Reflection on My First Day Back at Work – Lessons in Project Risk and Management

By Ivory waki / Solvoice
Today marked my return to work after the festive season and the beginning of 2026. I did not expect the day to bring such an eye-opening experience — one that made me smile, reflect, and learn. I was confronted by five frustrated workers from the appointed contractor for the JCPU Administration Building project. One of the workers had just been released from temporary detention at the police station after the contractor reported them. You can imagine the emotional state of someone who had just come out of detention — stressed, confused, and upset. I took time to talk with them and quickly noticed several failures in the current project management that contributed to this situation. I believe these setbacks are rooted in the early stages of the project, particularly in the following areas: 1. Procurement system of the project 2. Planning phase, including costing and scheduling 3. Lack of written agreements between the main contractor and subcontractors 4. Incompetence and poor leadershi...
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A Night of Pure Island Joy

By Ivory waki / Solvoice

It was such a moment for me to see my baby sister glowing, bright like the early morning sunrise. My heart slowed with tears of joy as I turned on my phone and watched the photos and videos she sent from their island night at Onepusu Theological College.

As her older sister, I have walked through moments of hardship in my earlier years, doing my best to support her financially so she could reach her true destiny. And now, I believe she has — and will be — graduating next week with a Diploma in Theology from Onepusu Theological College, a South Sea Evangelical Church (SSEC) institution located in West Areare, in the western part of Malaita Province, Solomon Islands.
Island dressing
Baby sister in Yellow dress

Island Fashion

Island dressing

Island dressing

Island dressing


















She told me, “Ivory, last night was the most enjoyable night ever.”
The Year 3 students ( That's Us) hosted the event as our final gathering with the staff, families, and students before graduating and leaving the school. It is a tradition here — a night to sit together, laugh, celebrate, and give thanks.

When I asked her how it was, she smiled and said, “Oh, last night was quite different from all the previous island nights. Everyone is still talking about it.”

Curious, I asked what made it so special. She laughed and said, “Everyone felt like one big family.”
The funniest part was when they started throwing candies into the crowd after the speeches. Everyone jumped and ran to catch one, turning it into a joyful race to see who would be lucky enough to grab a sweet.

I couldn’t stop smiling as I watched she said— even some of the older pastors were running and laughing, trying to catch candies. It was such a funny, beautiful sight and truly an unforgettable memory.

During the singing and entertainment, everyone took their turn on the dance floor, moving together to island gospel songs. Men, women, staff, and students danced like one big, happy family. The most surprising and beautiful part was seeing the shy ones stand up, shake off their fears, and dance their way to the stage.

It was such a magical, pure island night — one of the most beautiful scenes I have ever witnessed through my sister’s eyes.

If you like reading this. Read knowing your people: A Lesson my heart finally understood. 

https://solvoice.blogspot.com/2025/11/knowing-your-people-lesson-my-heart.html?m=1

💬Let me know your thoughts in the comment below.👇

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