Who we are

Cathy Hite and Kylie Travers, both passionate about education in the Solomon Islands.

 

Cathy Hite is a lecturer for the University of the South Pacific, highly educated internationally and an inspiration to women in the Solomon Islands, having grown up in Malaita, Solomon Islands. You can find out more about her and the incredible work she does and the life she lives through her Facebook profile.

 

Kylie Travers is a multiple international award-winning consultant, writer, charity advocate and speaker. Kylie first visited the Solomon Islands in 2018, has family there (which is how Cathy and Kylie are connected) and since 2018 does marketing and fundraising across the South Pacific. You can find out more about her at www.kylietravers.com.au or www.thethriftyissue.com.au.

Both Cathy and Kylie have previously worked to further human rights. Cathy worked in family law, specialising in domestic violence and travelled far and wide to do this in some of the most remote parts of the Solomon Islands, ensuring human rights for all. Kylie worked to raise funds and awareness around homelessness and domestic violence. Her work raised $30,000,000 for her selected charities. 

This is why we are both so passionate about this Go Fund Me. The funds raised will assist Talyn to complete her studies and further human rights as well. 

 

Who And What We Are Raising Funds For

Education in the Solomon Islands is difficult. Statistically, fewer than 50% of children growing up in the Solomon Islands complete primary school. When it comes to high school/secondary school, only 27% of females attend.

 

As you can imagine, being a disabled student, with no welfare support like we have in Australia, America or many other countries, getting to university is a huge achievement, often completely unaffordable. Wages in the Solomon Islands are often $1AUD per hour.

 

Can you imagine how difficult it is for a family to afford a university-level education?

 

Talyn is an incredible young woman from the Solomon Islands who has so much potential and a strong desire to complete her studies and work to further the rights of other people living with disabilities, especially in the South Pacific.

 

People with disabilities are often overlooked, buildings are built with no consideration to access for those with disabilities. They need leaders there who can advocate for and teach others about what is truly needed to make everything from education to buildings and government policy inclusive for all.

On top of this, in the past 2 years, the Solomon Islands have been ravaged by Cyclone Harold, the pandemic, fires destroying much of the capital city and other natural disasters. As one of the least developed countries in the world, life was already hard. The past 2 years have made it near impossible. 

 

Talyn is the woman who can make this change and improve the future for all.

 

Growing up, her potential was recognised early by her school. They allowed her a free education, in exchange for her parents doing domestic duties such as cleaning at the school on top of their regular work and parenting and church.

 

Her parents rely on substance farming for survival. Hard work and they only get paid if they sell what they produce at the local market. Talyn is the fourth child in a family of five, which means there is no money left for education. They live in Arabia Village, Malaita. 

Talyn's Aspirations

Talyn is passionate about making changes and is grateful for the support she has received so far with her studies. Growing up in the Solomon Islands, as a person with a disability, she knows the struggles facing others and sees things from a different angle. 

When asked what her aspirations are she said:

"I aspire to be a lawyer to fight for the rights of people with disability or to be in a managerial position such as HR or economist. We need better managers who can better manage the resources and make sure the funding etc is distributed equally to meet the needs of the people, not only in the rural areas but also people with disabilities. Often the developments in our Solomon Islands does not include the example disabled people have to deal with. For example we are unable to move around due to lack of suitable infrastructure e.g pavements on the road for people with disabilities."

As you can see, she knows what needs to happen and has the mind to make the changes necessary to improve the lives of all Solomon Islanders. 

 

This is how much everyone believes in her potential!

 

Talyn is one in a million with the support from her family and passion for human rights, she is one of those people who will change the world but she needs your help.

 

So far, the schools she attended assisted with fees. Now that she is heading to her degree, her family need to find a way to fund her further education as well as school supplies such as stationery, which can be expensive and hard to obtain in the islands.

 

How You Can Help

 

Talyn will do her part by completing form 13 at Aligeggeo Secondary School to enable her entry to university.

 

She needs help with fees. Every donation, big and small will help her get 1 step closer to her dream and to making positive changes in the South Pacific.

 

We truly believe in Talyn and hope to raise enough to enable her to complete the next stage of her studies.

 

If you have any questions, please reach out.