A group of enthusiastic local researchers from the Development Service Exchange (DSE) met with the Lord Mayor of the Honiara City Council (HCC) on Wednesday to present their report on their work around the Solomon Islands in 2023.
Regional Perspective is a project that collaborates with the University of Adelaide, Vanuatu, and the Solomon Islands.
Researchers from these parties share a common interest relating to the indigenous perspective of various issues facing the region.
Indigenous methodologies like Tok-Stori were used to gather essential data. “In SI, DSE coordinates the research”, said Mrs Alice Hou DSE led by the interim Chairlady.
Mrs. Hou was to present a report on Regional Perspective Project Phase 1.
She highlighted the work they have done in selected areas in some parts of the provinces in the Solomon Islands. DSE was fortunate to present the country report in Canberra, Australia in June 2024 at a high-level DFAT and defense personnel meeting.
Mrs. Hou briefed the Lord Mayor on the key messages from the Regional Perspective Study which included.
- Solomon Islanders are proud of their county but faced with a multilayer of challenges
- Solomon Islands have well-established and dynamic leadership and decision-making processes
- People with disabilities are experiencing heightened difficulties in accessing their rights and others.
The Lord Mayor welcomed the report and encouraged DSE to continue with their good work.
As an umbrella body that looks after non-government organizations (NGOs) in the Solomon Islands, they are overwhelmed with interest from individuals and groups, especially from women to register as members of DSE.
She said, “Most of our financial members are from the community”.
Community-based NGOs are their main focus, explained Mrs. Hou.
“Community-based NGOs form the majority of our financial members, and they get benefits from our services like engaging in research, access to data and information, and other support”.
The Lord Mayor Cr. Eddie Siapu after learning of DSE’s work encourages them to work closely with HCC and the national government to advance their good work.
Mayor Siapu reiterated that this county is remote and scattered and NGOs are often reaching our communities timely.
Mayor Siapu continued by encouraging DSE to penetrate the communities in Honiara City to encourage targeted groups to become members of DSE.
When asked about any challenges faced by DSE, Chairlady Alice highlighted that DSE is not immune to challenges.
“Noticeable challenges include finance, manpower, and getting bigger members to cooperate well with us,” said Mrs. Alice. Phase 2 of the project will commence soon.
Chairlady Hou presented the full report to the Lord Mayor after the meeting.
The team is now traveling around the country to report back to the participating communities, and government and civil society representatives.
- HCC
