Issue 156 (Digital) 21 August - 25 August 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.
The infrastructure and service delivery training for Batch 45 of the Cause project in Gizo is underway, with participants ranging from women, girls, and youths, to men aged 17 and above. Despite inclement weather, the enthusiastic trainees have engaged ardently, viewing the program as a beneficial refresher and a source of new learning. Scheduled until August 29, 2023, the training will equip participants for deployment in both the WCC projects and an upcoming footpath project, reflecting the project’s versatility and positive community impact amidst varied challenges
This week, another group of workers was assigned to the WCC projects, a monthly initiative that effectively maintains the cleanliness of Gizo. However, a persistent challenge remains regarding the collection of garbage bags left by workers along the roadsides. In certain areas, these bags have not been collected for more than two months, posing an ongoing issue. Unfortunately, due to having just one Hilux vehicle available, we are unable to provide assistance in the collection of garbage
ISDT and WCC activities in Noro
The Noro-Munda PIU has already completed its target for both Community Access Infrastructure under Component 1 and Spot Improvements and Drainage under Component 2. By the end of December Component 3 activities will likewise be completed.
The top photo shows the ISDT team conducting training for its 50th batch of life-skills trainees belonging to vulnerable communities located inside the project area followed by Three newly graduated trainees who have been recently deployed and continue to clean a section of the Noro CBD.
The Honiara City Council through the Works Division is working hand in hand with the CAUSE Project to fabricate 3 additional truck-mounted skip bins to augment the current number of skip bins for use by the Waste Management and Control Division (WMCD). Once completed, these bins will be deployed to various strategic sites that will be identified by the WMCD. The photo shows the first bin which is slated to be completed next week.
Routine maintenance will continue until April 2024 in Vura School Road, Vurai Ward, Honiara, after completing unsealed road restoration works.
The contractor of the climate resilient spot improvement contract along Jacky Heights, Panatina is catching up on its implementation with an acceptable works of 64.71% as ending July 2023.
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.
Testimonials
“One day, I can become an engineer.”New Skills for New Opportunities
Lionel Seth
CAUSE ISDT Graduate
Click here to view on World Bank Official Facebook and YouTube Platform
Click here to view on World Bank’s Official Facebook and YouTube Platform
- News/Announcements:
We deeply mourn the loss of Mr. Scotta Vasopa Junior, a valued member of our community who recently passed away in Gizo due to a dog attack. He was a cherished member of the CAUSE team, contributing to two Waste and Collection projects with remarkable dedication and resilience.
Mr. Vasopa’s work and positive spirit inspired us all. His absence will be profoundly felt, and we extend our sympathies to his family and friends.
This tragic incident underscores a significant community issue with stray dogs. We urge local authorities, community members, and organizations to collaborate on solutions to ensure safety.
We remember Mr. Vasopa for his contributions and his memory reminds us of the importance of caring for our community and environment.
