Welcome to our latest CAUSE Project update! Although our operations have slowed down, we remain committed to keeping you informed about our progress and achievements. Stay tuned for regular updates and insights into our ongoing efforts.

#CAUSEProject #Progress #CommunityDevelopment #StayInformed

Issue 176 (Digital)28 July 2024
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.

CAUSE Project: Transforming Lives in the Solomon Islands

Exciting Progress in Q2 2024!

The Community Access and Urban Services Enhancement (CAUSE) Project, supported by the World Bank and the Australian Government, continues to make remarkable strides in improving the lives of communities across the Solomon Islands. Here’s a snapshot of our latest achievements from the second quarter of 2024.

Household Benefits Exceed Expectations
We are thrilled to report that 18,100 households in project areas now have improved access to infrastructure, services, and markets, surpassing our target of 18,000. This milestone reflects our unwavering commitment to enhancing community well-being and access to essential services.

Individual Access Improvements
A stunning 83% of individuals in project areas reported improved access to infrastructure and services, significantly above our 75% target. This progress underscores our success in delivering meaningful enhancements that directly impact daily lives.

Empowering Youth and Women
Youth satisfaction with improved access stands at an impressive 78%, well beyond the 50% target. Meanwhile, 84% of women have reported similar improvements, highlighting our efforts in promoting gender inclusivity and supporting the aspirations of young people.

Job-Focused Interventions
Our job-focused interventions have benefited 8,362 individuals, just shy of our 8,400 target, with female beneficiaries surpassing their target at 4,281. These initiatives are crucial in fostering economic independence and skill development.

Engaging Vulnerable Communities
We are particularly proud that 59.79% of our beneficiaries come from the highest priority communities, exceeding our 50% target. This achievement demonstrates our dedication to equitable access and support for the most vulnerable populations.

Urban Works and Services
Our infrastructure projects have seen substantial progress, with 211 community access infrastructures constructed and 364,754 labor days generated. Additionally, we’ve collected 65,258 cubic meters of waste, significantly contributing to cleaner, healthier environments.

Road Maintenance and Repair
We have restored and maintained 99.5657 kilometers of roads, ensuring safer and more reliable transportation. Financial progress in road restoration has reached $2.85 million, reflecting our efficient use of resources to improve infrastructure.

Training and Support Services
Our training programs have equipped 8,857 individuals with new skills, with 93% successfully completing their training. Post-training support services have benefited 6,074 trainees, far exceeding our target of 2,500, ensuring continued development and job readiness.

Additional Highlights
To date, total wages paid under the project amount to SBD 25.98 million, with an average wage of SBD 3,106.33 per person and an average of 43.62 days worked per person, significantly boosting local economies.

The CAUSE Project’s ongoing success is a testament to the invaluable support of the World Bank and the Australian Government. Together, we are making a lasting impact on the lives of Solomon Islanders, fostering resilience, economic inclusion, and community empowerment.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue our journey towards a brighter future for all!

This infographic summarizes the achievements of the Community Access & Urban Services Enhancement Project as of 30 June 2024.

🚧 Important Update from CAUSE Project 🚧

To our valued community,

We’re writing to let you know that the CAUSE Project will be scaling back its operations temporarily. It’s a pause, but rest assured, it’s not a full stop! 🛑✨

While our activities might be quieting down for a little while, our commitment to you remains as loud as ever! 📢 We’re gearing up to come back stronger by the year’s end, ready to continue enhancing our community’s heart and soul – its access and services. 💪

A HUGE thank you for your understanding and support. Your spirit is the bridge to our success, and together, we’ll keep building towards a brighter, more connected future. 🌉🌟

Stay updated and stay connected – we’ve got more in store for you! 🔄

CAUSEProjectUpdate #CommunityFirst #BuildingTogether #SeeYouSoon

🔗 Stay tuned for updates!

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