Construction of a new community hall for the Saeragi Seagrapes Committee in West Gizo, Western Province is progressing steadily, with work advancing well since the project began in June this year.
The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) is supporting the initiative, while construction is being led by local Knowledge Brokers (KBs) from Saeragi.
Four communities — the villages of Saeragi and neighbouring Mile 6 — have come together to build the two-storey facility.
Community leaders confirmed that materials are already on site, and work will continue next week with slabbing, following the completion of the building posts.
Speaking to the Solomon Star over the weekend, Team Leader of the Saeragi Seagrapes Committee and KB member, Joseph Lipa, said the new building will house the WWF Saeragi Seagrapes Association and serve as a key learning hub for the region.
He said the hall will also host students from the Solomon Islands National University (SINU), who will travel from Honiara to undertake studies and practical fieldwork in Saeragi.
“This development follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between SINU and WWF, allowing Knowledge Brokers to later pursue courses at SINU while enabling students to conduct part-time fieldwork in Saeragi,” Mr Lipa said.
He added that the Saeragi community feels privileged to host a facility that will serve as a learning hub, community hall, training centre, and venue for workshops and marine conservation activities for both the village and surrounding areas.
WWF Solomon Islands is implementing the project under the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) programme, which focuses on empowering “Knowledge Progress” (KP) participants — community members with limited formal education, including those who left school between Grade 6 and Form 3.
WWF Solomon Islands Programme Coordinator under the ACIAR Project, Sled Ririmae told this paper that the goal is to provide education and opportunities for people who may have missed out on formal learning pathways.
“Education is for everyone. This hub will uplift our KBs through diverse training opportunities that help them grow and reach their full potential,” Mr Ririmae said.
Several months ago WWF Solomon Islands signed a new MOU with SINU in formalizing a partnership with the university’s Department of Natural Resources and Environment.
Through the agreement, KBs in Saeragi will be able to earn Level 2 certification for their training — an important step toward linking community knowledge to nationally recognised qualifications.
“This collaboration with SINU will help formalise what the KBs are learning and open more doors for the future,” he added.
The training hub is part of a wider effort to strengthen community resilience to climate change and empower local people to lead sustainable development initiatives.
The community hall and office complex is expected to be fully completed next year.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star Gizo
