BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Frequently, students enrolled at the Solomon Islands National University have found themselves forced to withdraw due to financial challenges that hinder their ability to pursue their education to the fullest extent.

John Fa’ama’u, a final-year student specializing in joinery and carpentry, is preparing to graduate next year and has resorted to cultivating tobacco at home to earn the necessary funds for his educational expenses.

At 38 years old and originally from West Kwaio in Malaita province, Fa’ama’u encountered difficulties in covering his school fees after the support from the East Honiara constituency diminished significantly.

“I was a self-sponsored student, but I received financial assistance from Douglas Et’e throughout my two years of study. Once I learned that he would no longer be supporting me, I began seeking alternative means to sustain myself,’’ stated the father of three.

Fa’ama’u commenced his home tobacco cultivation in early February of the year 2023, intending to produce and sell homegrown tobacco coils.

As Fa’ama’u was developing his farm, he was confronted by the landowners who insisted that he cease his activities.

“They advised me to cease my efforts; however, I requested their permission to establish a small farm and inquired about the possibility of purchasing the land. I presented my rationale, and they ultimately accepted my proposal. We reached an agreement for the sum of $1200, and I informed them of my intention to make an initial payment, to which they consented. So, I provided them with $600.

“Once we reached an agreement, they informed me of the designated starting and stopping points, establishing the boundaries. Consequently, I began to cultivate homegrown tobacco, potatoes, tomatoes, eggplants, taro, and various vegetables. Before the harvest, they approached me with a request to gather some produce for themselves. I agreed to their request, stating that it is their land, and therefore, they are welcome to come and collect whatever they desire.

The struggling father stated, “After that point, they ceased inquiring about the outstanding matters we had previously agreed upon, as I permitted them to come and take whatever they desired from the farm.

Fa’ama’u typically dries the harvested tobacco leaves within a locally crafted hat that he constructed on his farm, a process that requires four days to effectively dry the leaves prior to the production of his homemade tobacco coils.  

“This is how I considered the idea one day, reflecting that I needed to take action; otherwise, life would become increasingly challenging for both myself and my family. I engaged in several temporary jobs, yet the high cost of living in the city has become burdensome. My financial resources are insufficient to cover my educational expenses. I sold my goods to the market vendor at the Gilbert camp where I lived,’’ Fa’ama’u stated.

“I typically offer full coils for sale, although I occasionally cut them into blocks. The price for a coil generally ranges from $300 to $400, depending upon its size and quality. I am capable of producing two to three coils of home tobacco each day. It requires a consistent two months before I can expect my first harvest, stated Fa’ama’u. This income sufficiently supports my educational requirements and daily living expenses,” he added.

Mr. Fa’ama’u typically prefers to save his money at home rather than in a bank.

He stated, “I keep my earnings at home for convenience, whether for my personal needs or to support my family. I have three children, and I also send some of my produce to my wife to assist them.

“According to this father of three, there are countless ways to reach one’s goals. “My advice is that we are all unique individuals. God has gifted us with wisdom and knowledge. When we observe our parents struggling to provide for our education and daily necessities, we must think critically and make decisions that will benefit and sustain us throughout our lives.

“In today’s world, money is essential; everything we desire requires financial resources. To eat, one must spend money. Therefore, we should be willing, kind, and humble, and take action on our plans rather than merely speaking about them without follow-through.

“I would like to express my gratitude to the landowners for permitting me to farm on their land. I also thank God, the Creator, for providing me with the opportunities that have enabled me to realize my aspirations,” Mr. Fa’ama’u remarked.

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

It took Mary Tahu Paia seven years to earn her Doctor of Philosophy -PhD at Solomon Islands National University (SINU). Becoming the first female PhD graduate is a significant achievement for her, personally and historically.

Hailing from Nazareth village in Marovo Lagoon and Arariki village, Wagina, Choiseul Province 40-year-old Mary Tahu recently graduated with a Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Science at this year’s SINU 11^th graduation.

Mary’s PhD title is “How Mangroves Support Climate Change Adaptation in the Solomon Islands: Applying Perspectives from Science and indigenous knowledge carried under the supervision of Dr Anouk Ride (ANU), Professor David Gegeo (SINU) and Professor Catherine Lovelock (University of Queensland).

“I am incredibly proud to be a product of Solomon Islands National University (SINU), which underscores the university’s capabilities in nurturing and supporting high-level academic research,’’ she told Island Sun.

“Earning my PhD in Environmental Science, a thesis-based program has not only allowed me to advance my knowledge but also enabled me to contribute directly to the development of local expertise. This achievement facilitates the application of cutting-edge research to address the unique challenges and opportunities within the Solomon Islands,’’ said Ms Tahu.

“My passion for this field was sparked by my master’s research, which investigated the effects of climate change on coastal biodiversity, particularly focusing on mangrove decomposition rates and their role in supporting nearby ecosystems. As environmental changes, including climate change, increasingly impact these crucial coastal ecosystems, the urgency to address and mitigate these effects has motivated me to continue my studies and earn my PhD at SINU,’’ she said.

Ms Tahu’s success hasn’t come easy, despite the obstacles, she was determined to make the best of her limited time.

“Managing the demands of being both a staff member and a PhD student at once at SINU was challenging,’’ said Ms Tahu who graduated with a Master of Science in Climate Change at the University of the South Pacific Fiji in 2009.

“To address this, I developed a careful time management plan. Prioritizing tasks, setting clear goals, and establishing boundaries between work and study time helped me maintain focus and efficiency,’’ she said.

“The impact of CONID-19. The pandemic led to significant setbacks, particularly with field data collection and delays in receiving essential equipment for research fieldwork, extended the time needed for data collection and analysis,’’ recalled Ms Tahu.

Despite the COVID-19 setbacks, he took advantage of the lockdown periods to focus on writing her thesis chapters and communicate frequently with her supervisors for their advice and input on the relevant chapters.

“Remain positive, stay determined. Every path to success involves sacrifices, costs, and challenges,’’ said Mary Tahu who earned her second Master’s in Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Development in the Caribbean with Distinction at the University of the West Indies, St Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago in 2014.

Mary Tahu’s family has played an essential role in her PhD journey in countless ways, always believing in her, offering encouragement, counseling, and most importantly praying for her success.

“It’s crucial to remember that your achievements extend beyond personal success. They reflect a broader accomplishment for your family, community, and country,’’ said the recently appointed Head of the Department of Environment within the Faculty of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry at SINU.

Her job as the newly appointed Head involves teaching Certificate and Diploma and Bachelors students on biodiversity conservation and management, culture and environment, food security, and Protected areas and key biodiversity areas in the Solomon Islands and engaging students in research and fieldwork, as part of the newly launched Bachelor’s program in Environmental Studies at SINU.

Her short-term goals are to publish research findings from my PhD in peer-reviewed journals and develop teaching materials and create and update course materials for students.      

“My Long-term goals are to contribute to policy and practice from my research to influence policy and practice related to environmental science, climate change, or biodiversity in the Solomon Islands and the broader Pacific region and mentor future researchers, provide support and guidance to young researchers to help build the next generation of scientists in my field,’’ she said.

Mary Tahu Paia is a Senior Lecturer at the Solomon Islands National University (2015- 2024) and has recently been appointed as the Head of the Department of Environment within the Faculty of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry at SINU.

She worked as a consultant for the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF) in Gizo, Western Province for 8 months in 2012.

Mary Tahu Paia started her Primary education classes one to six at Mbua Valley Primary School from 1991-1996 in Honiara.  

From 1997 to 1998 she later continued her Secondary Education at Goldie College, where she did her forms one and two and continued to complete forms two and three at KGVI in Honiara, Guadalcanal province.  

After she completed her secondary education, form four and six at Betikama from 2000 to 2002, she undertook her foundation courses at USP Honiara Solomon Islands in 2003.