Adele Cubitt (past volunteer) – Legal Adviser (Research), Honiara in Solomon Islands

Adele is a New Zealander who was working in public law litigation for the UK Government in London prior to beginning her assignment in July 2009.

What Adele did in the Solomon Islands

Adele worked for Solomon Islands’ Truth and Reconciliation Commission. She worked in the Research Team which is responsible for taking statements from the public and carrying out investigations and research aimed at recording a true account of what happened throughout the conflict and the reasons why the conflict may have occurred.

The team undertook a statement-taking pilot which identified training needs for those collecting the statements. Adele was also involved in the process of defining the human rights violations to be assessed by the Commission and reviewed the court cases related to the tensions to identify any issues or violations the Commission needed to be made aware of. 

Making a positive impact

For Adele, just being able to help move things forward was a positive achievement. “We were a small team that was behind schedule, so every step forward counted”

One of Adele’s highlights

“Solomon Islanders are some of the most welcoming, generous, funny and resilient people I have ever met, especially the women. I made some fantastic friends who went out of their way to make me feel welcome. Some of my best times were sitting around sharing stories with a group of women.”

What the Solomon Islands taught Adele

“I was constantly required to be on my toes and ensure I maintain respect and deference to cultural rules. No matter how long I stay there, I will never know the full depth and complexity of the culture.”

“Patience (everything there is on ‘Solomon time’), to accept what I can’t change and to only speak once I am sure it’s my turn!”

“That I have so much more to learn. I think this is something all volunteers must be aware of: You may have a skill to teach, but you are more of the student.”