“I used to
sell ice blocks at Honiara Central Market, but I’m now making doormats instead
because they make me much more money, at 80 Solomon Islands
In addition
to selling her crafts, Maria was especially invited by Honiara City Council to
take part in an intensive three-month landscape beautification course, after
which she will receive a certificate in gardening and landscaping. She hopes
to use this education to get a job in Honiara
Maria also
has a longer term strategy and goal: “I have joined the savings club that we [the Mamana graduates] have started. My hope is to earn
enough money to build my own house.”
Maria has
been sharing her newly acquired skills and knowledge with other women in Mamana
Water Community: “A lot of women have approached me about the product skills,
but also about getting health information, and I’ve shared my knowledge about
family planning and the IEC materials I got through Sistas Savve.”
Following
the training, Maria has visited the Sippa (Solomon Islands Planned Parenthood
Association) clinic for the first time in her life, saying that, “Before, I was
frightened of Sippa, and thought that it was only a place for sick people. Now
I know that you can just go for check-ups.”
Maria is
feeling more confident about herself and public speaking “After Sistas Savve, I
am feeling braver about speaking out. For International Women’s Day, I spoke
publically for the first time in my life. I also volunteered to do the opening
prayer [at the beautification course], which I would never have done before. It
felt really good.” She continues, “the rest of our community has been surprised because the women have been speaking out more.
Wrapping
up, Maria says that “the course has been a big change for me.
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