’aso – Community of the Sisters of Melanesia (CSM)
- Gorovaka Ministry Training Centre
- Hautambu – Society of Saint Francis
- St Francis Community High School and Vaturanga
These institutions represent some of the most significant centres of Anglican education, formation, and community life in the region, all of which were affected by the extensive flooding.
ACoM’s Commitment to Long‑Term Recovery
Speaking during the handover of supplies, Mr Peter Pitia, Chief Operations Officer at ACoM’s Provincial Headquarters and Chair of the Provincial Disaster Committee, emphasised that this delivery marks only the beginning of the Church’s response.
He noted that while the emergency food assistance meets urgent needs, further assessments will determine the full scale of damage to gardens, infrastructure, and livelihoods. Mr Pitia reaffirmed ACoM’s commitment to standing alongside affected communities throughout both the response and recovery phases.
Gratitude from the Community
Representatives from the recipient institutions and nearby communities expressed deep appreciation for the Church’s swift, compassionate, and coordinated support. The timely intervention has provided essential relief as communities work to stabilise their food supplies and begin the process of rebuilding.