Too Old for School? David Malefo Proves It’s Never Too Late to Learn

AT 58-years-old, David Malefo never imagined he would one day proudly hold a pen, read words for himself, and sit confidently in a classroom ever.

For most of his life, reading and writing were things other people did – not him. But today however, the father from Ata’a in Northeast Malaita stands as a symbol of determination, resilience, and second chances.

Just a month ago, David was among 24 graduates from 9 Ridge community in Central Honiara who completed eight weeks of intensive literacy training under the Community Access and Urban Services Enhancement II (CAUSE II) Project in partnership with the Literacy Association of Solomon Islands (LASI).

Now, he has taken another step forward.

This month, David joined Batch 18 of the CAUSE II Project’s Redi4Waka (R4W) work-readiness training – a seven-day program designed to equip women, youth and vulnerable groups with practical life and employment skills.

For David, the journey has already changed his life.

“I am truly grateful for the literacy training that the others and I underwent last month. For myself, it has truly helped me a lot. Now I can read, write and better understand what we are taught every day in this R4W training.”

His words may sound simple, but behind them lies a lifetime of struggle.

When David first heard about the literacy program, he wanted to attend immediately – but not everyone believed he should, including his family.

For many people, such words would have been enough to stop trying – not for David though, as he refused to give-up and reaped the fruits of his hard-work by becoming one of the first male literacy graduates in his community.

Today, the same family members who once doubted him now stand proudly beside him.

“We are very proud of him. We are happy that he can now read, write and is actively involving in all training programs organised in our community.”

David’s story reflects something much bigger happening quietly across Solomon Islands' communities.

Programs like CAUSE II are not only about maintaining roads, building footpaths, Jacobs ladders, drainage systems and public infrastructure – they are also rebuilding confidence and restoring dignity for people who have often been left behind.

Implemented by the Government of Solomon Islands with support from the World Bank and the Australian Government, the CAUSE II Project combines community development with social inclusion and livelihood support. Through partnerships with organisations like LASI, the project delivers literacy and numeracy training directly into communities, opening doors for people who missed out on formal education earlier in life.

The Redi4Waka program is part of this wider effort.

The training helps participants develop work-readiness skills, build self-confidence, and prepare for employment opportunities linked to community projects and future livelihoods.

For participants like David, literacy has become the foundation for everything else.

Inside the training room, he now follows lessons more easily, understands instructions better, and participates with growing confidence.

Batch 18 of the R4W training comprises of community members from White River, Panatina, Papaho, Mbokona, and 9 Ridge – including several who had completed the literacy program alongside David.

Together they represent a powerful reminder that learning has no age limit.

Across Solomon Islands, literacy challenges remain a reality for many adults, especially among vulnerable groups and those who never had access to formal education.

But stories like David’s show how opportunity, encouragement, and community support can transform lives.

As he continues the R4W training, David says he is looking forward to one important moment – receiving his Certificate.

For some, a certificate may simply be a piece of paper, but for David Malefo, it represents something far greater – A Proof That It Is Never Too Late To Learn.

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