19 April 2016
Australia supports SIWIBA to build Cooking Skills
Solomon Islands Women in Business Association (SIWIBA) members have had the opportunity to build their cooking skills through a five day training course last week.
The fourteen women who completed the course yesterday hope to use the skills they’ve developed throughout the course to generate greater income for their catering businesses.
Australian High Commission Program Manager Brenda Waleka congratulated the course participants for promoting women’s economic empowerment in Solomon Islands, a key priority for Australia.
“Increasing women’s economic participation helps drive growth at a national level and reduces poverty within communities and households,” Ms Waleka said.
“I wish you well in your endeavours as you grow your businesses and I’m sure that the skills you have gained this week will prove valuable going forward,” Ms Waleka said.
Training facilitator Ms Ellen Daloafu said the training shared basic cooking skills and techniques with SIWIBA members.
“We encourage these women to apply these skills as much as possible when preparing food,” said Ms Daloafu.
“This cooking training has set another milestone and we believe that the recipients training will apply the skills and techniques to help improve their catering businesses,” said Ms Warahiri, SIWIBA training officer.
Australia has been proudly supporting SIWIBA for a number of years. This support has enable SIWIBA to increase its staff and resources to provide additional support to its members including through the establishment of the new business development centre with a dedicated training coordinator.
Through the business centre, local women are able to learn skills that will help them increase their incomes.
Australia’s funding to SIWIBA also supports the continuation of the local Mere’s Market, savings clubs and regular newsletters for members.