SOLAR POWERED BOAT PIONEERED BY GAIRE WOMEN
By Therese PIDIK
The handover ceremony of the Solar Powered Dinghy was held yesterday at Gaire Village.
The project was handed over to the Kisere Women’s Cooperative Association by the Secretariat of Pacific Community through Funding from New Zealand Government for the women to use when going out fishing.
New Zealand Ambassador His Excellency Peter Zwart who was present at the ceremony commended the Women for pioneering this project whilst also acknowledging that such project encourages women empowerment and gender equality as well as address climate change.
Ambassador Zwart also congratulated the three women who graduated as trained and certified operators of the dinghy and further adds that the project is very practical and convenient for the women.
With the dinghy powered by solar, the womenfolk will save money on fuel and other items and is a financial benefit.
Ambassador Zwart says it was a pleasure the New Zealand Government had supported this project through SPC.
The boat was handed over to the Kisere Women’s Cooperative Association President at the Gaire Beach, Ward 1 in Hiri-Koiari district of Centra Province.
Tahina Booth, SPC Lead also commended the women of Gaire for breaking the barrier in pioneering this project.
Also present at the Event was Central Province Deputy Administrator Edward Kila, officials from National Maritime Safety Authority and Foreign Affairs, SPC members, the members of the media and the Gaire community.
Picture Caption: New Zealand High Commissioner His Excellency Peter Zwart and SPC Lead Tahina Booth, Central Province Deputy Administrator Edward Kila on board the Solar Powered Dinghy operated by a female operator.