BY TONY IROGA
A woman from Suagi Community in Ghaobata Ward, North Guadalcanal has praised the WASH Artisan Training Programme, saying the skills she gained will help improve sanitation and reduce health problems in her community.
The programme was funded by KOICA through UNICEF in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services’ (MHMS) Environmental Health Division and Guadalcanal Provincial Government,
Speaking to the Island Sun over the weekend at the conclusion of the three-day training at Ghaobata Community High School, participant Mrs. Loretta Tegoa said the programme equipped her with practical skills and confidence to contribute to the development of her community.
“I learned a lot from this training, especially how to build SATO pans using affordable and durable materials.
“We were taught how to construct slabs for SATO pans, build risers, prepare and cut moulds, and properly mix cement using the correct ratio of water, sand, and gravel. The practical sessions on the final day gave us the opportunity to apply everything we had learned,” Tegoa said.
She said she plans to pass on the knowledge and skills she acquired to other members of her community.
“After this artisan training, I will return to my community and train other people using the skills and knowledge I have gained,” she said.
She described the programme as an important opportunity for women to participate in a field that has traditionally been dominated by men.
“As a woman, I am grateful for the opportunity to take part in this training. It has shown that women can also learn practical trade skills and make meaningful contributions to improving our communities,” she said.
She believes the skills gained through the training will bring lasting improvements to sanitation and public health in rural communities.
“This training will help change people’s lives because we can now build proper sanitation facilities for our communities.
“In the past, many people practised open defecation, which contributed to health problems. If we apply what we have learned, we can reduce those health issues and improve the wellbeing of our people,” she said.
She also expressed her appreciation to the organisations and partners that made the programme possible.
“I would like to sincerely thank KOICA, UNICEF Solomon Islands, Leave and Learn, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, the Guadalcanal Provincial Government, our stakeholders, NGOs, and all the facilitators for bringing this important WASH training programme to rural communities.
“This training has given us valuable skills that will benefit our villages for many years to come,” she said.
The three-day WASH Artisan Training Programme was designed to strengthen local capacity in constructing affordable sanitation facilities and promote improved hygiene and healthier communities across Guadalcanal Province.
Photo credit: Tony Iroga
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