Participants of the saving groups pose for group photo in front of Ghombua SDA Church after meeting with ADRA Soul Cocoa Livelihood Project at Ghombua Village on Tuesday 9 April. (ADRA Media)
THE Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Solomon Islands (SI) convened meeting with three savings groups in Ghombua Village, East Central Guadalcanal, on Tuesday, April 9, 2024.
These savings groups, namely Unganimoli, Vanualevu, and Tenakake, are vital groups within Ghombua Village, each representing different zones.
The primary objective of this gathering was to familiarize these savings groups with the process of applying for funding and registering as cooperatives.
The meeting aimed to clarify the steps involved in submitting project proposals, while also providing a platform for the sharing of success stories among the groups.
The initiative was organized by Project Manager, Patrick Mesia and Project Officer, Reidly Harold of the Soul Cocoa Livelihood Project that facilitated by ADRA SI.
Since its inception in 2020, the Soul Cocoa Livelihood Project has been instrumental in providing complete training to these savings groups.
Topics covered in these sessions include group formations, governance, record-keeping, and basic bookkeeping.
Funds generated from the sale of cocoa and other agricultural produce by these savings groups have enabled the women involved to gather savings within the respective groups.
Zinia Doli, Secretary of the Unganimoli Savings Group, expressed her gratitude towards ADRA for the training and financial assistance provided, which have catalyzed the successful establishment and operation of their savings groups.
“The training sessions organized by ADRA have equipped us with the necessary skills to initiate and sustain our savings groups,”
“The funds gathered within our groups have empowered our members to apply for loans, thereby addressing various household needs and contributing towards educational and healthcare expenses.”Ms Doli said.
However, another member of the Tenakake Savings Group, Zinia Solomon Pupuka, have stated the transformative impact of the savings scheme on her family and the broader community.
“The establishment of these savings groups has been a game-changer for us,”
“Through access to loans, I have been able to establish a village store, which has not only provided financial stability but has also facilitated investments in education and housing for my family,’’ shared by Ms. Pupuka during an interview.
Meanwhile, ADRA SI, through the Soul Cocoa Livelihood Project, remains committed to supporting these savings groups by providing funding opportunities and facilitating their registration as cooperatives.
The initiative was funded by ADRA Australia that being extends its reach across Guadalcanal, Malaita, and select areas in the Western Province, with a particular focus on the Dovela region.
ADRA PRESS
