Page 27 - IB January 2023

SPBD

MEET THE MEMBERS

Vitalina Radinisiwa

Bula! Can you please introduce yourself?
My name is Vitalina Radinisiwa. I’m from Namosi, married in
Sawani, and an SPBD member from Sawani village in Bua.
How long have you been with SPBD?
I started last year, so this will be my first year with SPBD.
What Centre are you a member of, and what is your role?
I’m a member of the SPBD Sawani Station Centre. I’m also its
Centre Secretary and my role as Centre Secretary is to collect
money from all the groups in my area. I have to count the
amount collected and enter it into our books for record.
What type of business do you run?
I run a small canteen in the village. I also offer stationery
supplies in the village for students, and when school finishes, I
sell small things in the canteen.
How has SPBD helped you?
When I joined SPBD, I felt that some of the things my
husband can achieve, I can also achieve, as a woman, through
SPBD – particularly in the lives of my family and supporting
the children’s standard of education. At times when there is an How has the training been helpful to you?
unexpected emergency within the family, SPBD comes through I realised when I attended that training, there was a lot that
for us and my business. I did not know about money, from saving small amount of
Have you applied for some initiatives that SPBD provides? money to big amount of money. Sometimes when I hold onto
I’ve already taken out my first loan with SPBD which was big money, I would be impulsive, using it however I wanted. But
F$1,000, followed by a second loan of F$1,500 and a F$1,000 through the SPBD training, I realised the importance of saving,
purchase of white goods. I have also been a part of some from very little amount right up to big amount, in order to
training with SPBD, particularly in the matter of finances and watch it grow so I can get what I need when the situation calls
how to handle money. for it.
How has that loan helped your business and family? Do you have any advice for other women?
The loan helped me extend my kitchen, and I bought some I want to challenge all the women, particularly those that are
diving gear for my husband so he can help me pay off my loan running businesses; we need to learn the importance of saving
with SPBD. The second loan has helped me with the purchase in our businesses. Finally, I want to encourage all the women to
of some household items and some items to help in the be of help to their husbands by standing on their two feet and
running of my business. earning money. And that we are capable and we can do it.
Unaisi Wainibulileka

For four years, 43-year-old Unaisi Wainibulileka has been a member of SPBD’s
Lakena Centre in Suva.
Wainibulileka runs three types of small businesses: selling barbecue, yaqona, as
well as operating a dry cleaning service with her husband.
Despite the impacts of COVID-19, her businesses are running smoothly, and she
says she’s “taking it one step at a time”.
Wainibulileka says she has received three loans from SPBD so far. The businesses
SPBD has supported her to run have her enabled her to improve her home. “I reno-
vated my house with the extension of our veranda and upgraded our kitchen,” she
proudly said.

As for the future, she plans to open a cafe and a night club.
She advises other businesswomen to trust in themselves and take it one step at a
time. “Don’t rush…You can learn a lot from SPBD when you follow their advice and
the [financial] skills being taught.”

Islands Business, January 2023 27
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