Melanesian Mission UK

We have close links with Melanesian Mission UK https://www.mmuk.net/

They help us to sustain links with schools and church communities in the Solomon Islands.

The Pacific Islands have a long held history with East Devon, rooted in the enduring story of Bishop John Patteson, who was born in Feniton and who travelled to the islands to spread the word of Jesus as a missionary in the 19th century. The values of friendship, peace and reconciliation still unite our communities today.

Most recently at Easter 2025 we exchanged some pictures and writing to the pupils of Norman Palmer School, to celebrate our schools and local areas.

In November 2024 we were visited by Revd Nelson and Br Augustine who chatted to us about life on the islands and their concerns about the impact of climate change and in November 2025 Bishop Steven and Bishop Othniel joined us for our Remembrance Service.

Solomon Teacher Exchange

In June 2015 four teachers from the Solomon Islands visited the UK and spent 3 weeks at Feniton and Tipton St John Primary Schools. This visit funded by the Melanesian Mission UK, further strengthened links between our schools. The Solomons teachers worked alongside our teachers learning about daily organisation, behavioural management, the effective teaching of English and promoting pupil talk. The pupils at our schools were able to explain their different ways of learning  and also learn more about the culture of the Solomon Islands and the teachers’ experiences visiting a new country for the first time. It was hugely valuable for us all.

Teachers Visit The Solomons

In August 2014, The Melanesian Mission UK, helped to fund three teachers from the Otter Valley Federation to visit the Solomon Islands and train teachers from the Anglican primary schools in literacy skills.