Tony and Brigid Whitton, owners of Ahura Resorts and Rosie Travel Group, have recently concluded a series of community projects aimed at enhancing the facilities of Yaro Village and its kindergarten on Malolo Island. The Whittons, known for operating Mociu private island, Malolo Island Resort, and Likuliku Lagoon Resort, celebrated with the village the completion of improvements for the kindergarten, officially named Navatalesau Brigid Kindergarten.
With a modest student population of 15 children aged four to five, the kindergarten operates through a partnership involving the Education Ministry, Yaro Village, Ahura Resorts Conservation Foundation, and the Whittons themselves. Among the notable enhancements is a $15,000 investment that provided essential infrastructural advancements, including new solar batteries for uninterrupted power supply, a fresh coat of paint for the kindergarten and teacher’s quarters, a new rainwater catchment tank, village workshops on recycling and waste management, and the introduction of recycling bins throughout Yaro Village.
The recycling project aims to enable villagers to sort recyclables like aluminum cans, cartons, cardboard, paper, and glass into designated bins, which are later transported to the Likuliku barge channel for processing at the resorts’ state-of-the-art recycling facility. Kindergarten teacher Shivani Shankar expressed her appreciation for these improvements, noting that the new solar batteries would ensure a consistent power supply conducive to learning.
Mrs. Whitton expressed her excitement about this new chapter, stating, “Seeing firsthand the early learning programs at our kindy, sharing about solar energy and sustainability through recycling to five-year-olds is truly exciting. It is here in these formative years when their foundations of learning about conservation and sustainability begin.”
In addition to the kindergarten developments, the Whittons and the Ahura Resorts Conservation Foundation also contributed over $40,000 to broader community projects in Yaro Village, including the inauguration of a new 30-meter footbridge. Mr. Whitton acknowledged the support of the conservation foundation team, emphasizing the foundation’s commitment to the environment and community development. As a registered charitable trust, the foundation aligns with resorts like Malolo Island Resort, Mociu Private Island, and Likuliku Lagoon Resort in prioritizing resource ownership and environmental responsibility.
The inaugurations and improvements serve as a testament to the Whittons’ dedication to fostering sustainable development and community growth on Malolo Island. The initiatives also highlight the potential for educational and environmental advancements through strategic partnerships and community engagement, paving the way for further positive impacts in the region.