CAUSE II and LASI Strengthen Communities Through Literacy and Opportunity

HONIARA, Solomon Islands – A community-focused partnership between the CAUSE II Project and the Literacy Association of Solomon Islands (LASI) is transforming lives by equipping people across the country with foundational literacy skills.

Through this collaboration, CAUSE II integrates literacy training into its broader community development and employment programs, while LASI delivers structured, high-quality instruction grounded in local engagement. The initiative places a strong focus on women, youth, and other vulnerable groups—helping to bridge gaps in access to education and opportunity.

CAUSE II Training and Support Services Team Leader, Judy Fangalasu’u, emphasized the broader impact of the initiative:

“By combining literacy training with community development work, we are creating opportunities that go beyond short-term employment. We are building skills that people will carry with them for life.”

As of 17 April 2026, CAUSE II and LASI have successfully completed a series of intensive eight-week literacy training programs across communities in Honiara, Greater Guadalcanal, Auki, and Noro-Munda and Gizo. These include training batches in Henderson (Emmanuel), Mbokona, and Nine Ridge, along with additional programs delivered in the above-mentioned urban centers.

The impact is already being felt across participating communities.

“This training has helped many of us gain confidence. Before, some of us could not even read our Bibles—but now we can read and write,” said Nester Mauala on behalf of the Nine Ridge graduates. “These skills will help us support our families and contribute to our community.”

Looking ahead, the program is set to expand further in 2026.

Judy Fangalasu’u confirmed that 15 additional training batches are planned throughout the year, with sessions scheduled across Honiara, Auki, Gizo, and Noro between May and December. Two final batches will be delivered in 2027, bringing the program to a total of 28 training batches and an estimated 708 participants.

Participants who successfully complete the literacy training become eligible for the CAUSE II Redi4Waka program—a seven-day life skills course that prepares individuals for short-term employment opportunities as community workers under the project.

This integrated approach ensures that participants are not only gaining foundational literacy and numeracy skills but are also equipped with the confidence and practical readiness to engage in the workforce.

The CAUSE II–LASI partnership reflects a shared commitment to inclusive development, where education and opportunity go hand in hand to build stronger, more resilient communities across Solomon Islands.

Implemented by the Solomon Islands Government, CAUSE II is supported by the World Bank and the Australian Government through the PNG and Pacific Islands Umbrella Facility Multi-Donor Trust Fund. The project aims to improve urban infrastructure, strengthen climate resilience, and expand employment opportunities across key urban centers in Solomon Islands.

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