Social Solutions International, Inc.

01/13/2025

Mismanaged household waste threatens the natural environment and marine areas in Ra Province in Fiji. Through the USAID - US Agency for International Development Pacific American Fund, proudly implemented in Fiji by Social Solutions International. Women in Fisheries Network- Fiji trained 26 village representatives from two rural districts with waste auditing. The training, facilitated by Ocean Litter Youth Project (POLYP) empowered communities to assess waste practices and create innovative, locally-driven solutions.

The empowered communities now have tools to reduce waste, protect their environment, and sustain cleaner ecosystems. To put their lessons into practice, the group conducted a beach cleanup along one of Fiji's busiest seawalls, then sorted and bagged the collected waste. Many thanks to all those involved for making this initiative a success! USAID Pacific Islands

01/05/2025

Congratulations to the Vitawa community, the University of Fiji, USAID - US Agency for International Development and the International Cooperation and Development Fund (TaiwanICDF) and Fiji Government who celebrated their first harvest of white shrimp and the restocking of their aquaculture ponds in November, 2024.

The milestone is part of the "Development of Entrepreneurial Skills Post COVID-19 through Rural Aquaculture" project, an initiative supported by a $350,000 grant from USAID through the Pacific American Fund (PAF). Designed to address challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, this project is helping transform aquaculture into a sustainable model for income generation and community resilience.

Through the project, the Vitawa community has been able to upgrade aquaculture facilities and learn new skills aimed at building a sustainable future for families. The shrimp harvest symbolizes innovation, teamwork, and a promise of growth —not just for the Vitawa community but for others across the Pacific seeking inspiration in this replicable model of success. Together, we are cultivating not just shrimp but also opportunity, self-sufficiency, and resilience. USAID Pacific Islands is implemented in the Pacifc by Social Solutions International

🌟 Milestone Achieved in Sustainable Aquaculture! 🌟

The University of Fiji proudly celebrates its first white shrimp harvest at Vitawa Village, a testament to our commitment to food security and empowering rural communities.

This milestone, achieved through a $350,000 USAID Pacific American Fund grant, showcases the power of collaboration between UniFiji, USAID, TaiwanICDF, and other partners. Together, we’re driving innovation, enhancing livelihoods, and supporting the Blue Economy in Fiji.

To read more click on: https://www.unifiji.ac.fj/white-shrimp-harvest-marks-milestone-in-sustainable-aquaculture-at-vitawa-village/

12/29/2024

As we look back on International Day for Epidemic Preparedness, we recognize the importance of building resilient communities that can withstand and recover from global health crises. USAID - US Agency for International Development Pacific American Fund (PAF) was at the forefront of preparedness efforts in 12 Pacific Island Countries, supporting innovative projects that addressed the social and economic impacts of COVID-19 while preparing communities for future challenges.

In Fiji, Foundation for Rural Integrated Enterprises & Development empowered marginalized families by creating sustainable livelihoods in response to pandemic-induced job losses, while The University of Fiji revived Tilapia farming and trained communities to ensure long-term food security and self-sufficiency. In Federated States of Micronesia, the Marine and Environmental Research Institute of Pohnpei equipped communities with aquaculture skills, cultivating giant clams to enhance food security and provide income.

Together, these initiatives strengthened local capacities, enhanced food security, and built resilient systems that prioritized well-being and . Social Solutions proudly implements PAF in the Pacific.

12/17/2024

Meet Marama from Lautoka, Fiji. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she faced immense challenges. Determined to make a change, she enrolled in online workshops by Foundation for Rural Integrated Enterprises & Development supported by USAID - US Agency for International Development Pacific American Fund.

Today, Marama is the proud owner of Marama Creations, making soaps and infused oils, earning extra income, and inspiring her community. "After the training, I learned so much. My financial situation is much better now," Marama says.

Celebrate Marama's inspiring journey and the impact of USAID Pacific American Fund (PAF) in fostering economic resilience. PAF is implemented by Social Solutions International in the Pacific

How USAID support helped people in Fiji start businesses after COVID-19 devastated tourism

12/08/2024

Last month, USAID - US Agency for International Development Country Coordinator for Palau, Paula Miller, joined students, teachers, and community members at Belau Modekngei School (BMS) in Ibobang to celebrate the official handover of the Strengthening Community Resilience and Food Security Post Typhoon Surigae project.

Funded by a US $150,000 grant from USAID’s Pacific American Fund and implemented by International Organization for Migration - Micronesia, this initiative has transformed BMS into a hub for sustainable agriculture and food security. The school now features a chicken coop and nursery, ensuring access to fresh vegetables, eggs, and meatbirds for students, faculty, and the surrounding community.

This project is more than a response to the devastation caused by Typhoon Surigae in 2021—it’s a proactive investment in education, sustainability, and resilience. Students gain hands-on agricultural skills, fostering self-reliance and practical knowledge, while the community benefits from increased food security and preparedness for future challenges.

Together, we’re strengthening Palau’s future, one step at a time. is implemented by Social Solutions International. USAID Pacific Islands

12/05/2024

2024 highlights the essential role of healthy soils in sustaining life and livelihoods. With over 95% of our food depending on soil, its care is crucial to ensuring food security.

That is why we are proud to partner with USAID - US Agency for International Development to support ADRA Fiji and Live and Learn Fiji in supporting farmers in Bua, Cakaudrove and Macuata Provinces with tools and knowledge to adopt regenerative agriculture that boosts soil health and crop yields.

ADRA Fiji is also working with local communities to co-create Community Development Plans to build disaster resilience while Live & Learn Fiji works with drought-prone rural communities to promote agriculture for food and water security, rainwater harvesting, and sustainable water management.

We understand that healthy soils mean thriving communities! .pacificislands

11/22/2024

Nguna Island in Vanuatu was a flurry of activity during a visit by USAID - US Agency for International Development Country Representative Nino Nadiradze to see firsthand what Live & Learn Environmental Education Vanuatu was doing to improve Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) on-island. Ms. Nadiradze visited Tava Primary School where she had the unique experience of dancing alongside the children to their powerful WASH advocacy song.

Through a US$1.5M grant from USAID Pacific American Fund, 11,000+ children across Kiribati, Tuvalu, Tonga, and Vanuatu are benefiting from stronger, more resilient WASH systems. In Vanuatu alone, 17 schools, 5 healthcare centers, and 30 communities are seeing the direct impact of this initiative, improving health and quality of life in these communities. USAID/Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu

11/11/2024

This , Social Solutions extends our heartfelt gratitude to all who have served. We take this moment to honor the resilience, sacrifice, and commitment of veterans across our nation, as well as celebrate the contributions service members bring to our communities.

To all veterans and their families, thank you. We are proud to support you today and every day.

10/20/2024

Meet Orabwa, the dedicated head teacher at Nikierere Primary School in Kiribati, who is making a lasting impact on her students' lives through improved hygiene practices after attending the WASH and Menstrual Hygiene Management workshops, refreshing her knowledge and highlighting key hygiene issues.

Orabwa has since incorporated Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) into the school action plan, leading to the creation of a WASH club and a health committee. “Now, students are encouraged to wash their hands, faces, and brush their teeth every morning—often to the beat of music! This fun approach has led to a noticeable improvement in student attendance and hygiene habits.”

After the workshops menstrual hygiene is less of a taboo topic at the school, and the girls are supported with necessary supplies, ensuring they don’t miss school. Thanks to the Pacific Health and Sanitation Solutions (PHASS) project, funded by USAID - US Agency for International Development through the , Orabwa’s efforts are not just changing the school—they’re setting a positive example for the entire community. USAID Pacific Islands Action on Poverty

09/20/2024

On this International Day of Peace, we are excited to announce the partnership between Pacific American Fund and Centre for Peacebuilding (P*P).

Through a US$523,632 award, P*P will aim to transform communities across the Pacific by promoting peace and engaging youth. P*P Executive Director Florence Swamy stated that the collaboration will be focused on enhancing the capacity of people and equipping them with tools to take the lead in addressing conflict and climate risks.

Through restorative justice and conflict resolution programs, we’re working to create lasting peace from the ground up.