Seven widowed women from the Kukum Seventh-day Adventist Church in Honiara, Solomon Islands, have stepped in to support ADRA’s Cocoa Project team, helping with the grading and sorting of cocoa beans.
The women initially approached ADRA expressing interest in the savings program that the agency often facilitates in communities. As they are not cocoa farmers, ADRA invited them to assist with cocoa grading while plans to implement the savings program are being finalised.
The women began work on December 4 at ADRA’s cocoa storage and drying facilities in Kukum, with the ADRA staff guiding them through the grading and sorting processes.
Patrick Mesia, project manager for the Sustainable Economic and Agricultural Solutions (SEAS) Project, said the women will work for one to two weeks.
For the widows, the opportunity provides not only income but also new skills.
Secily Valalea, 72, expressed her appreciation: “I would like to thank ADRA for providing this opportunity for me as a widow to come and help with cocoa grading and sorting. I am happy because this will help me earn a small income and learn how to grade and sort cocoa beans.”
Nellie Jamakana also shared her gratitude: “Thank you ADRA for this small opportunity. Since I am a babysitter, I am happy to come and help here. As an older woman, I am glad to spend a few weeks assisting with this cocoa project,” she said.
Through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade-funded SEAS Project, ADRA continues to support marginalised cocoa farmers—including women and people with visible and non-visible disabilities—improving access to agricultural resources, training and market opportunities, and promoting greater social inclusion and economic independence.
