OVER the weekend, the community of Pusiju in Valapata village, Vella la Vella Island in Western Province received agricultural equipment, transportation, safety equipment’s at sea and basic kitchen utensils worth $80,000 SBD from Globalgreen Special Grant (GGSG).
The equipment was handed over to SVTA women, girls and the association by the Chairman (Leonard Kuboto). The handing-over ceremony was facilitated by Jennifer Kaniki whilst the dedication of the equipment was facilitated by Mr. Israel Paebara (United Church – Church Elder).
The distribution of equipment was made by the association Director with the support from the Technical Advisory Committee. The agricultural tools were shared among SVTA women and girls while other properties like OBM boat, grass cuter, fold tables and valuable items were
Mrs Keith Kuboto highlighted the opportunity that women and girls had through Globalgreen Grant which is crucial for rural people that live with very limited access to market. However, with the support from the donor local farmers will now have access to safe transportation to reach urban centers like Gizo and Noto market outlets. Therefore, the initiative that GGSG took in supporting community based organisations such as SVTA is a blessing for the majority of populace in Solomon Islands for that matter.
Mr. Israel Paebara – United Church Elder (Valapata village) highlighted the need to improve more networking between rural people and donors. Mr. Paebara said that SVTA has decade of experience in working with donor partners and government agencies for which positive changes has occurred in the community. And this in-kind support will further strengthen and empower the women, girls and youths to put more focus on agricultural activities. Mrs Tiro Keibule acknowledged the improvement of the standard of living that rural women and girls have gained either through workshop or hands on experience during the cause of implementing small grants through SVTA.
Besides, youth’s representative Ms Tovarade Kuboto mentioned during the handing over of the agricultural equipment that these tools will support our women and girls to venture more into livelihood hood activities while keeping our rainforest under management.
In a closing remark, Mrs Jennifer Kaniki reminded SVTA members to use the tools and properties with a sense of ownership.
Finally, SVTA Chairman (Leonard Kuboto) acknowledges again Globalgreen Special Grant (USA) for the financial support that they have provided towards SVTA under this project. He concluded by wishing you all a good day and looking forward to meeting with all of you in the future.
SOURCE: SVTA MEDIA
