First Graduates of Tina River CBSP Literacy Program Celebrate Milestone

The first cohort of participants in the Literacy and Numeracy Training Program under the Tina River Hydropower Community Benefit Sharing Project (CBSP) has successfully graduated, marking a significant milestone in the project's progress. Ten women from the Valekochia in Bahomea and Panfilia in Marango communities completed the six-week training course, laying the groundwork for broader community development.

The training, conducted in partnership with the Literacy Association of Solomon Islands (LASI), aims to provide participants with basic literacy and numeracy skills, including basic reading and writing in Solomon Islands Pijin, as well as essential arithmetic knowledge. As part of the second phase of the CBSP, the project plans to train approximately 600 community members between 2024 and 2025, with 50% of participants expected to be women.

Ms. Priscilla Meniuta, National Coordinator of LASI, highlighted the project's potential, despite initial challenges. "Although there were some challenges in getting participants to attend the literacy classes, this graduation now sets an example for others in the community, encouraging them to come out and participate in the training. It's never too late to attend literacy classes in this program, as more classes will be opening up successively."

The project is transforming lives. One graduate, Ms. Joyleen Dona, expressed her pride and gratitude: “I am happy that I attended the literacy class because I can now read and write better,” she said. “I thank the CBSP team for identifying the needs of our community and funding LASI to train our teachers to teach us in our community. I am now looking forward to the other benefits of the CBSP and to prove to everyone that I can read and write, I delivered the speech on behalf of my classmates and I feel very proud.”

The Literacy and Numeracy Training Program is part of a larger development strategy launched under the second phase of the CBSP. Graduates can continue to participate in other programs such as root crop cultivation, financial literacy, life skills, and job preparation training. These opportunities pave the way for improved livelihoods and potential employment at the Tina River Hydropower development and other businesses.

Mr. Leonald Talailemo, CBSP Training and Development Program Officer, emphasized the broader impact of the project. “This training not only enhances individual capacity but also strengthens community development, ensuring a brighter future for all participants. It prepares women to actively participate in the activities of the Bahomea and Marango Trust Associations and community projects.”

Funded by the World Bank, the Solomon Islands government is implementing the second phase of the Community Benefit Sharing Project to support the Tina River Hydropower development, ensuring that revenue from the operation of the hydropower facility is directly distributed to the communities at and around the Tina River project site in an effective and sustainable manner.

The project will improve road, water, and electricity connections, as well as other priority investments identified by local communities.