November 20, 2024, Central Guadalcanal – The Literacy and Numeracy Training Program under the Tina River Hydropower Community Benefit Sharing Project (CBSP) has successfully graduated its first group of participants, marking a significant milestone in the initiative’s journey. Ten women from the communities of Valekocha in Bahomea and Pamphylia in Malango completed the six-week program, setting the stage for broader community development.
The training, conducted in partnership with the Literacy Association of Solomon Islands (LASI), aims to equip participants with foundational literacy and numeracy skills, including basic reading and writing in Solomon Islands Pidjin and essential arithmetic. As part of CBSP Phase 2, the program targets training approximately 600 community members between 2024 and 2025, with 50% of participants expected to be women.
Mrs. Priscilla Maeniuta, National Coordinator of LASI, highlighted the program’s potential despite initial challenges. “Although there were some challenges getting the number of learners into literacy classes, the graduation now will set an example for others in the community to come out and join the training. One will never be late to join literacy classes in this program, because they will be ongoing with more groups to come.”
The initiative is already transforming lives. One graduate, Mrs. Joylyn Dona, expressed her pride and gratitude: “I am very happy to attend the literacy class because I can now read and write better,” she said. “I thank the CBSP team for identifying the need in our community and funding LASI to provide the training for our teachers to teach us in our community. I am now looking forward to other CBSP benefits and to prove to everyone that I can read, and I read the speech on behalf of my classmates and am very proud.”
The Literacy and Numeracy Training Program is part of a larger development strategy rolled out under CBSP Phase 2.
Graduates can progress to additional programs such as Root Crop Farming, Financial Literacy, and Life Skills and Work Readiness Training. These opportunities pave the way for improved livelihoods and potential employment with the Tina River Hydropower Development Project and other ventures.
Lionald Tarairamo, CBSP Training and Development Project Officer, emphasized the program’s broader impact. “This training not only enhances individual capabilities but also strengthens community development, ensuring a brighter future for all participants. It prepares women to actively participate in Bahomea and Malango Trust Association activities and community
projects.”
With financing from the World Bank, the second phase of the Community Benefit Sharing Project is being implemented by the Solomon Islands Government to support the Tina River Hydropower Development Project by ensuring there is an effective and sustainable way to distribute revenue from the operation of the hydropower facility directly into communities in and around the Tina River project site. The project will deliver improved roads, water supply, and electricity connections, and other priority investments identified by the local communities.
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