Issue 173 (Digital) 12 April 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.

This infographic summarizes the achievements of the Community Access & Urban Services Enhancement Project as of March 31, 2024. Here are the key points from each section:

Human Capital:

8,345 community workers have been engaged, with equal representation of females and youth. 60% are from high-priority poor communities.
There’s been a generation of 360,187 labor days.
97% of respondents are satisfied with the training received.
Support provided includes job coaching, CV writing, reference letters, and marketing skills training.
943 individuals achieved Level 1 Literacy.
A significant increase in employment, from 43% at the project baseline to 72% currently.
A total of SBD 25.84 million in wages has been paid.

Physical Environment:

209 pieces of access and functional infrastructure have been built, including land, road, maritime, and amenities.
316 road segments have been restored, maintained, or made climate resilient.
64,138 cubic meters of waste were collected, and drainage systems were cleaned.
After improvements, 95% feel safer, with pedestrian infrastructure such as Jacobs ladders, footpaths, and footbridges being cited.

Implementation Quality:

The project was responsive to emergencies, notably the 2014 flood and the 2019 COVID-19 pandemic.
98% positive association with pressing needs.
250 contractor staff were trained in pre-bid procedures, quality assurance, occupational safety, and environmental management plan compliance.
The project achieved cost savings, delivering works that were 30% cheaper than market prices.

This report demonstrates significant progress in building human capital, enhancing physical infrastructure, and improving implementation quality, with a focus on training, cost efficiency, and rapid response to emergencies.

🚧 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