RSIPF National Crime Prevention Department Officer Derol Melo speaks to community members on crime prevention and the importance of working together to build safer communities
Community Spirit Shines During RSIPF and RAPPP Engagement in Aola
Community spirit was on full display in Aola, East Central Guadalcanal, as the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF), supported by the RSIPF Australia Policing Partnership Program (RAPPP), brought together villagers for a day of awareness, dialogue and community activities.
Held at the Luvunambuli Community, the home village of Guadalcanal Province (GP) Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Superintendent Edwin Sevoa, the engagement focused on strengthening partnerships between police and the community through education, open discussion and participation.
Despite persistent rain, the program continued inside the community hall, where officers delivered awareness sessions on community safety, the dangers of drugs, the role of Crime Prevention Committees, and the key drivers of crime. Community members also took part in an interactive question-and-answer session, allowing them to raise concerns and engage directly with police officers.
Although the rain continued throughout the day, the community decided to carry on with the planned games. Children, youth, mothers, fathers and elders all joined in the activities, creating a vibrant atmosphere of teamwork, laughter and togetherness that reflected the strength of the community.
Speaking to RAPPP Media, Chairman of the Luvunambuli United Church Community, Mr Clifford Thugea, thanked the RSIPF and RAPPP for choosing to visit Aola.
“We are so happy that the police and RAPPP came to our community. The awareness shared today will help shape and strengthen our community. Although Aola is far from Honiara and has no permanent police presence, visits like this remind our people that we all have a responsibility to respect the law,” Mr Thugea said.
Community elder Mr Jacob Kukiti also welcomed the visit, saying the knowledge shared would benefit families and future generations.
GP PPC Superintendent Edwin Sevoa said community policing is built on trust and cooperation.
“Today’s engagement showed the value of working together. Despite the rain, the community chose to continue with the program, demonstrating their commitment to building a safer community. When police and communities work together, we can prevent crime, strengthen relationships and create safer communities for everyone,” Superintendent Sevoa said.
During the visit, Superintendent Sevoa also presented sporting equipment to representatives of the Luvunambuli and neighbouring Mbalo communities to encourage positive youth engagement and active community participation.
The Aola engagement forms part of the RSIPF’s ongoing community policing program, supported by RAPPP, across Guadalcanal Province. It follows successful engagements in Tamboko, Visale and Tetere, with more communities set to benefit as the partnership continues to promote crime prevention and build safer, stronger communities across Solomon Islands.
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Caption for photos
Luvunambuli community elder Jacob Kukiti shares his views during the interactive question-and-answer session.
RAPPP Advisor Kevin Shaw joins children during the community games.
Mothers from the Luvunambuli Community joined children and youth in the community games.
Children compete in one of the day’s community games while fellow participants cheer from the sidelines.
RAPPP Advisor Kevin Shaw poses for a photograph with children wearing RAPPP T-shirts.
Superintendent Edwin Sevoa presents sporting equipment to representatives of the neighbouring Mbalo Community to support community participation and youth development.
Superintendent Edwin Sevoa presents sporting equipment to representatives of the Luvunambuli Community, witnessed by RAPPP and RSIPF office
Despite persistent rain, Superintendent Edwin Sevoa(R) and RAPPP HWCE officer Hency Charles(L)continued to facilitate the community games.
Chief Superintendent Edwin Sevoa thanks the Luvunambuli and Mbalo communities for their participation and ongoing partnership with the RSIPF and RAPPP.