Emily Hilary Sauahali of Ulawa in Makira-Ulawa Province received a cheque of $5853.60 this morning that will go towards her airfare to attend training on women development at the Community Education Training Centre in Suva.

The cheque comes from the Ministry of Youth, Women and Children's Affairs through the Women's Development Division.

Speaking at the hand-over ceremony, WDD Training Coordinator, Eva Wagapu, said such training will empower and furnish women from the Pacific with the necessary skills and knowledge to become effective development agents and facilitators in their respective communities.

Mrs. Wagapu adds that the training will also increase and enhance the effectiveness and attributes of women in sustainable community development leadership and practice.

Training at the CETC is annual with Solomon Islands sending women representative every year.

"The special thing about CETC is that it is a home away from home for grassroots Pacific women who come from diverse languages, cultures and background," Mrs. Wagapu said.

"It is a place where tolerances, peace, respect and acceptance is nurtured and where both practical and technical knowledge will be learned so that participants can make a difference in their own communities when they finished training."

Mrs. Wagapu acknowledged the support from the Ministry of Youth, Women and Children's Affairs for the support to enable Mrs. Sauahali's attendance to this year's training.

"We are grateful for recognition on the need to send women from our rural areas to attend such important trainings like the one at CETC."

Mrs. Sauahali will leave on the 6th March and expected back in the country in October.