The Valval community in the Tavui ward one in Bitapaka local level government (LLG), Kokopo, East New Britain, will now have their own primary school.
Last Thursday the community came together for the opening of three buildings for St George Valval Primary School.
The buildings comprise a four-in-one classroom building which was funded by the community through a self-reliance initiative programme, while the other two three-in-one double classroom buildings were funded by the Kokopo district development authority (DDA).
Ward member Herman Paivu said the plan to build their own school was initiated by community elders several years ago.
He said the elders and the community supported the initiative and raised funds through the sale of copra and cocoa.
Paivu said the aim was to develop their existing elementary school into a primary school.
He said they managed to raise more than K50,000 and help from former Deputy Prime Minister and ENB governor Sir Leo Dion, who is also from the ward.
The community was able to build the first three-in-one double classroom.