The people of Waidra settlement in Naitasiri couldn’t hold back their joy when for the first time a cabinet minister set foot in their village to meet them in their homes and assist them to start projects that will now breathe in new life for these remote settlers.
The Minister for Social Welfare, Women and Poverty Alleviation Dr Jiko Luveni’s visit to Naitasiri on this week, witnessed the handing over of $2000 to develop a poultry project along with confirmation for additional funding of $5000 to allow for the construction of a Women’s Resource Centre in Waidra. This is the first government funded project for women of Waidra village.
With tears of joy, Ms Vani Ranacou, the president of Waidra Soqosoqo vakamarama said the ministerial visit is a memorable day for the women, as it has given them a new hope to overcome their financial difficulties.
“It’s been over 5 years since we settled in Waidra, the only means of living for women is to go fishing and search for dalo and cassava from the hills. Life is challenging for us as we have to work hard daily to look for food to feed our families. We are blessed to talk to minister for women, she has motivated us to be confident, realize our roles as women to develop our communities.
“The 30 women in our group will be managing this poultry project and it will help us earn income to support our children’s education and also save some cash for rainy days. We will sell the eggs and chickens within Naitasiri and hope to expand the business as we go along,” Mrs Ranacou said.
In his welcoming address, the advisor for Waidra village and executive director for New Samaritan Mission International (TNSMI) Mr Misiviliame Nakavou said the two projects will provide employment and create economic opportunities in Waidra.
“The new poultry farm will be a good source of income for women and it will also be a model farm to train women from 7 other villages in Naitasiri in capacity building to operate poultry farms. It will strengthen community participation and confidence in alleviating poverty,” he said.
Mr Nakavou said the projects challenges the people to utilize, add value to their resources and skills to work towards improved livelihood.
“The women’s resource centre will unfold opportunities for training in income generating, hold awareness programs on women’s empowerment and it also will be accessible by multicultural communities living nearby.
“Benefits of these women projects will felt by the community. With this input there will be wider impact on the village development and the people of Waidra are grateful to the government for bringing the assistance that has equipped us to overcome poverty and work towards better living,” he said.
Women Minister Dr Jiko Luveni commended the efforts of the women in Waidra for supporting their families and encouraged them to believe in their dreams.
“Government will continue to economically empower women as they are agents of change and through developing their potential, we are developing the nation. Women’s role in food security and poverty alleviation should be enhanced,” she said.
Following the construction of the women’s centre, the Ministry of women will also donate sewing machines to the Waidra Women’s Group to support their income generating and refine their sewing skills.
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