BY LORETTA B MANELE
A Leadership and Good Governance Workshop was conducted for Koqulavata Community in Gizo, Western Province from March 9 to March 10.
A statement from Henry Kaniki, National Advisor for the Global Greengrants Fund said this workshop brought together 30 participants, including subcommittee leaders of the Koqulavata Community Association, youth leaders, women and girls’ leaders, church leaders, and community elders.
The workshop supported by the Worldwide Fund for Nature Pacific Solomon Islands Program under the Resilient Communities – Nature-Based Solutions Project (UK CARA) aims to strengthen leadership capacity, promote good governance practices, and encourage inclusive decision-making within the community.
Kaniki said by bringing together leaders from different groups, the workshop provided a platform to enhance collaboration, accountability, and effective management of community development initiatives.
The workshop was carried out with the following objectives;
– To strengthen the leadership capacity of community leaders in Koqulavata
– To increase awareness and understanding of good governance principles such as transparency, accountability, participation, and fairness
– To promote inclusive leadership by encouraging the active participation of women, youth, and marginalized groups in community decision-making
-To enhance collaboration among community leaders, church leaders, youth groups, and women’s groups in community development initiatives
– To equip participants with practical leadership skills to support the effective management of the Koqulavata Community Association
The key outcomes of the workshop are as follows;
– Participants gained a better understanding of leadership roles and responsibilities within the community
– Community leaders demonstrated improved knowledge of good governance principles and their importance in community development
– The training encouraged greater participation of women, youth, and girls in leadership and decision-making processes
– Participants discussed common challenges affecting community governance and identified possible solutions
– Strengthened relationships and cooperation among different community groups, including church leaders, elders, women, and youth
The statement said participants appreciated the training, acknowledging the positive impact it had on their understanding of leadership and governance.
“Pastor David Presley highlighted that the training provided additional knowledge and clarity for the leaders of Koqulavata. He noted that the workshop significantly improved their understanding of leadership and good governance principles.
“Mr. Milton Kamikera shared that the training had given him a new perspective on leadership. He explained that previously he viewed leadership in a more straightforward way, but the training helped him realize that leadership is not a straight line; rather, it is a complex concept that requires different approaches and ways of navigating challenges.
“Mrs. Rose John, a women’s leader in the community, acknowledged the role of the World-Wide Fund for Nature Pacific Solomon Islands Program in continuing to build the capacity of community leaders through such training initiatives,” said the statement.
Kelly Sialas, Chairman of the Koqulavata Community Association (KCA) also expressed his appreciation for the continued support from WWF Pacific Solomon Islands for regularly visiting the community and extending support that complements government efforts in improving the livelihoods of rural people in the Solomon Islands.
The statement said a similar Leadership and Good Governance Training was also successfully conducted in the Pusiju community on Vella la Vella Island from March 3 to March 4.
“The training brought together community leaders and representatives from different groups, providing them with knowledge and skills on leadership, accountability, and good governance practices to support effective community management and development initiatives, the statement said.
Photo credit: David Leokana and Karl
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