Volunteering in the Solomon IslandsResearching the history of the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) in Solomon Islands. Sue Feary 11 March 2014

BackgroundYWCA–SI has had several Australian and NZ

volunteers, involved mostly in programmes and governance.

A previous volunteer discovered old YWCA records in a shipping container, after the YWCA kindy burnt down in 2009. They were destined for the tip.

She contacted PMB, the records were digitised and the history project was set up with AVID.

Kukutu Street

YWCA office

The records

Sue Feary and Jocelyn Lai with the rescued YWCA records.

Discovery of more records

Jocelyn looking through old files and documents found on YWCA premises.

Some examples from the YWCA records

Photos and records from other sources.

Oral history research

Kuria Hughes, 1st Gen-Sec 1975

Merle Aqorau, Munda YWCA founder

Jully Sipolo, Gen-Sec 1982

Book Launch

The staunch women of Munda YWCA

Standing outside Munda YWCA office and kindy

The YWCA Team

Julianna, Gloria, Jocelyn, Hannah, Jenta, Alice, Sue, Mathais

Enduring memories

Mataniko Falls, Honiara

Botanic Gardens, Honiara Omna Eco-lodge, Kolombangara

Marovo lagoon, Western Province

Challenges1. No end product specified.2. Discovery of many additional records.3. Constraints to oral history research in Honiara.4. Power cuts.5. Office6. Protest over an image in book.

Safe travel in Honiara

Opportunities

1. Update book.2. Produce a book in a different format.

3. Digitise additional records.

Boneggie beach