On Air Highlights

From scavenging to classroom in Solomon Islands

7 February 2012

Listen and download: MP3

For some children, scavenging for rubbish in a dump means little more than finding scraps to survive another day. But in Solomon Islands, a chance encounter between a teacher and some kids has opened up a world of learning and love.

The teacher, Beverly Komasi found it hard to ignore a group of children she met on the outskirts of Honiara. She tells Clement Paligaru, all they really wanted was some attention and direction in life.

So she set up a school, beginning with some open air classes under a tree near the dump.

Presenter: Clement Paligaru

Speaker: Beverly Komasi, founder of Mercy School, Solomon Islands