CAUSE Weekly Wrap-Up: Keeping you informed, one week at a time.

Issue 152 (Digital) 24 July - 28 July 2023
The weekly wrap-up newsletter is a way to connect and update staff and project stakeholders about the progress of projects implemented by CAUSE in different communities. It includes information about the projects in Honiara, Guadalcanal (areas outside of town boundary), Auki, Gizo, Noro, and Munda. CAUSE is supported by the Australian Government and the World Bank.

Ambu Multipurpose Hall is slowly catching up with its construction time frame with prefabricated posts now being installed. This multipurpose hall is designed to serve as a venue for school and community social activities such as sporting events, meetings, and cultural activities, including youth, women, and men sectoral programs. It is expected that at least 5 communities surrounding the Ambu School will benefit from this project. When completed, it will generate a covered floor area of approximately 500 sq.m.

The Baru climate resilient spot improvement work in Noro, WP, is an essential project that brings multiple benefits to the community. The road, with its impressive length of 61m and width of 4m, serves as a vital connector, facilitating seamless transportation for residents. Its design ensures the smooth and safe passage of vehicles, guaranteeing a reliable mode of travel. To further ensure the safety of those using the road, safety boulders have been strategically incorporated, enhancing security measures and instilling confidence in the community. This project’s importance goes beyond mere convenience; it acts as a lifeline for the residents residing in the COC area, NFD village, and Baru Residents. By estimating that approximately 200 to 500 households will directly benefit from this road, it is evident that improved accessibility and connectivity are at the forefront of this development. The expansion and enhancement of the road infrastructure pave the way for progress and development, uplifting the entire community. The positive impact brought about by this initiative is nothing short of invaluable. It provides better opportunities, strengthened connectivity, and enhanced convenience for all residents. The Baru climate resilient spot improvement work is a testament to our commitment to creating a brighter future for these communities.

In short, garbage collection in Gizo Town is not only important for keeping the environment clean and healthy, but it also plays a significant role in public health, the local economy, and the overall well-being of the Gizo community. Making sure that trash is collected properly is important for the current and future generations to have a healthy and sustainable environment. However, unlike other infrastructure projects in Gizo PIU, waste collection services will continue until April 2024.

INSPIRING STORIES

Beryl Sosota, a stay-at-home mother of four teenagers, struggled to support her children’s education. She used to sell cooked food at the market and her husband provided OBM services and repair in Gizo. However, their income was not enough to cover their family’s expenses.

In November 2021, Beryl attended a seven-day ISDT training at Gizo PIU. She learned how to write a CV, an application letter and how to present herself during an interview. She was grateful for this training, as she was able to apply for a job as an office cleaner at the Gizo NPF branch.

Beryl was hired for the job and worked there for six months. She is pleased that NPF also helps pay her children’s school fees. This is a blessing for her family.

Ghorekera Tolipio, a participant from batch 34, is a SINU graduate from the class of 2021, actively seeking job opportunities. One of his aspirations was to join the Labour Mobility Scheme for seasonal employment, but he faced obstacles.

However, after enrolling in the ISDT training on September 19, 2022, Ghorekera utilized the certificate he obtained along with the attached reference to apply for jobs. Through his determination, he successfully secured a position. Additionally, he used his earnings from project work to cover the expenses for his passport. Ghorekera expressed his gratitude to the CAUSE project for their assistance in making his dreams come true.

During our recent encounter with him two weeks ago, he briefly visited for a vacation before returning to Australia. Ghorekera shared that the valuable lessons he acquired during the ISDT training played a significant role in his promotion to the position of works supervisor at the farm where he is currently employed. He is now in Australia, supporting his family financially and working towards establishing his own depot business, specializing in selling and expanding his inventory of drums.

Gizo Town’s Community Access and Urban Services Enhancement Project (Gizo PIU) has truly exceeded all expectations, kindling a magnificent metamorphosis that has uplifted the lives of every resident. The remarkable accomplishments in fortifying infrastructure, enriching urban services, enhancing community facilities, nurturing economic growth, and fostering environmental sustainability have laid a rock-solid groundwork for an inclusive and flourishing urban center. The unwavering dedication and collaborative spirit of all stakeholders have been irreplaceable in propelling this project toward resounding triumph. As we move forward, it is absolutely vital to maintain this extraordinary momentum and build upon these stellar achievements, ensuring everlasting prosperity and well-being for the beloved community of Gizo Town. -Penny-

Testimonials