By Lesley Foinagwa
AUKI, MALAITA PROVINCE – The Solomon Islands Knowledge-Action Sustainability for Resilient Villages (SOLKAS) program wrapped up a two-day Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) Training of Trainers workshop in Auki recently
The workshop gathered about ten participants from SOLKAS community project sites across Malaita Province. The main goal was to boost the skills of trainers who will now lead GEDSI awareness programs for Village Disaster and Climate Risk Committees in their communities.
This initiative is designed to ensure that gender equality, disability inclusion, and social inclusion are fully integrated into community-based disaster and climate risk planning. The training gave participants the knowledge and practical skills to help communities understand the importance of inclusive decision-making and equal participation, especially during disasters and climate-related challenges.
Frank Samo Sari, one of the participants, called the workshop “timely and important” for community development. He noted that the workshop equipped them with the knowledge and skills to help communities understand the importance of GEDSI in disaster and climate risk management.
Trained facilitators will now conduct GEDSI sessions in their project sites across Malaita Province. The program aims to strengthen community resilience by ensuring that women, people with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups are actively involved in planning and decision-making processes.
The SOLKAS initiative continues to be a key player in promoting sustainable and inclusive development in resilient villages throughout Malaita.
