THE Green Valley community in East Honiara has been overwhelmed by the generosity of the Bartlett Foundation which donated five new Solar Street lights under the Precious Girls Project.
In a simple but touching handing over ceremony, Pastor Nathaniel Seru, the Bulkshop chaplain said “giving is a way of showing the light and God has worked in the heart of a woman who cares for the safety of girl’s, woman and children by donating the street lights.”
It was a first ever project that was funded by the Bartlett Foundation and Green Valley Community was the first recipient.
“More than 40 years ago, Bulkshop served many families with the idea of empowering woman and girls by giving them the opportunity to earn an income.
“Like for instance, buying goods like popcorn or flour to bake and do vending,” the Human Resources Manager of Bulkshop, David Emry said during the handing over ceremony.
Mr Emry said the Bulkshop sees the street light initiative is an idea for safety and security of women, girls and children in the community.
He also said with the installation of the lights, parents will have the assurance that their girls who study at the University of the South Pacific Honiara Centre or the Solomon Islands National University who sometimes have late classes will get home safely at night.
Therefore, Mr Emry urged the community of Green Valley Zone One, especially young people, to take full responsibility by looking after these assets as they are now fully owned by the community.
Chief Billy Barodo, on behalf of the Green Valley Zone One Community, said the street lights will address the challenges of safety and security faced by the community and expressed appreciation for the help from the Bartlett family.
Chief Baerodo called on all youths in Zone One and others Zones to respect the gifts and be good custodians of such community assets.
He further expressed his gratitude to the team from Bulk Shop who did the assembling of the Solar Street Lights.
The formal handing over ceremony was held at Green Valley last Saturday and was witnessed by the Executive of Green Valley zone one committee, members of the community and representative from the Bartlett Foundation, Mr Emry and Pastor Seru.
The Green Valley Zone One Association is a registered non-profit organisation that aims at improving the livelihood of its residence.
By: Selina Iro (GV Communications Team)