ADRA Solomon Islands

04/06/2026

𝐁𝐢𝐠 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐨𝐜𝐨𝐚 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐨 𝐋𝐚𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐧
The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Solomon Islands has been encouraged by the positive progress made by cocoa farmers in Marovo Lagoon following a recent monitoring and baseline visit to project sites from 29 May-June 2, 2026.
The visit highlighted the significant impact of a week-long Cocoa Establishment, Rehabilitation, Quality Assurance, and Management Training conducted in October last year. The training was funded through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP) via ADRA Australia and implemented by ADRA Solomon Islands through the Sustainable Economic and Agricultural Solutions (SEAS) Project.
The Cocoa Training was held from 20–23 October, brought together 16 participants, including both new and existing cocoa farmers from East and West Marovo. The training was facilitated by private cocoa consultant Mr. Robert Waisu and covered key topics such as cocoa pruning, nursery management, site selection, grafting, radical pruning, harvesting, fermentation, and marketing.
During the Baseline survey and monitoring visit last week, the ADRA team observed remarkable improvements in the cocoa farms of participating farmers. Many have established cocoa nurseries, planted new cocoa trees, and applied improved farming practices learned during the training.
The team visited farmers in Peava Village, Kavolavata, Malopas (opposite Mbili), Gevala (Malolo), Tige Island, Kokete, Ketoketo, Bisuana, and Midemide Island.
The monitoring visit provided an opportunity to gather first-hand information from farmers and understand both their achievements and challenges following the training.
𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐜𝐨𝐚 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
Mrs. Hellen Willie Oke, owner of a cocoa farm in Gevala ,Malolo, said the training had greatly improved her cocoa plantation.
“I would like to thank ADRA for the training conducted last year. I have seen significant improvements in my cocoa farm,” she said.
“The trees that were pruned are now producing more pods, and the trees where we applied side and top grafting are growing healthy and producing well. The training has had a big impact on my small cocoa plantation.”
Mr. Janrick Lalao, owner of Tige Cocoa Farm Plantation, said the training taught him the importance of proper cocoa spacing and farm layout under his coconut plantation at his Island.
“Before the training, I didn’t know the correct spacing for cocoa planting. After attending the training, I applied the recommended four-metre spacing between trees,” he said.
“I have now established more than 300 cocoa seedlings on my island, and they are growing well. I thank ADRA for teaching me the correct methods of cocoa planting and farm organisation.”
Mr. Merick Belo of Midemide Island also shared how the training transformed his understanding of cocoa nursery management.
“Before the training, I didn’t know how to establish a cocoa nursery or use the correct planting measurements,” he said.
“After attending the training, I learned how to raise seedlings and plant cocoa using the recommended 4m x 4m spacing. My cocoa trees are growing healthy and in an organised manner.”
“I thank ADRA for providing this valuable training and encourage them to continue supporting farmers with similar programs in the future.”
𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗖𝗼𝗰𝗼𝗮 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗘𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗱
Mr. Tommy Jimmy from Bisuana Village shared that his family has already established more than 300 cocoa seedlings after his wife attended the training.
“When my wife returned from the training, we immediately started a nursery and planted cocoa seedlings. Today, our cocoa trees are growing well in our gardens,” he said.
“The training gave us practical knowledge on nursery establishment and proper cocoa planting methods. We are happy and excited to see our plantation developing.”
Mrs. Tenia Lawrence from Ketoketo shared that although she faced challenges in establishing a cocoa nursery and planting cocoa due to family commitments, she and her husband were still able to establish and plant more than 100 cocoa seedlings.
“Although I faced challenges because of many family commitments, my husband and I were able to raise more than 100 cocoa seedlings and successfully plant them,” she said.
“We have identified new sites where we plan to transplant more seedlings, and we will continue to establish additional nurseries. I would like to thank ADRA because we have been able to apply the knowledge and skills we gained from the training held at Malolo. The training has helped us put good cocoa farming practices into action here in our community.”
ADRA Solomon Islands, through the SEAS Project, will continue supporting cocoa farmers in Marovo Lagoon by providing additional training on cocoa fermentation, processing, and post-harvest management to strengthen the cocoa value chain and improve farmers' livelihoods.
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Seventh-Day Adventist Church - Solomon Islands
ADRA Australia
ADRA South Pacific
ADRA International

26/05/2026

𝐂𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐄𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠
The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Solomon Islands, through its Disaster Ready Church (DRC) Project, has successfully completed a one-day Disaster Training for the Western Sub Regional Office of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Solomon Islands.
The training was held on 13 May at the Western Sub Regional Office in Kukudu, Western Province, and was facilitated by ADRA Emergency Support Staff, Mr. Raynick Jack.
The DRC Project aims to support the Trans-Pacific Union Mission (TPUM) for Christ by equipping Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) mission leaders, church members, and communities with the skills, structures, and resources needed to prepare for and respond to disasters across churches in Solomon Islands.
A total of 13 participants attended the training, representing the Western Sub Regional Office, Kukudu Adventist College (KAC) staff including the school chaplain, and SDA ministers from Iriri Village, Ghatere Village, and Hambere Village on South Kolobangara Island.
The training focused on helping participants develop an Emergency Management Plan for the Western Sub Regional Office while also reflecting on the recent impacts of Tropical Cyclone Maila, which affected Western and Choiseul Provinces.
ADRA Emergency Support Staff, Mr. Raynick Jack, said the disaster training concluded successfully with a practical session.
"After the training, we conducted a practical session on the use of fire extinguishers so participants could learn how to properly use them during times of disaster."
"We were also able to establish a disaster committee for WSRO, while Kukudu School already has a disaster committee in place that will be reviewed again, and they will inform me of the outcome," Jack said.
He added that the project also provided a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, and support for their generator house.
"The training was completed successfully, and the participants were very happy and excited. Since TC Maila had just ended, the training came at the right time for them."
"I would like to thank WSRO, KAC staff, and the ministers from surrounding villages for attending this very important training, especially when it comes to disaster preparedness," Mr. Jack said.
Meanwhile, construction of ramps for four churches is progressing well. For the Northern Sub Office, SIM Office, and Western Sub Office, construction has been completed. An assessment for the Malaita Sub Office ramp will be carried out in the coming weeks before construction begins.
This Disaster Training was funded by the South Pacific Division (SPD), Trans-Pacific Union Mission (TPUM), and Solomon Islands Mission (SIM) through the DRC Project.
Photo Captions:
1. ADRA Emergency National Coordinator, Mr. Raynick Jack, providing fire extinguisher training.
2. Participants taking part in colour code training for disaster preparedness.
3. Participants trying out the fire extinguisher during the practical training session.
4. Associate Director of Western Sub Office, Pr. Jason Gulea, trying the fire extinguisher during the practical session.
5. Participants practicing the use of fire extinguishers after the training as part of their practical session.

Seventh-Day Adventist Church - Solomon Islands
ADRA Australia
ADRA South Pacific

15/05/2026

Serving beyond the pulpit says Minister Cowley, who works with ADRA for relief distribution during TC Maila
https://www.facebook.com/share/1B13EzTzfe/

Seventh-Day Adventist Church - Solomon Islands
ADRA Australia
ADRA South Pacific

Solomon Islands minister Cowley Ngatulu says his volunteer work with the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) has shown him that ministry is about more than preaching—it is also about serving people in practical ways during times of crisis. The 40-year-old district director for Central K...

08/05/2026

𝗔𝗗𝗥𝗔 𝗩𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗔𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗜𝗢𝗠 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝗚𝗶𝘇𝗼
Eleven Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) and Church Agency Network Disaster Operation (CANDO) Volunteers participated in a two-day displacement assessment training held in Gizo.
The training took place at the Youth Hub in Gizo on 29–30 April, followed by a half-day briefing and planning session at the Gizo SDA Church on 5 May.
The training was facilitated by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and included volunteers who will be deployed to affected communities to conduct displacement assessments using the Kobo data collection tool.
ADRA Emergency National Coordinator Raynick Jack confirmed that the volunteers have now completed their training and are actively supporting IOM assessments in the field.
“Assessments have already been completed in West Gizo and Simbo, and the team is now preparing to move on to Rannoga for the next two weeks of assessments,” he said.
He added that the focus is on displaced populations to support a coordinated response and recovery effort.
“All our volunteers in Gizo have taken part in this training and are now out in the affected communities conducting assessments,” he said.
Mr Jack also acknowledged IOM for facilitating the training, noting it has strengthened the volunteers’ capacity to effectively use the Kobo tool during field assessments.
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Seventh-Day Adventist Church - Solomon Islands
ADRA Australia
ADRA South Pacific
Disaster READY

05/05/2026

𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗖𝗼𝗰𝗼𝗮 𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗿: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗝𝗮𝘆 𝗧𝗲𝗶𝗸𝗮
For someone in the village, becoming a trainer who helps others succeed is often seen as something only possible with tertiary-level education and technical qualifications. However, this is not the case for 44-year-old cocoa Farmer named Jay Teika from Geza Village in Northeast Guadalcanal, who is now actively sharing his cocoa knowledge with farmers in his community on proper solar drying and fermentation techniques.
“I don’t have much formal knowledge on cocoa, but I do have a cocoa farm. I only apply the knowledge and skills I learned from ADRA cocoa training, and I now train Farmers in my village,” Mr. Teika said.
He added, “I don’t like to keep or hide this knowledge. I share what I learned from ADRA cocoa training with my Farmers here to help them produce better quality cocoa beans for ADRA and other buyers,” he said in an interview with the ADRA Communications Team.
This week, Mr. Teika organized a training for 17 cocoa farmers in Geza Village, including 7 women and 10 men, using very limited resources.
Mr Teika Teika, aged 44, comes from Geza Village in Northeast Guadalcanal. He is an ADRA cocoa Farmer and a father of four girls. He joined ADRA in 2015 as a cocoa Farmer and has since participated in most of ADRA’s cocoa training sessions conducted both in Honiara and in Geza.
Through these trainings, Mr Teika gained valuable knowledge in cocoa farming, fermentation, post-harvest handling, proper drying, and quality bean selection to meet market standards. Before this, he had limited knowledge in these areas.
“I don’t have resources to organize training, but I use the knowledge I gained from ADRA and share it with our local Farmers,” he explained.
During the training, he taught Farmers how to properly ferment cocoa in boxes, dry beans under the sun, select quality beans, and transport cocoa from Geza to Honiara.
“I don’t have formal qualifications, but I use the training ADRA provided to me and pass it on to our Farmers,” the 44-year-old cocoa Farmer said.
“I am happy to run this training even without support, because I want our Farmers to have the same knowledge and skills I received’’
“Keeping knowledge to myself is not good. Sharing it helps everyone grow,” he added.
He further expressed appreciation to ADRA, saying:
“I would like to thank ADRA for the trainings I attended. I have now become a trainer in my village to help other cocoa Farmers. We all want to produce good quality beans for the market, because when we export cocoa, we are representing our country, not just our village.”
“Thank you to ADRA Solomon Islands and to ADRA Australia for funding the cocoa training that allowed me to gain this knowledge, which I now share with my Farmers. It is really making an impact in my community,” Mr Teika said.
Today, Mr Teika has grown into a community trainer. He has already trained 17 cocoa Farmers in Geza Village and number is growing, sharing the skills and knowledge he received from ADRA. He teaches proper fermentation techniques, post-harvest handling, drying methods, and cocoa bean selection to improve quality and market value.
As a result of applying these skills, his family’s income has improved, and he has gained confidence in mentoring other Farmers. His role has now expanded from being a Farmer to but also becoming a local resource person in his community.
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Seventh-Day Adventist Church - Solomon Islands
ADRA Australia
ADRA South Pacific
ADRA International

27/04/2026

𝐀𝐃𝐑𝐀 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐂𝐲𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐚–𝐀𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐯𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐊𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐦𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐫𝐚
The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Solomon Islands has successfully responded to 137 households in three of the most affected villages at South Kolombangara in Western Province.
This villages are namely Poporo, Ghatere, and Vavanga in South Kolobangara who were identified through ADRA assessment as among the hardest hit by Cyclone Maila.
Poporo village (20 households), Vavanga village (73 households), and Ghatere village (44 households) received NFIs, food items, hygiene kits, and blankets from ADRA SI in partnership with WVSI. The distribution was jointly supported by WVSI and the Western Sub Mission of the SDA Church.
ADRA Solomon Islands (ADRA SI) has worked closely with the NDMO Office in Honiara to deliver Non-Food Items (NFI) and hygiene kits to Western Province, supporting rapid disaster response efforts in affected villages on Kolobangara.
ADRA SI also collaborated with the Provincial Disaster Operations Centre (PDOC), the Western Provincial Government, and other stakeholders to conduct assessments in the most affected villages in Vella. ADRA SI has partnered with WVSI to deliver NFI to these villages.
In response, ADRA activated its emergency response plan and worked closely with the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre (PEOC) and the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) in Gizo to deliver rapid assistance to the affected communities.
ADRA Solomon Islands is now coordinating with each partner and donors to support ongoing recovery efforts in Kolombangara, Simbo, Ranongga, and Vella Lavella, while continuing strong collaboration with PEOC and NDMO.
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Seventh-Day Adventist Church - Solomon Islands
ADRA Australia
ADRA South Pacific

27/04/2026

𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐒𝐄𝐇𝐎𝐋𝐃 𝐁𝐀𝐒𝐄𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐄 𝐒𝐔𝐑𝐕𝐄𝐘 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐃𝐔𝐂𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐈𝐍 𝐏𝐀𝐏𝐀𝐆𝐀 𝐕𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐀𝐆𝐄
The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Solomon Islands, through its Sustainable Economic and Agricultural Solutions (SEAS) Project, has successfully completed its first household Baseline Survey in Papaga Village, Northeast Guadalcanal.
A household baseline survey is the first data collection done at the start of a project to understand the current situation of households in a community before any activities begin.
Papaga is a new community engaged under the SEAS Project. The Baseline Survey was carried out by six ADRA volunteers and two ADRA staff on Wednesday 22 April and Thursday 23 April.
SEAS Project Officer, Reidly Harold, confirmed that the survey was conducted successfully and will play a key role in guiding the project’s implementation.
“Papaga is a new community that SEAS Project is currently working with, and we have planned cocoa training for next month,” Mr Harold said.
“Through this Baseline Survey, we aim to better understand the community at the beginning of the project and measure the progress and impact by the end of the project,” he added.
Mr Harold also acknowledged the response and good collaboration from the Community Leaders with the given support and hospitality of the Papaga Community Members.
“On behalf of the ADRA SEAS Project, I would like to sincerely thank the people of Papaga Village for their warm response to our team and for taking good care of us during our time there”
“We look forward to continuing our work with the community and delivering the planned activities through the SEAS Project, ’’Mr Harold said.
The household baseline survey was funded by the Australian Government through DFAT, supported by ADRA Australia, and implemented by ADRA Solomon Islands.
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Seventh-Day Adventist Church - Solomon Islands
ADRA Australia
ADRA South Pacific

16/04/2026

𝗔𝗗𝗥𝗔 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗥𝗮𝗽𝗶𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝘆𝗰𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗲-𝗔𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗦𝗶𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗪𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗲
The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Solomon Islands is currently in the field supporting rapid response assessments in cyclone-affected communities in Western Province. This work is being carried out in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO), the Western Provincial Government, and other partner NGOs following the impacts of Cyclone Maila.
Two ADRA staff (Sharon Kele and Denver Newter) are part of the provincial rapid response assessment team working closely with NDMO through the Western Provincial Government to conduct rapid assessments across affected islands and working closely with the Western Sub Office in Kukudu of the SDA Mission to carry out assessments in affected communities on Kolombangara Island.
ADRA has also prepared Non-Food Items (NFIs), including hygiene kits to support 100 families in the affected areas, those materials which have been loaded onto the ship chartered by NDMO to support affected communities. ADRA has briefed the Provincial Disaster Operations Committee (PDOC) team in Gizo on its response plans and support for ongoing disaster relief operations following Cyclone Maila.
ADRA is pleased to work alongside the Government through NDMO and the SDA Church in supporting communities affected by the recent cyclone. 🤝🌏🚢
All ADRA NFI arrived today in Gizo and have been transported to Kukudu. Distribution will begin tomorrow across some of the affected communities on Kolombangara.
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Seventh-Day Adventist Church - Solomon Islands
ADRA Australia
ADRA South Pacific

11/04/2026

Thank You Adventist Record for sharing .Yes, ADRA SI prepares to respond.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17ZLJhVJEn/
Seventh-Day Adventist Church - Solomon Islands
ADRA Australia
ADRA South Pacific

ADRA Solomon Islands is preparing a coordinated emergency response following the devastation caused by Tropical Cyclone Maila in parts of Western Province and Choiseul. Emergency management coordinator Raynick Ray said communication systems had been activated and staff briefed on the National Emerge...

09/04/2026

𝐒𝐀𝐒𝐀𝐆𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐀 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐊𝐎𝐊𝐄𝐐𝐎𝐋𝐎 𝐃𝐈𝐒𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐈𝐓𝐓𝐄𝐄𝐒 𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐃
Two communities in Western Province that recently established Disaster and Emergency Committees through the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Solomon Islands’ Church Agency Network Disaster Operations (CANDO) Disaster Ready 2 Project have now activated their response plans following the impact of Cyclone Maila.
The communities of Sasaghana in Central Marovo Lagoon and Kokeqolo in Munda have activated their disaster response plans as strong winds and heavy rain affected their areas.
Meanwhile Sasaghana Disaster and Emergency Committees has activated their plans which resulted with five households, totaling 19 people—mostly women and children—were safely evacuated to the church building.
According to the Emergency Centre Manager Mr , one house had its roof ripped off by strong winds, another house was destroyed, and one house is at risk of collapse after its posts were damaged. Two bridges connecting families to the main village were also washed away.
Sasaghana Disaster and Emergency Centre Manager Hilton George updated , said the training conducted earlier in March was timely and very helpful.
“We responded according to what we learned and were able to help our community members evacuate safely to the evacuation centre. We also carried out awareness in the community as we knew bad weather was coming, so people were alerted. We learned the importance of preparedness and setting aside savings for emergencies like this,” he said.
Mr Goerge also reported that food shortages are expected soon as food gardens were damaged by heavy rain and fruit trees blown down by strong winds.
“There will be a need for food as gardens have been washed out and many families will rely on small canteens and nearby stores,” he added.
Meanwhile, Mr Goerge thanked the CANDO team, ADRA Solomon Islands, and the Western Provincial Disaster Office (NDMO staff) for the timely preparedness training conducted before the cyclone struck.
“Cyclone Maila really tested our disaster response plan and gave us practical experience in responding to emergencies,” he said.
In Kokeqolo, the Disaster Committee also activated its response plan, carried out awareness in the community, and assisted families living along the coast to move to safer locations.
📸 Photo captions:
1.Sasaghana Disaster and Emergency Committee members responding to houses affected by Cyclone Maila in Sasaghana.
Seventh-Day Adventist Church - Solomon Islands
ADRA South Pacific


Disaster READY