Rural workers were told their communities expect more from them.
Ministry of Development Planning and Aid Coordination Permanent Secretary, Shadrach Fanega told more than 50 community helpers from the 50 constituencies who were trained on 20 different modules on community facilitation and CDD approach.
The month-long training was organised under the Rural Development Project (RDP) and facilitated by the Solomon Islands Development Trust (SIDT).
“You are the agents to make change at the community level,” Fanega told the participants.
“Make that difference felt by the people at the rural communities that expect of you with your responsibility as community helper,” he continued.
“Your commitment to long hours of training and field practical should give you that valuable skills and knowledge to fulfill that expectation.
“The understanding through skills and knowledge you have received has to be customized in your daily implementation, keeping to the principles and values embedded in CDD as a transparent and accountable vehicle for rural development,” Fanega reminded the participants.
He said the ministry through its level of commitment and resources has devoted to this very important project meant for our people.
“Please take that as a personal level of responsibility that is required and demanded for everyone to serve our people to the fullest ability, pivoting your experience as a rural man and woman for the past years in your life.
“I congratulate the participants for putting your hands up to be as community helpers, it is no easy task working with our rural people but nevertheless your government recognizes that rural communities must be continued to be supported with resources and capacity to create sustainable systems for the current and future building of our nation,” Fanega said.
He acknowledged the donor support from the World Bank, Australia, the International Fund for Agriculture Development in addition to our own resources.
“I am pleased that the EU is well on the processing of their resources for the RDP.
“I also would like to acknowledge SIDT for providing the training in what is perhaps a sign of improving collaboration between the NGO sector and the Solomon Islands Government.
“I am sure the experience of your 33 years of service to t rural Solomon Islands has contributed tremendously to the successful implementation of this training.”
By BRADFORD THEONOMI
