Gizo Duo Secure Jobs Upon Completing CAUSE II Redi4Waka Training

TWO young people from different backgrounds are proving that with the right support, skills, and opportunities, employment and a brighter future are within reach.

Through the CAUSE II Project's Redi4Waka work-readiness training programme, Mr. Rooney Hitu and Ms. Filisters Firusia have secured employment, highlighting the positive impact of the project's efforts to support unemployed and vulnerable urban residents in Gizo, Munda and Noro.

Implemented under Component 3: Enhanced Urban Productivity, the CAUSE II Project helps participants develop the skills, confidence and knowledge needed to enter the workforce and improve their livelihoods.

For Rooney Hitu, a father of two and graduate of Vanga Rural Training Centre and Vanga Teachers College, finding a job after completing his studies was a struggle.

"Life felt useless at that time," Rooney said, recalling a period when unemployment led him into negative influences.

After attending Redi4Waka Training Batch 4 in Gizo in October 2025, Rooney gained practical skills in job applications, CV writing and interview preparation. He later applied to St. Peter Rural Training Centre and successfully secured a position as a Carpentry Teacher.

"The training gave me confidence and showed me the right steps to find a job," he said.

For Filisters Firusia, employment also seemed out of reach. Forced to leave school after Grade 6 due to financial challenges, she believed her limited education would prevent her from finding work.

After completing Redi4Waka Training Batch 10 in March 2026, Filisters developed the confidence and skills needed to apply for jobs. Soon after, she successfully secured employment as a cleaner at BSP Bank's Gizo Branch.

"The training helped me believe that I can do it," she said.

Their success reflects the broader goals of the CAUSE II Project's Enhanced Urban Productivity component, which focuses on improving employment opportunities, skills development and economic inclusion.

A flagship initiative under the component, Redi4Waka equips participants with practical job-readiness and life skills while preparing them for employment opportunities both within and beyond the project.

Across Solomon Islands, Component 3 activities are being implemented in Honiara, Auki, Gizo, Noro and Munda. The project aims to train more than 700 people in literacy and numeracy skills, support over 1,600 micro-business owners through income-generation training and provide approximately 4,700 vulnerable people with training and short-term employment opportunities.

The stories of Rooney and Filisters demonstrate how Redi4Waka is helping people build confidence, gain employment and create better futures for themselves, their families and their communities.

ENDS////