IN the Solomon Islands National Broadband Infrastructure Project undertaken by China Harbour Engineering Company Limited (CHEC) — a landmark project of China-Solomon Islands cooperation under the “Belt and Road Initiative” — the remarkable story of local materials engineer Hendry vividly embodies the practical achievements of the concepts of “localization” and “technical mentorship and knowledge transfer”. From a newcomer with no knowledge of construction materials to a core professional capable of taking on responsibilities independently, Hendry has written an inspiring chapter of growth that transcends technical barriers and cultural differences through his diligence and perseverance.
When he first joined the project, Hendry was once deeply frustrated by the hundreds of types of engineering materials and complex construction processes. “Terms like angle steel, utility pole, bolt, and microwave antenna… were all Greek to me,” he admitted. The dual challenges of technical gaps and language barriers did not dampen his drive; instead, they fueled a stronger thirst for knowledge.
Chinese engineers on the project team soon noticed this young man who took the initiative to ask for advice. They tailored a special training program for Hendry: in their spare time, his Chinese mentors explained material classification and performance parameters one by one using on-site materials, and guided him through the entire process of warehouse management. Hendry’s notebook was filled with dense annotations of terms and key operational points; he often reviewed diligently by comparing blueprints with actual materials beside the material stockpiles. “My Chinese colleagues always say, ‘If you don’t understand, just ask. We’ll figure it out together.’Their patience makes me feel so warm,” he recalled gratefully.
In just six months, Hendry experienced remarkable growth in professional capabilities. He has not only mastered core skills such as material inspection, inventory management, and intelligent distribution systems but also become able to independently coordinate the scheduling of thousands of types of engineering materials. He has even taken the initiative to take on training for newly recruited local employees. “The Chinese team has taught me not only skills but also a sense of responsibility and commitment,” he said with confidence.
What touches Hendry the most is the cross-border warmth within his team. During one container unloading operation, tower components became stuck together due to jostling during transit. It was impossible to unload them one by one, and no one could separate the jammed parts. After inspecting the components, a Chinese engineer led the team in quickly sorting and freeing the stuck parts — and took the time to show Hendry how to quickly identify and resolve such issues with minimal efforts when components get jammed. When Hendry felt frustrated after making a mistake during his first independent material delivery, a Chinese engineer patted him on the shoulder and said, “Everyone has a first time. We can improve by reviewing what went wrong and making adjustments.” These moments made Hendry feel the strength of having a supportive team behind him.
Looking to the future, Hendry’s eyes shine with longing: “For me, work has long ceased to be just about making a living; it’s about contributing to my country’s development. I hope to build my own team someday, take part in more communications infrastructure projects, ensure my hometown has smooth internet access, and help Solomon Islands enter the digital age as soon as possible.” He also has a personal wish: “I want to visit China — to see the Chinese brothers I’ve worked side by side with, to visit the Great Wall they often talk about, to try local hotpot, and to let our friendship take root and grow in more places.”
Hendry’s journey of growth is not just the professional transformation of one ordinary employee; it is a vivid reflection of the joint efforts and shared aspirations between Chinese Contractor and local staff. Under the principle of “joint consultation, joint construction, and shared benefits”, this mutual commitment continues to inject a steady stream of vitality into the friendship and cooperation between China and Solomon Islands.
