HILARY HOSIA
For a school that breeds religious leaders and has its curriculum centered in faith, the opening of the new boys’ dormitory last week at Rongrong lifted Marshalls Christian High School’s religious morale sky high.
Funding of $115,361 from Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) was used to transform a once discarded two-story dormitory into 24-room living quarters, which feature three main entrances and eight bunks to a room.
The Japan Embassy in Majuro reported the development as the third GGP project completed for MCHS, which includes the renovation of the female dormitory in 2002. The addition of the boys’ washroom/bathroom earlier this year complemented the project.
The washroom was donated by the International Organization of Migration and sits conveniently next to the boys’ dorm.
Prior to the opening ceremony, 108 male students were cramped into a single-story unit that often fits 10 or more students to a room.
Parliament Speaker Kenneth Kedi witnessed the boys’ cramped living conditions and promised to help during his Christmas visit last year. The ball has been rolling since then.
Majuro Atoll Local government Mayor Ladie Jack, the United Church of Christ, MCHS PTA and rigorous work from Principal Herbert Langijota are credited for construction of the building.
The refurbished building has not been used since 2015.
In his remarks, Japan Ambassador Hideyuki Mitsuoka congratulated the school and gave the nickname “Lakatu dorms.”
Read more about this in the December 22, 2017 edition of the Marshall Islands Journal.