Lona from Mbokonavera 4

Todays story is about Lona Lapo from Mbokonavera 4. Lona completed Sistas Savve training in August last year.

After completing Sistas Savve training, Sistas Savve helped arrange for Lona to undergo the Youth at Work internship programme run by the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC). Through this programme, Lona became an intern at the Provincial Press, a printing company that produces newspapers, books and other printed papers. Following the internship, Lona was offered full time employment at the press. She has now been working there for one year.

Lona Lapo of Mbokonavera 4

Lona believes that the business skills that she developed from Sistas Savve were central to helping her improve her life. These skills are particularly useful for her now that she is working and earning an income:

The part of training that really improved my life was the business training – how to run a small business, budgeting with money. This really changed my life. Now that I have a job, I know how to manage the money that I make.

Before, I had no idea how to manage money, how to pay for things, get things. But since I came and joined Sistas Savve, this business course helped me.

Hem wanfala change wea hem no save forgetem

Over the next few weeks, we will be posting some of the success stories of some of the women who have gone through Sistas Savve training. 

Today, we will share the story of Nancy Metuo.

Nancy Metuo of White River

Nancy Metuo, aged 36, is a single mother of two children, from White River community. She completed Sistas Savve training in November 2012.

Through Sistas Savve training, Nancy developed a successful business making and selling paper bead jewellery, with fellow Sistas Savve participant, Joycelyn Lapi. The paper beads are made out of recycled paper and fashioned into colourful necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. These paper beads have become a significant part of Nancy’s life:

Making paper beads is the main thing that I do. Anytime I’m free, I sit down and make paper beads. I go to the park and sell my paper beads and anytime Solomon Island Women in Business Association (SIWIBA) organises the Mere’s Market, then I go … Also, some people order them from me so I make them for them.

Nancy has financially benefited through her paper bead jewellery business. She does not need to rely on other people for money anymore:

This time, I’ve sold many necklaces. I take the money that I earn through selling these necklaces and help pay for the different needs of my girl. Suppose I didn't earn this money, I don’t know what I would have done. Sistas Savve has really helped me. The training helped me to know how to market and how to gain an income for myself.

In addition to the income generated through her jewellery business, the Sistas Savve training helped Nancy to develop her confidence:

Another thing that Sistas Savve helped me with was to have the confidence to talk in front of people. Before I joined Sistas Savve, I wasn’t sure how to stand up and talk in front of people. I was too shy. But now, I’m confident.