BY INDY MAEALASIA

PLANT enthusiast, Diana Vaqalo is nurturing more than just plants; she is cultivating her dreams as an entrepreneur. Despite facing significant challenges, her partnership with the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) is helping her turn the tide.

Her horticulture business “Prosperity Nursery,” situated at Mbalasuna Bridge Village, North East Guadalcanal, specializes in cultivating and selling a variety of greenery.  

 “I plant trees, indoor plants, guava seedlings, and other plants,”Vaqalo shared.

Although she registered her business in 2022, taking over from the family business, Vaqalo admitted that her lack of entrepreneurship skills presented a lot of challenges.  

“I had no funding and I find that there is a little market,” she recalled, “maybe because I wasn’t confident to put myself and business out in the market.”

Her turning point came when she was selected for the inaugural cohort of the U.S. Government-funded AWE program, which supports women entrepreneurs worldwide.

After submitting her application early this year, she was thrilled to receive the news of her acceptance. “I was very happy. I thought this will really help me.”Vaqalo recalled.

Initially nervous about her lack of networking skills, Vaqalo soon found her footing in the AWE program

 “when I came in the program, I was nervous, I had zero networking skills but I now feel confident because everyone has their own businesses and ideas, I feel connected and proud of being part of a community,” Vaqalo said.

The AWE program includes an online business course complemented by weekly face-to-face interactions.

 “When I started the training, I wished I had known all about the business concepts before I went on to start my nursery, she said, “It has truly opened my mind.”

Looking ahead, Vaqalo shared her enthusiasm for her nursery business and her vision for the future.

She plans to open a “plant shop” and also aims to expand her nursery, “My other plan is also to expand to more fruits and vegetables but for now, I will stick to one area,” Vaqalo added.

BY LORETTA B MANELE

Isabel province will now have its first female clerk. She is 31-year-old Mary Lucy Suimae from Samasodu village, Isabel province.

Apart from her roots in Isabel, the single mother of one also hails from Malaita and Western provinces on her father’s side and Guadalcanal from her mother’s side.

She has 5 siblings, 3 boys and 2 girls and is the second eldest in the family.

After completing her primary education at Binusa Primary School in Samasodu, she went to Waimapuru national secondary school and did her from 1 to form 7 education there.

She then went over to Fiji where she majored in Political Science and Geography from 2017 to 2022.

Mary had applied for jobs and had done 5 interviews so this was her 6^th attempt where she finally was able to land a job.

She is grateful to be offered the role of clerk to the Isabel provincial government.

Happily, Mary said she will now be able to support her son and family.

Meanwhile, for her this means taking up a role that was dominated by men for so long with challenges that come with it.

Speaking of challenges, Mary is not fazed.

She said she is ready looks forward to serving her people of Isabel province and the provincial government.

“I am excited because for now, I will be in the formal employment. I will be able to provide for my family and contribute to the people of Isabel”

When asked about how she felt about working in the provincial capital, Buala compared to having a job in the busy and often crowded capital, she said it’ll be a new environment with less expenses to worry about.

“Unlike in the capital, where there are a lot of expenses, like transportation, in the province I will not have to pay for transportation because I will just walk there”

Taking up this role is history for the province as the role of the clerk has always been filled by men and people in the province have gotten used to that trend.

Today, Mary’s appointment as Isabel provincial government’s new clerk is an ice breaker and especially for the young girls and young women from the Isabel.

She said her taking up this role sets an example for other young girls and women in the province in the sense that they too can take on such roles and leadership.

“My advice to young girls or young women is to never give up on your dreams and failure is not the end of your journey and it’s not the end of your life. Never give up on your dreams. Do whatever you’re passionate about to the fullest of your heart”

The girl who wanted to be a lawyer during her university days, today has instead become Isabel province’s first female clerk to the provincial government.

Mary said she really wanted to be a lawyer back then while in university but it didn’t work out how she wanted it to and at the end of the day, God has different plans for us.

She is happy, excited and nervous but most of all is willing and ready to take on the role and the challenges that come with it.

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Dorothy Korina Leve, originally from Munda in the Western Province of Solomon Islands, made a significant career shift from being a lecturer at the Solomon Islands National University to becoming a consultant in early childhood education, specifically infant daycare.

Her transition was driven by a passion for supporting both educators and parents, highlighting her commitment to shaping the early learning landscape.

In 2022, Leve embraced a new role as the manager of the SolTuna Company daycare centre, which caters to children aged 0 to 3 years. This daycare primarily serves the children of factory workers, operating from early morning to late evening to accommodate the work schedules of mothers employed at the company.

“We provide care for infants and toddlers from one month to two years and eleven months. Most of these children are enrolled with us because their mothers work in the factory. Our operating hours are from 6:30 AM to 5 PM, and occasionally, if their mothers have to work overtime, we extend our hours until 8 PM,” she explained.

Leve is particularly passionate about focusing on infant and toddler care, acknowledging the evolving dynamics of modern society.

“With many mothers and fathers in the workforce, it is crucial that trained educators care for infants and toddlers to support their development. My goal is to assist teachers who lack training opportunities, helping them understand the distinctions between early childhood education and infant care,” she emphasized.

Building Trust and Overcoming Challenges

Transitioning from academia to hands-on daycare management has not been without its challenges, particularly in building trust with parents. Leve reflects on the early days of her role in Noro, where skepticism from parents was a common issue. However, she notes that as parents observed the positive development of their children, enrolment numbers gradually increased.

“I encourage parents to collaborate with daycare teachers regarding the needs of their children. When parents entrust us with their infants and toddlers, our role extends beyond merely supervising their sleep. We adhere to a structured routine. While some parents expect their children to engage in writing activities, which pertain to early childhood education, daycare focuses more on play and routine. We assist children with eating, maintaining a balanced diet, and learning through songs and movement. Parents need to have confidence in teachers to ensure their children are well cared for,” she stated.

The Deep Bonds Formed in Daycare

One of the most rewarding aspects of Leve’s work is the strong emotional bonds she forms with the children in her care. She describes the unique connection that often develops, one that she likens to a familial relationship.

“It is quite fascinating how children become attached to you, and in return, you regard them as your own. As they grow over the years, they develop a close relationship with you. They are in a vulnerable state, and the affection you feel for them mirrors that of their parents,” she shared. “My perspective on infant and toddler care highlights a significant need in the Solomon Islands, particularly for daycare facilities where parents can leave their children in the care of teachers.”

Parental Support and Eagerness for More Daycare Centres

When discussing her interactions with parents, Leve notes that she has encountered mostly positive responses. She believes that parents are well-informed and recognize the benefits that daycare centres provide.

“From my understanding, many parents are eager for more daycare centres to be established to care for their children. However, it is crucial to raise awareness among parents to foster trust in teachers. While the costs can be high—such as diapers and milk, which can reach $150—parents have embraced the challenge and continue to enrol their children in Kindy,” she explained.

Guiding Aspiring Educators and Parents

Leve also offers guidance and training for those interested in the field of infant and toddler care. For those looking to pursue this rewarding career path, she provides specialized training that equips aspiring educators with the necessary skills to care for young children.

“For anyone interested, we provide training that enhances knowledge on caring for infants and toddlers. You can reach us at Pikini Kindy Play School by calling 7002784. We are conveniently located opposite Honiara High School,” Leve stated.

Dorothy Korina Leve’s journey from academia to hands-on daycare management underscores her dedication to transforming the daycare sector in the Solomon Islands, ensuring that infants and toddlers receive quality care while their parents work.