On 24 April 2025, students, teachers, neighbours and friends gathered to celebrate the opening of four new classrooms in their modest community school in the remote village of Tauruba, in southern Papua New Guinea.
The village sits on the side of a mountain, typically accessible only by trucks and heavy vehicles, but even after recent heavy rains, teachers, students, community leaders and residents came to celebrate the opening of their new four-room school building.
The supplies and materials for the new building at Tauruba Primary School were provided by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, through the help and donations of members and friends of the Church.
Community members, including members of other faith congregations, provided volunteer labour to build the structure.
During an event to mark the opening of the new classrooms, young people performed dances reflecting their cultural heritage. Speakers noted the importance of the new school building in strengthening community ties and providing students with a better environment for learning.
Nao Virobo, chairman of the Tauruba School Board of Management, said the impact of the new building will last for decades to come.
“We can now live for another fifty years with better education facilities. This project sets us up for a better future. This is our foundation."
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been actively assisting the spiritual and humanitarian growth of Papua New Guinea for decades and continues to search for ways to bless the lives of its people. The ongoing support of Church humanitarian missionaries, members and friends of the Church makes the work possible, wherever needs are found.
