Esita Lobe is a vibrant new member of the South Pacific Business Development (SPBD) program, which she joined a few months ago. Along with 32 other women, she is part of an expanding network dedicated to economic empowerment and community development. Though her journey with SPBD is just beginning, it has already significantly influenced her personal and financial growth.
Esita operates a small food stall in Valelevu, where she serves a variety of dishes, including roti parcels and homemade juices. This stall not only provides her with a vital source of income to support her family but also fulfills daily necessities. While she manages her business with great dedication, Esita attributes much of her progress to her participation in SPBD, which has broadened her understanding of financial literacy.
“Through the trainings and group meetings, I have learned how to better manage my money, budget wisely, and plan for the future,” she shared. A core value of the SPBD program is teamwork, and Esita recognizes both the strengths and challenges that arise from working within a group.
With over 30 women in their circle, she highlighted one of the ongoing challenges: the need to progress together cohesively as a team. “Sometimes, aligning everyone’s goals and efforts can be difficult, but we are committed to finding ways to support each other and grow collectively,” she explained.
To sustain their club and enhance collective efforts, Esita noted that members contribute a small portion of their earnings towards a group subscription. These contributions help support the ongoing operations of their SPBD club, funding group activities, trainings, and addressing emergencies. Esita believes this approach not only fosters financial responsibility but also strengthens the spirit of shared ownership and support among the members.
“Despite the early challenges, we remain positive and hopeful,” she added. “With the practical financial knowledge we’re gaining, it has inspired us to continue building our business and working with our group toward greater success.” Esita is optimistic that through teamwork and perseverance, they will uplift one another and generate meaningful change in their lives and communities.