The Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACoM) has launched the ACoM Care Foundation Trust, a new charitable arm described by Archbishop Leonard Dawea as the “social, development, and humanitarian” branch of the church serving Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and parts of New Caledonia.
The low-key ceremony took place during the ACoM Mission Consultation meeting at the Provincial Headquarters today, attended by representatives from mission partners including the Melanesian Mission Trust Board (New Zealand), Anglican Missions (New Zealand), Anglicans in Development (Australia), and the Anglican Board of Mission (Australia), alongside ACoM leadership and supporters.
Archbishop Dawea said the Trust will focus on implementing programs and mobilising communities to contribute positively to development at diocesan, provincial, and national levels. He explained that the foundation aims to foster holistic growth — spiritual, social, physical, and economic — enabling communities to become productive citizens. The Trust will also facilitate networking among mission partners, stakeholders, and dioceses to promote the sharing of information, ideas, and resources, while providing a collective voice on issues of concern.
He stressed that the immediate priority is to strengthen governance structures, recruit staff, establish clear role divisions, and ensure transparent leadership and financial controls compatible with donor expectations.
The launch also marked two significant achievements under the Melanesian Board of Mission: the establishment of the ACoM Care Foundation Trust and the opening of Radio Melanesia FM 87.7, which will serve as a platform to advance communication, partnership, and mission outreach.
In his closing remarks, Archbishop Dawea expressed gratitude for the continuous collaboration between ACoM and its development partners.