Surrounded by the lush landscapes of the Solomon Islands is a small community of over 100 households. Nestled on the outskirts of Eastern Honiara, the Mosquito community faces significant challenges: limited access to clean water, unreliable electricity, and a landscape often threatened by flooding and erosion. Amidst these hardships, a remarkable woman named Lilian provides leadership and hope for those around her.
The Mosquito community is located one kilometre from the Lungga River and nearby coast, making it vulnerable to natural disasters like flooding. Most families rely on subsistence gardening for their livelihoods, with few engaging in the cash economy. Mosquito is a place where people rely on each other for support and positive community spirit.
Lilian is a 35-year-old community leader who serves as the chairlady of the Mosquito women’s committee. Since the introduction of the ANCP Helpim Sista Project by Live & Learn in 2022, supported by the Australian Government, Lilian has been instrumental in uplifting her community. Her role coordinating the women’s savings group under the project has been crucial in addressing local challenges and driving community development.
‘My priority is to provide care and support to my children and ensure they attend school,’ she shares. ‘My main source of income is through sewing clothes, dyeing, and mending clothes for economic purposes. For me, being a community woman leader means looking after the women in the community. I am involved in community planning and managing activities that engage community members, including encouraging women to participate in community programs.’
When asked about the struggles faced by her community, Lilian reflects on the lack of resources, ‘We have been struggling for health, education, income generation, and more.’ However, with the support of the Helpim Sista Project, the tide began to turn. The program provided essential training in various skills, from piggery and poultry management to sewing and baking.
Turning challenges into opportunities, Lilian proudly states, ‘The women are now engaged in diverse income-generating activities.’ Not only has the Helpim Sista Project contributed to the empowerment of other women in the community but supported Lilian’s ambitions also.
Lilian shares her story with a Live & Learn team member
‘Personally, the training session that contributed most to my knowledge was the hands-on sewing training… From the money I earned by selling clothes, I expanded my business to include handicrafts, such as making earrings from beads. I also purchased four piglets, which I have raised to support my family’s needs.’ Lilian says that her husband has been an invaluable partner in this journey, collaborating with her on plans to expand their small business, ‘Since starting our business, we have saved a significant amount of money,’ illustrating the power of teamwork and shared vision.
Lilian’s hopes for the future are clear, ‘I want to meet my family’s needs, send my children to school, and complete our house.’ The support from the Helpim Sista Project has not only provided resources but has also fostered a sense of community solidarity. ‘Most families have truly benefited from the training and support, building their economic activities and empowering themselves.’
Lilian’s story highlights the transformative power of effective leadership and community engagement. Her efforts in addressing resource challenges, improving infrastructure, and empowering individuals have made a lasting positive impact on the community.
The Helpim Sista project is a joint initiative between CARE Australia and Live & Learn Solomon Islands and is made possible with support from the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP).
