BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
The Disability People Association Solomon Islands (DPASI) has set an ambitious goal of creating a corporate society by 2025 to combat poverty.
In a recent exclusive interview with Island Sun, DPASI Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Casper Fa’asala elaborated on this initiative, explaining that it will begin with the involvement of workers and volunteers and later expand to include some of DPASI’s self-help groups, which are already participating in small-scale income-generating activities.
Fa’asala highlighted the initiative’s overarching aim of addressing poverty, noting that individuals with disabilities experience poverty at a rate ten times higher than their able-bodied counterparts.
“We are the most impoverished group. Whether in the Solomon Islands or wealthier nations, individuals with disabilities are invariably the most adversely affected,” Fa’asala said.
He explained that the primary focus is to explore ways DPASI can facilitate income generation for individuals with disabilities. A recent survey revealed that many individuals with disabilities possess significant skills, making it crucial to create opportunities for them to earn an income.
“Some individuals are already starting income-generating projects, such as raising chicks and chickens, crafting baskets, and engaging in carving,” he noted.
Fa’asala emphasized that the corporate society will not rely on traditional retail outlets to sell goods already available in the market.
“We will explore alternative materials where individuals with disabilities can be the producers. This may include a variety of products, such as furniture and vegetables, leading to the establishment of specialized stores. For instance, if they engage in agriculture, we will look into providing refrigeration for selling their products,” he said.
“We know that many individuals are involved in dyeing clothes, sewing outfits, and carving. Our goal is to create diverse stores that accommodate these various products, all under one roof through this corporate society. This initiative will benefit everyone,” Fa’asala added.
He further stated that no such DPASI business currently exists in Honiara.
“We envision it as a hub for tourism as well as the general public. We hope that Members of Parliament will be motivated to support this corporate society by purchasing goods once we open the market,” Fa’asala said.
“This is a significant agenda for the upcoming year. We will begin discussions with the Ministry of Commerce to determine the best approach to launch this initiative. The management will be entrusted to individuals with the necessary skills. Many of our members have received training, with some being graduates from SINU and others holding degrees in accounting,” Fa’asala explained. “This initiative will encompass both the production aspect and the management of the corporate society once it becomes operational,” he concluded.
