Free Training For Solo Mothers

Single mothers struggling to make ends meet are encouraged to participate in a training programme by the Solo Moms Project.

Project manager, Esita Karanavatu, said the sole purpose of the project was to alleviate poverty and minimise the co-dependency by single mothers who heavily rely on their immediate family members for their children’s livelihood.

“For the second batch of 2022, we wish to recruit 20 women trainees within the Lami to Navua corridor,” she said.

“The training will run from August to December from 9am to 3.30pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and children are looked after by daycare staff.”

Ms Karanavatu said the trainees would undergo an intensive 20-week life skill training culminating in a graduation event after which they will be given their business starter packs.

“They learn how to make jewellery, how to bake, cook, how to make crafts and sewing with the aim of running their own business according to the majors they choose,” she said.

“After the women have completed their training, they will be given a starter pack to help start their business which will be monitored and evaluated.”

Ms Karanavatu added the women would be trained by skilled trainers from different organisations.

The project was co-founded by International Needs New Zealand and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, New Zealand.

The training would be held at their centre in Caubati, Nasinu.

Applications close on May 31, 2022, and participants would be finalised by July.

Application forms are available on Solo Moms Project Facebook Page.

Single mum, Ledua’s experience

When Ledua Soqoiwasa walked out on her husband six years ago, she told herself she would do anything in her power to support her children.

The single mother of four was dabbling in many kinds of vending until she was able to sustain her children better with a home-based business which she started after completing a training in jewellery making, thanks to Solo Moms Project.

The 35-year-old was heavily dependent on her husband for livelihood. After she left him, she decided to live with her parents.

Her late father advised her to operate a small business to provide for her children.

“My father told me to make roti parcels to sell it at the school he taught at,” she said.

“He found out about the Solo Moms Project during a grog session in the community and he sent in an application on my behalf without informing me.

“I was shocked to get an interview from the Solo Moms Project. At that time, I was doing small jobs like doing laundry at houses in the area I reside for three days a week.”

Ms Soqoiwasa said she was the last person to arrive for an interview.

“I went there running during my 30 minutes break and by the time I reached there, I thought everyone had left,” she said.

“But luckily, they were there and I was the last person to be interviewed. I was shocked when I was selected on the same day.”

Ms Soqoiwasa took part in the jewellery making training last year and said her life had changed compared to five years ago.

“I am very thankful to the Solo Moms Project for the training; I sold the earrings, saved money and bought the materials to weave mats.

“Now I have the potential to provide my children everything, we eat whatever we want, go wherever we want to go without depending on anyone.

“My father has passed away and now I look after my mum from the business that my dad had encouraged me to venture into.

“I wish he was still here. He was my biggest motivator.”

Ms Soqoiwasa encouraged single mothers to apply for the free training programme provided by the Solo Moms Project.

“It does not matter how old you are or how many kids you have, this training can change your life,” she added.

“Sometimes we have skills, but we don’t show it because we think about our children and because of previous family problems.

“I would have been running around to earn money if I wouldn’t have been provided the training.”

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