Tard Newsletter 1

r e t t e l s w e N D R TA P. O Box U40, USP, Suva, Fiji Telephone: (679) 935 0159 Email: [email protected] http://toabaita-authority.blogspot.com

Volume 1, Issue 1

November 2006

Message from the Secretariat Inside this issue:

Greetings everyone,

Medical Assistance

2

TARD Feedbacks

2

Mahitahi Initiative

2

Student Development 3 Working Paper

3

Leadership Training

3

TARD Official Logo

4

Our upcoming community initiatives: 1.Distribution of 40 boxes of medical supplies to four rural health centers in North Malaita (Nov 2006). 2.Sponsoring and organization of the North Malaita 2006 Christmas Games, which is free of charge (Dec 2006). 3.Community education awareness meetings and workshops in selected villages (Dec-Jan). 4.Presentation of individual gifts and fundraisings for churches, schools and clinics. Contact us if you want to assist or advance our vision in rural development.

It has been another exciting and eventful year for a lot of us, and it is just unfortunate that 2006 is ending soon. But for some it is a blessing that Christmas is approaching so that they can spend time with family members and enjoy heaps of celebrations. Regardless of where ever you are during the festive season, we would like to welcome you to this first issue of the TARD Newsletter. The TARD Newsletter is expected to be published three times a year. The To’abaita Authority for Research and Development (TARD) is a neutral, independent, non-profit, volunteer student initiated group that was established in August 2005 by To’abaita scholars in Fiji. Current membership consists of To’abaita and Baelelea students in Fiji institutions. “To’abaita” and “Baelelea” are two distinctive regions in Malaita, Solomon Islands.

Executive Officers of TARD-2006 Our goal is to collectively bridge barriers that hinder community development, and pursue potential rural projects and initiatives in North Malaita, Solomon Islands. In addition we are committed to raise community educational awareness on important issues in North Malaita. Since then, we have gained momentum. You will find out more in the next pages. Happy reading and hope you share our vision!! Regards, TARD Chairman

Our Vision, Mission and Objectives Vision Our vision for North Malaita and the Solomon Islands is that of a safe and sustainable society, whose people are healthy and prosperous.

Mission Our mission is working for a better tomorrow. This can be achieved by helping rural communities make informed decisions and implement community initiatives that will benefit them.

Objectives 1). To promote equal participation in development and unity. 2). To facilitate progressive development in North Malaita. 3). To restore a good image to North Malaita.

Page 2

TARD Newsletter

New Zealand organization donates medical supplies to North Malaita clinics A New Zealand based voluntary organization has donated 40 boxes of medical supplies to four rural clinics in the North Malaita Constituency as part of a community development project partnership with TARD. The supplies which consist of medications and instruments were donated by the Medical Aid Abroad New Zealand (MAANZ) in Auckland. The 40 boxes of medi-

cal supplies were packed by MAANZ volunteers upon the request of TARD and shipped to Honiara. The supplies arrived in Honiara at the end of September 2006 and are currently awaiting TARD members to return from Fiji before being distributed in North Malaita.

MAANZ Staff packing supplies

The four rural clinics that will benefit from this donation include the Malu'u Area Health Center, Bita'ama, Gwaiau, and

Fo'ondo clinics. Even though the supplies may be inadequate considering the population that needs medical attention at those four clinics, it is believed that these supplies will make a huge contribution to the well-being of service delivery to the rural people of North Malaita. Therefore, TARD and the people of North Malaita we would like to thank the Executive officers of MAANZ and their team of volunteers for having the confidence and commitment in TARD to assist our rural clinics in North Malaita.

Quotes of what others have said about the TARD Initiative “Great idea and I fully support the initiative”, Hudson Kalaeda (Japan). “I enjoyed visiting your website, as your perspective was most useful”,

Steven Wagenseil (UNEAD Elections Observers, Honiara). “I’d like to congratulate TARD for its effort in setting up the blog, keep up the good work”, Abel Caine (UNESCO,

Samoa). “Congratulations on setting up your own organization”, Dr Graeme Wood-

field (MAANZ, NZ). “You should be complimented”, Chris-

tina Reymer (Mahitahi, NZ).

“I wish the TARD group all the best”,

academic visions”, Patrick Turanga

Anne McCaig (RAMSI, Honiara). “Congratulations for the great initiatives by TARD”, Betty Fakarii (SIG, Honiara).

“Congratulations on a very interesting site”, Julian Treadaway (Honiara). “Keep up the good work”, Luke Johns-

(Fiji).

“I’m very impressed with your vision”,

ton (AFAP, Honiara).

Fred Fakarii (SIG, Honiara).

“Congratulations and keep up the good work”, Dr Hugh Govan (FSPI, Fiji). “Congratulations for the initiative”,

“I acknowledge your professional and “The initiative to assist in the development of North Malaita was a great idea, and I congratulate you”, Hon Enele Daniel Kwanairara (North Malaita Member of Parliament, Solomon Islands).

Rosemary Maealatha (Australia). “That’s a great idea”, Randall Biliki, PFNet, Honiara). “Great initiative”, Wilson Rafiau (Honiara). “Congratulations”, Walter (Honiara).

TARD teams up with Malaita Catholic Bishop to request help from Mahitahi TARD has successfully obtained the blessings of the Malaita Catholic Diocesan Bishop, Chris Cardone, to recommend and authorize our request seeking assistance from the Catholic Overseas Volunteers organization known as MAHITAHI. The proposal was submitted after

Mahitahi has shown its commitment to extend its programs to Malaita in partnership with TARD. The proposed project is for a 3 weeks local sports coaching workshop in North Malaita next month. It is now under consideration by the Mahitahi Director.

Bishop Chris Cardone (right)

Volume 1, Issue 1

Page 3

TARD provides academic training on writing to Solomon students in Fiji Through our voluntary assistance, TARD has successfully conducted three two hour training sessions on improving writing skills to its members and other interested Solomon Islands students in Suva, Fiji. The training sessions were conducted on three Sunday afternoons in August and September 2006. This was coordinated by the TARD Chairman who has written a number of winning essays in Fiji and throughout the Pacific.

Topics covered included how to master essay writing; how to write good research reports; how to write good cover letters; how to write good resumes; and how to prepare for, handle and follow up after a job interview.

Laucala Campus and the Fiji School of Medicine have attended the three training sessions. Students who have participated in the TARD sessions hail from different parts of the Solomons and specialize in diverse disciplines with programs ranging from Diploma up to postgraduate levels.

More than 40 Solomon Islands students at the University of the South Pacific's

Working Paper submitted to North Malaita Member of Parliament A general North Malaita Constituency Working paper has been drafted by TARD and submitted to the North Malaita Member of Parliament in September 2006. The paper outlined the development priority needs in North Malaita and includes potential initiatives that can be pursued to achieve rural development.

The Working Paper is aimed at assisting the MP in devising his work plan for improving the well-being of North Malaita. Contribution towards the paper was made possible by collective discussions through the TARD website, from North Malaita scholars and leaders throughout the world.

TARD members complete Leadership Skills Trainings in Fiji Several members of TARD have successfully completed a firstever 6-week leadership training from the University of the South Pacific in Suva, Fiji last month.

good governance, and ethical leadership that can be applied anywhere.

During the training, students learnt skills relevant to time management, conflict resolution, motivation and inspiration,

In addition to that, other TARD members have also com-

Leadership Training Session

pleted short leadership trainings conducted in Suva on two separate occasions by Dr Kabini Sanga, who is a Solomon Islands lecturer in New Zealand. This is a clear reflection of our seriousness and commitment to our vision as we strive to maintain good governance and ethical leadership.

P. O Box U40, USP, Suva, Fiji

TARD Student Profiles: Name: Alwyn Danitofea Age: 24 years Institution: University of the South Pacific, Fiji Program of study: Bachel or of Science (Management and Inf ormation Systems) Village in North Malaita: Roso

University of the South Pacific Laucala Campus Suva Fiji Islands

Email: [email protected]

Check our website on URL: http://toabaita-authority.blogspot.com

Next Issue will be published in March 2007

Name: Alice Siuna Age: 26 years Institution: Fiji School of Medicine Program of study: Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Sur gery (MBBS) Village in North Malaita: Rameai

Meaning of the official TARD Logo and letterhead TARD’s official logo and letterhead was designed by Mr. Wilfred Atomea who is a student at the University of the South Pacific, and sponsored by Leliana Daowana Firisua, a To’abaita businessman in Honiara.

The meaning behind the design is as follows: the circle represents the To'abaita community and the name of TARD surrounding the circle reflect TARD's vision to support the rural community to achieve desired goals and building our communities. The blue color represents the common traditional dressing during cultural events such as marriages and dances in To'abaita. Shaking of

hands imply putting our hands together for a better To'abaita through reconciliation and peace whilst acknowledging the commonness and our identity to bring about better alternatives to rebuild our society and promote our image to outsiders.

Caption describing picture or graphic.

Mr. Wilfred Atomea received a cash prize of FJD$100 for his winning logo, which was kindly donated by Leliana Daowana Firisua.

Wilfred Atomea receiving his prize