Central Province PPC Superintendent David Soakai speaks during the community engagement program held in Tulagi
RAPPP Supports RSIPF Community Engagements in Tulagi Central Province
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF), with support from the RSIPF and AFP Policing Partnership Program (RAPPP), carried out two days of community outreach in Central Province from 25th –26th November, delivering awareness programs in Tulagi Town and Haleta Village on the first day, followed by a school visit the next day.
The early outreach, completed ahead of later visits by other partners, was part of ongoing efforts to strengthen community safety, promote youth development, and reinforce positive partnerships between police, schools, and local residents.
The engagement began in Tulagi Town, where RSIPF Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Superintendent David Soakai, supported by the RAPPP Health, Wellness and Community Engagement Team (HWCE), led an awareness session on travel safety, child safety, community policing, and general crime-prevention messages. Community members actively participated, asking questions about police services, safety concerns, and local issues. PPC Soakai responded to all questions on the spot, helping build trust and encouraging open communication between police and the community.
PPC Soakai said the awareness highlighted the importance of working together.
“We want our people to feel confident talking to police. When communities and police communicate openly, we create a safer environment for everyone. We thank RAPPP for supporting us in delivering these important messages,” he said.
Later the same day, the RSIPF and RAPPP team travelled to Haleta Village for a separate awareness program. RSIPF officers spoke on gender-based violence (GBV), child safety, community policing, and the importance of early reporting. Villagers engaged openly, asking questions and receiving direct guidance from officers.
Haleta community representative Reagun Nofo expressed appreciation for the outreach.
“The awareness on GBV, child safety and community policing is very important for our families. These messages help strengthen our homes and guide our community to make safer decisions. We thank RSIPF and RAPPP for visiting us,” Nofo said.
The following day, the RSIPF and RAPPP team continued their outreach with a visit to McMahon Community High School. Students received messages on respect, discipline, leadership, child safety, and making positive choices. As part of the engagement, RAPPP also gifted sporting gear donated by Sandringham Football Club to the school’s soccer and netball teams.
The school principal acknowledged the value of the visit and donation.
“Our students were motivated by the session. Hearing these messages from police gives them encouragement and direction. We also appreciate the sporting gear, which will support our school teams. We thank RSIPF and RAPPP for including our school in this program,” the principal said.
The outreach completed on 26th November reflects the RSIPF and RAPPP’s continued commitment to community safety and youth empowerment across Central Province.
RAPPP Advisor Kevin interacts with children in Tulagi during the community engagement activities.
RSIPF officers address the Haleta community during the outreach visit in Central Province.
A youth from Haleta Community asks an RSIPF officer a question regarding community policing and the role of young people during the community engagement program.
RSIPF Officer(R), together with RAPPP Advisor(L) hand over Sandringham and RAPPP sporting gears to the McMahon School principal and staff, supporting student engagement and school activities.
HWCE Officer Roy engages with students at McMahon School during the awareness program.
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