VSA in Solomon Islands

VSA volunteer profiles

Celia Burton – Training Adviser

Celia Burton is a Training Adviser at Kolombangara Forest Products Limited (KFPL) in the Solomon Islands. She completes her assignment in September 2012. View Profile

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About the Solomon Islands

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The Solomon Islands has over 900 islands, 5,000 rural villages and 550,000 people. Between 1999 and 2003 it experienced a period of violent conflict, which took its toll on the country with a need for reconciliation and ongoing peace and security measures. A request for assistance by the Government in 2003 led Australia, New Zealand and other Pacific Island countries to help form the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI) which restored peace and security and continues to operate today.

Underlying Solomon Islands culture is the wantok system. Wantok, or ‘one talk’, refers to the people who speak your language or your extended family/clan; a Solomon Islander’s primary loyalty will be to their wantoks. The country is predominately Christian, but indigenous faith and spirituality are still important to many.

Economy

Most of the population live a subsistence lifestyle, depending on agriculture, fishing, and forestry for part of its livelihood. Many of the country’s natural timber resources have been exploited by foreign companies leaving little benefit for the local population. There are limited formal employment opportunities.

Development challenges

The challenges for economic development are many. Over 75 per cent of people live a subsistence lifestyle and unemployment rates are high with few vocational training opportunities available to those living in villages. The numbers of children enrolled in all levels of schooling are some of the lowest in the Pacific region. This, and the shortage of trained teachers, is a fundamental challenge in education. Restoring law and order, re-establishing governance and public service delivery following the conflict in the early 2000s, at both national and provincial government level, are key governance challenges.

Find out more about VSA's involvement in Solomon Islands by reading the recent case study:Lighting a fire. Read case study

Living and working in the Solomon Islands

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Language and culture

VSA assignments usually last two years, so local language training is important. We provide basic language training (pidgin) at the start of assignments and follow up training if necessary during assignment.

Understanding local customs is vital to a successful assignment. The Solomon Islands is typical of many developing countries where people do not usually approach things head on. In Melanesia there is a saying that, 'if you want to enter the front door, you walk all the way around the house first'.

Gender relationships

The Solomon Islands is a strongly patriarchal society and holds conservative attitudes about the role of men and women in society.  Women tend to socialise with women, and men with men. 

Housing and living conditions

We provide our volunteers with basic, furnished accommodation with gas facilities for cooking. In Honiara, you’ll probably have access to power (although power outages can be a daily occurrence), phone, internet, piped water, restaurants, a variety of shops and large expatriate population.  Provincial towns are well serviced compared to rural areas, and most, with the exception of Taro, have access to power. In rural areas, power will be generator-based if it is available. Mains water supply is not recommended for drinking so boil water, use a purifier, or drink bottled water.

Dress standards

The Solomon Islands is a conservative country and some western style clothing is not appropriate.  Loose fitting, light, cotton clothing is best. For men choose long pants, knee length shorts and short sleeved shirts.  For women, dresses, skirts and t-shirts are commonly worn – sleeveless shirts are also acceptable.  Don’t expose skin above the knee though, especially when attending traditional events. Being barefoot inside the house is the rule and remember that rural areas and provincial towns will be more conservative than Honiara.

Safety

We provide all volunteers with a thorough security briefing prior to departure and specific local issues are covered during your in-country orientation. In general, there are no problems moving around the majority of Honiara and provincial centres during the day but it is not safe to walk alone in Honiara after dark.  Over 98 per cent of land and coastal marine area is in traditional ownership. Strangers cannot wander freely through private or empty land without first seeking permission – always take a trusted local person with you.  

Health

Malaria is endemic in the majority of the Solomon Islands and all our volunteers must use malarial prophylaxis. Other precautions are still recommended, such as insect repellent and long sleeves / trousers in the evening if outside and a mosquito net if you are staying in villages. Skin infections can develop quickly so have a good supply of plasters, antibiotic cream and antibiotics.  Public hospitals are found in all provincial centres and smaller health centres are scattered throughout rural areas. Health care is basic and you’ll need to be responsible for managing your own health while on assignment.

Banking and finances

We open a local bank account for all volunteers once they arrive in the Solomons where monthly living allowances are paid into. There are ANZ, Westpac and Bank of the South Pacific (BSP) branches in Honiara and all provincial centres have a BSP agent where you can withdraw money.  A number of provincial centres also have solar-powered ANZ ATMs but BSP customers must withdraw funds through a teller. Local currency is the Solomon Islands dollar. Visit XE.com for current exchange rates.

Cell phones and email

The Solomon Islands has two cellular providers – Telekom and Bemobile. Coverage is increasing slowly but is not always reliable. When working, you can text and call internationally, but calls can be expensive.  Internet connections are very limited and slow compared to NZ.  There are Telekom buildings in the provincial centres and these are often the only places to send and receive faxes, check emails and use public pay phones.