RSIPF and Australian Partners Engage Students at Mbua Valley Community High School

The RSIPF Police Response Department (PRD), together with members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) participating in Exercise Coastwatchers and the RSIPF–Australian Federal Police (AFP) Policing Partnership Program (RAPPP), visited Mbua Valley Community High School on Thursday, 19 March to engage with students and promote positive choices through sport.

More than 600 students took part in the visit, which focused on encouraging good decision making, teamwork, and active participation in the community.

RSIPF Police Response Department Sergeant Chivas Babasia spoke to students about the importance of making positive choices and staying engaged in healthy activities.

“Keeping active and playing sport together helps build strong and positive relationships in our communities,” Sergeant Babasia said. “Getting involved in activities that cause trouble is harmful and does not help you or others.”

RSIPF PRD officers were joined by Australian partners from Exercise Coastwatchers and RAPPP, who participated alongside students in a range of sporting activities. The afternoon included friendly games of soccer and football, as well as dancing, creating an inclusive and energetic atmosphere. The activities concluded with shared refreshments, allowing further interaction between students and officers.

As part of the visit, RAPPP and the ADF donated sports equipment to Mbua Valley Community High School to support ongoing participation in sport and promote healthy, active lifestyles among students.

Speaking to RAPPP Media, teacher Mevol Aitafia welcomed the visit and said she was “really happy that RSIPF, RAPPP, and the ADF visited our school.” She added that she hopes to see “more visits like this conducted in schools across Honiara.”

RSIPF Assistant Commissioner of Police National Operations (Supervising), Mr Lionel Kapisa, said sport plays an important role in guiding young people to make positive choices.

“Through active participation in sport, students learn teamwork, discipline, and resilience,” Mr Kapisa said.

“These values support their development at school and help prepare them to contribute positively to their communities.

By encouraging healthy activities, we help shape confident and responsible young leaders for the future of Solomon Islands.”

RSIPF and its Australian partners thanked Mbua Valley Community High School for hosting the visit and reaffirmed their ongoing commitment to supporting youth engagement and community development across Solomon Islands.