Seven Widow Women from the Kukum SDA Church in Honiara have stepped in to provide much-needed support to the ADRA Cocoa Project team, assisting with the quality grading and sorting of cocoa beans.
These women showed interest in the savings program that ADRA usually implements in communities and approached ADRA to run the program for them. Since they are not cocoa farmers, they were invited to assist with cocoa grading and sorting while arrangements for their savings program are being prepared.
The seven widowed women began their work on December 4 at the ADRA Cocoa Storage and Drying facilities at Kukum which was supported by the ADRA team guiding them through the grading and sorting process.
Project Manager for the Sustainable Economic and Agricultural Solutions (SEAS) Project, Patrick Mesia, said that the widowed women will work for about one to two weeks in grading and sorting of cocoa beans.
“These widowed women will work for one or two weeks and then complete their duties as part of supporting our project while also creating employment opportunities for them,”
“They are happy that we accepted them to come and assist our cocoa team, as these tasks are simple and suitable for women, ‘Mr Mesia said.
Through ADRA policy requirements, the women were also given orientation on key ADRA policies which they must comply with during their casual work with ADRA.
Secily Valalea, a 72-year-old widow, thanked ADRA for the opportunity to gain experience and earn a small income.
“I would like to thank ADRA for providing this opportunity for me as a widow to come and help with cocoa grading and sorting’’
“I am happy because this will help me earn a small income and learn how to grade and sort cocoa beans,” she said.
Nellie Jamakana, also a widow, expressed similar appreciation. “Thank you ADRA for this small opportunity. Since I am a babysitter, I am happy to come and help here,”
“As an older woman, I am glad to spend a few weeks assisting with this cocoa project. “She excitedly said.
Hezilyn Panda, another participant, shared her gratitude and excitement.
“I would like to thank ADRA for this opportunity to come and try out the work of grading and sorting cocoa beans,”
“I have heard about cocoa before, but now I can experience the grading and sorting process myself. I am happy to be here, and this small income will help me.”Hezilyn said.
Through the SEAS Project, funded by DFAT, the project has recognised that marginalized cocoa farmers—including women and individuals with visible and non-visible disabilities—now have more equitable access to agricultural resources, training, and market opportunities, resulting in improved economic independence and greater social inclusion.
