By Loretta B Manele

Producing cocoa until you reach that standard quality of cocoa you want needs a little bit of patience.

Patrick Mesia, is the project manager for Sol Cocoa Livelihood project in which ADRA (Adventist Development and Relief Agency) in Solomon Islands is carrying out in communities in Guadalcanal, Makira and Western provinces with funding support from ADRA Australia.

Recently, Mesia and his team joined the World Food Day celebrations which was held late last month.

Students and passer byers were interested to see the display of cocoa beans at the stall and listen to one of the guys at the stall talk about cocoa.

Meanwhile, Mesia happily agreed to chat with the media and told us about the project he is heading.

The project is being piloted in 7 communities and they want to replicate the best practice produced from this 3-year project in other communities.

Like any project that involves planting, they start from the nursery stage where they look for the best varieties of cocoa for farmers to grow.

Farmers are also assisted to carry out proper management until the cocoa trees bear fruit.

“We also train them how to ferment and dry to produce quality cocoa and we lead them to a boutique market”

Mesia pointed out that it is not a bulk market where you get small or under-quality beans but rather a high-end market.

He added that the income received from the project goes towards savings for women which is another component of the project.

“So, income that we are receiving is managed so families can benefit from it”

To top that off, the project is also involved in the downstream process so they are also producing chocolate.

Mesia expressed that they are linking farmers from the cocoa tree to what is normally processed from the cocoa fruit.

From his perspective, this link is important because it is not until farmers look at it and realize that it’s something to eat that they will worry about the quantity.

“So, we found that linking the trees to the end product is a helpful project”

In any accomplishment or project there are bound to be some bumpy rides along the way, which we normally refer to as “challenges”.

Mesia continues on to talk about several challenges they’ve encountered while carrying out this project.

He said there were a lot of challenges and one of them is leading farmers to the quality of the product which as he stressed, needs a little bit of patience.

So, what happens is, the farmers produce their first batch of cocoa and bring it in for testing with the help of CEMA.

After it’s been tested, Mesia and his team will give farmers feedback.

He reiterated that this step needs more patience from the farmers because they’ll have to keep going until the quality of cocoa is consistent and this is when they are told that they are on the right path or as he puts it “are doing okay”.

The “drying process” is also another challenge, particularly when it rains throughout the whole week.

Mesia said the process works better if you have a lot of good sunshine.

If not, they will try to be innovative and use heaters however this will be for the next phase of the project.

“So, if it rains for a week, we can use heating elements for drying”

Efficient access by means of travel poses as another challenge.

Some of the roads leading to some of the communities inland are difficult to travel on hence the government should assist in the improvement of roads so farmers can travel easily when they bring in their products.

Mesia said farmers struggle when travelling to bring their products to them.

Teamwork was the fourth challenge mentioned.

For most of the communities, Mesia found that working together in a team is a little bit challenging because the people in those communities like to work individually.

“We are trying to work in groups of farmers, we call them micro lots of farmers. Like five farmers work together and have one central processing unit so that everyone comes together in one unit”

Mesia said that you can only maximize quality of your product to maintain that quality if you work in micro lots or in groups rather than individually.

“This is because one farmer may reach the quality we want and the rest may struggle so we want them to work in groups”

Last but not the least, there is the challenge of future farming practices in terms of planting cocoa which must go in line with the EU Deforest regulation which is to not cut down forests before planting.

Mesai said this is a big challenge for them because the normal practice of farming is to cut down trees or forests before planting.

“But with that EU regulation, if we don’t follow it, we don’t access the EU markets. So, in doing that, we will try to make an integrated farming approach. That means planting some fruit trees, some cocoa trees, some local varieties. So, you have a more integrated agroforestry approach. That’s the future going forward”

On the other hand, Mesia said they have actually opened a boutique market for them in New Zealand.

“Just for information, in the last few weeks sixteen overseas chocolate makers from the UK and Europe came following a story about quality beans”

He mentioned that when they are producing the quality, the demand is already there from overseas.

“The challenge now is we might not have enough to supply all the interest outside so that’s why we need to replicate in many more communities so that we meet that volume of supply”

Mesia said that now that they have a market outside, going forward they are thinking of expanding to other provinces like Makira, Russell Islands and Isabel.

He stated that they would be very happy if they could expand to other provinces because you never know there maybe something nice out there like unique flavours of cocoa from other provinces.

BY INDY MAEALASIA

Chikako Ito or “Chiko”, spends her days as a midwife at Naha Clinic, East Honiara, tending to pregnant women and girls.

But it was one particular, heartbreaking encounter that would forever change the course of her mission in the Solomon Islands.

During a regular shift, Chiko referred a woman to the National Referral Hospital (NRH) for further treatment. When the woman returned for a follow-up visit, Chiko learned that she had never made it to the hospital because she couldn’t afford bus fare and was embarrassed to ask her husband or relatives for help.

This encounter, like many others, struck a deep chord in Chiko’s heart, fueling her determination to take action.

“I kept thinking of what I could to improve gender equality and women empowerment in this country,” recalls Chiko  

In the Solomon Islands, financial independence remains a distant dream for many women. Limited access to education, economic opportunities, and the constraints of traditional gender roles often leave women especially housewives reliant on men for their most basic needs.

With zero external support, and relying entirely on her sewing skills and personal salary, Chiko launched the Create opportunities, handicrafts, Connect Collaboration among women (CCC) Project—an initiative to teach females how to create handmade sewn products for sale, empowering them to be financially independent females.

Teaming up with 10 females, including local designer of Tingiia Fashion, Janet Temasi, both women realize their shared vision is to help all women.

“When she came up with her idea, I was so excited,” recalls Janet. Inspired by Chiko’s generosity, Temasi adds, “It is nice to have someone from a different country willing to help community ladies. she(Chiko) gave it all from her heart, she did not demand for pay, she found opportunities for all the ladies.”

On weekends, Chiko and Janet would meet to cut fabric from off-cuts at Janet’s shop and new materials purchased by Chiko.

Janet would carefully measure and cut the fabric into consistent sizes to ensure uniformity in the purses, and accessories they were creating for the project.

They were joined by several young girls from Janet’s household and community.

“These girls didn’t know how to sew at first, but they came in and learned,” shares Janet. ‘It was difficult at first, but they were eager to learn.”

Soon after striking a deal with the General Manger of Kitano Mendana Hotel, they started supplying the hotel with their first products including lady’s purse.

For these girls, the CCC project gave them the opportunity to discover new skills and experienced self-growth.

 “I only do sewing just to make bags but when Chiko would inspect our products, it has forced me to always do my best.  It has made me to learn as much as I can,” says 24-year-old Charity Tinohitu

“Since joining the project, I have become competitive, and it has encouraged me to always strive me to be better,” shares 22-Year-old Davila Tena

The girls also shared their heartfelt gratitude to Chiko and Janet for the opportunities they’ve been given.

“I’m so thankful for everything Chiko and Janet have taught me,” says Charity “They’ve shown me how to be make good use of my talents to be financially independent too.”

Despite these inspiring successes, the project faces significant challenges in scaling the project and reaching more women.

“A lot of girls and women have expressed their interests to join the project but we currently do not have enough sewing machines,” shares Janet.

However, Janet remains optimistic, “Chiko and I are taking one step at a time to avoid stressing ourselves out.”

With the funds raised from their sales, Janet expresses excitement on purchasing the project’s first ever sewing machine.

“We will purchase a small machine and whatever is left will be shared among the girls,” explains Janet.

Chiko’s vision for the future of the project is clear: to create a sustainable, self-reliant system that will continue empowering women even after she leaves the Solomon Islands.

She acknowledges that it’s challenging for many women to balance household responsibilities while striving for financial independence.

“If you have a dream, don’t give up—build your confidence,” encourages Chiko

Janet, too, offers her own advice: “You all have great potential. Don’t rely entirely on your husbands; you can create something with your own hands. Don’t isolate yourselves—go out and nurture your talents and skills.”

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Bayan Lafuia Niusi, a prominent local painter, designer, graphic artist, and stage designer, played a key role in the 2023 Pacific Games.

Hailing from Lau Lagoon in North Malaita, Solomon Islands, the 30-year-old artist began his creative journey at a young age. Though he had to leave Takwa Community High School in 2008 while in Form Three, his passion for art remained unwavering.

Niusi’s love for drawing was evident from his preschool years, where he filled his notebooks with illustrations of airplanes and trucks. “I was captivated by everything. During primary school, I spent countless hours drawing and cherished every moment,” he recalled.

After leaving school in 2009, Niusi began honing his artistic skills, inspired by his creative upbringing in New Kwaloai Village. His father, a renowned canoe maker, and his tribe’s vibrant traditions in music and dance influenced his artistic path.

“My tribe is celebrated for its musical creations, traditional Tageai dances, and artistic heritage. These influences shaped my journey,” Niusi shared.

In 2014, he started stencil cutting outside Poma Store in Honiara, later moving to the Central Market, where he worked for several years. Joining the Artists Association of Solomon Islands (AASI) in 2018 solidified his commitment to the artistic community.

Painting became a source of solace for Niusi. “Art is my creative outlet. It allows me to experiment and improve over time,” he said. His works span landscapes, portraits, and vibrant depictions of Solomon Islands’ natural beauty.

Despite having no formal art training, Niusi’s passion has propelled him to a level where his art provides financial sustenance. “I’m a self-taught artist. Art is my main source of income and a medium for promoting harmony while preserving our history and culture,” he stated.

Niusi’s talents have been showcased across Honiara, from designing T-shirt graphics and banners to creating signage for schools and shops. His contributions to the Pacific Games include designing podiums and signage.

Known for his bold acrylic paintings, Niusi’s use of vibrant colors and imaginative perspectives brings life to his subjects. “Trees resemble faces; each one is unique. Nature inspires my creativity,“ he remarked.

As a designer, Niusi appreciates blending artistic beauty with practicality. “Design combines aesthetics with functionality. I create designs for mats and T-shirts, and my passion continues to grow,” he said.

While he faces challenges, Niusi’s resilience shines through. “Not everyone appreciates my work, and I can handle harsh critiques. Resilience is key, like flowers blooming in cracks—it inspires me to turn setbacks into opportunities,” he expressed.

Niusi believes in the importance of supporting local artists and showcasing their work internationally. “Our leaders need to recognize and promote our efforts. Choosing the right artists to represent us on global platforms is crucial,” he urged.

Through perseverance, Niusi has overcome obstacles and hopes to inspire others with his journey. “My story is about resilience and optimism. Positivity can transform obstacles into achievements,” he concluded.

Currently, Niusi dedicates his time to his role at the National Art Gallery in Honiara, continuing to make an impact in the Solomon Islands’ art scene.

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Tavuli News, established in 2022, has quickly become a cornerstone of independent and relevant television news for the Solomon Islands.

Operating with a modest team of seven employees, the organization delivers daily news and digital content across platforms such as its website, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

This year, Tavuli News earned recognition at the Business Excellence Awards, a testament to the team’s dedication and significant progress as a business. Reflecting on the achievement, News Director Georgina Kekea shared, “For me, it’s a validation of our efforts to build an independent, sustainable media outlet. For the team, it’s a reflection of the collective dedication and teamwork that goes into every task.”

Kekea highlighted that Tavuli News remains committed to providing meaningful news to the Solomon Islands community while upholding values of integrity, transparency, and independence. The recognition underscores the importance of balancing sound business operations with editorial integrity in running a successful media organization.

At the community level, Tavuli News serves as a trusted source of information, fostering civic dialogue and keeping the public informed on governance, social issues, and more. Nationally, the organization enhances the media landscape by promoting independent journalism and providing a platform for diverse perspectives.

The journey to success has not been without challenges. One of the most significant hurdles was developing a sustainable business model. Kekea explained the necessity of balancing high-quality journalism with the financial realities of operating a media business.

“We faced challenges in securing reliable revenue sources, managing resources efficiently, and navigating a competitive media environment. Innovation, adaptability, and a focus on long-term growth were crucial to overcoming these obstacles,” Kekea stated.

A key turning point for Tavuli News was recognizing that journalism is only part of what sustains a successful media organization. By focusing on financial management, marketing, and audience engagement, the team made notable advancements in growth and sustainability.

Kekea emphasized the need for greater advocacy and support for small businesses, particularly those owned by indigenous Solomon Islanders.

“This award highlights the challenges small enterprises face in a competitive market. We urge the government and other authorities to prioritize policies and initiatives that provide tangible support for local businesses. Creating a favorable environment for small enterprises can unlock opportunities that benefit the entire community,” she appealed.

Kekea concluded by encouraging aspiring journalists and media professionals to adopt a comprehensive approach, focusing on both editorial and operational aspects of the business.

“Determination, creativity, and dedication to independence are vital for building a successful career in this field,” she said.