Amie, a documentary filmmaker with family members in Lilisiana, conducted numerous discussions and interviews on film with many community members and groups.  It was identified that there were key issues that needed to be addressed:  food and water supply (health), education and income generation.   The need for small gardens close to home was identified, the need for the local Kindergarten to have basic materials was stressed and with high unemployment - the need for families to have income was apparent.  Amie assisted the women in the community to set up the women’s group called Fui Geli Asi (group of women by the sea).  Since then the group has been successful in gaining funding for three water tanks.  The group also discussed the possibility of a Women’s Information Day.  Arriving back in Australia, Amie has maintained contact with the community and formed a project working group to help address some of these issues.     

Project Helpim Lilisiana specifically targeted Women and Children - two groups that have been identified as particularly vulnerable in the Solomon Islands in this current climate.  In the village women hold a pivotal role in the family structure nurturing children and being responsible for all household duties such as water and firewood collection.  The first point of education in the village is Lilisiana Kindergarten, a one-room traditional building for approximately 100 children under the age of five.  Three underpaid teachers run classes in the mornings 5 days a week with no facilities and no resources - just strong minds and a willingness to share knowledge.  

Project Helpim Lilisiana relied on volunteer work and donations.  This is the first of a series of short term and long term community projects in Lilisiana.   

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All content and photography © Amie Batalibasi 2011