Students at Matevulu College in East Santo are now benefiting from a refurbished dining hall following a community project worth more than VT1 million.

The week-long project was carried out by 13 students and four staff members from Christchurch Adventist School (CAS) in New Zealand after the school requested assistance to improve the facility.

The work included repainting the entire dining hall, replacing broken louvre windows and glass panels, installing protective mesh wire, and restoring a large mural of the famous Matevulu Blue Hole at the front of the building.

Volunteer Service Abroad representative Sarai Stephens said the improvements were aimed at creating a cleaner, healthier and more welcoming environment for students.

“The students painted the entire dining hall, covered and repainted damaged sections, replaced old and broken louvres and glass, installed protective mesh wire outside, and built frames to help protect the new louvres.”

Chaplain of Christchurch Adventist School, Pastor Lance Boulton, said the visit marked the school’s first volunteer project at Matevulu College.

“Our students are always curious about what other schools are like, so it has been a valuable experience for them to come, stay and work alongside another school community.”

Mrs Stephens encouraged Matevulu College students to take pride in the upgraded facility and help preserve it for future generations.

“We hope students will take care of this refreshed environment by keeping it clean, avoiding graffiti and looking after the building so it remains in good condition for many years to come.”

The refurbishment was carried out in response to a request from Matevulu College and is the first collaborative project between the New Zealand school and the college.