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...
Post a Comment

My Current Work Fashion

By Ivory waki / Solvoice

 This is my current work fashion—something I’ve been wearing since I started my new role as a Project Manager with the Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACOM).

At first, it was quite intriguing. I found myself wondering what my work outfit would look like in a church-based organisation like ACOM. Coming from a construction background, my idea of workwear was very different.

In church premises here in the Solomon Islands, women generally do not wear tight long pants or boots. This felt a bit contradictory to the health and safety dressing standards I was used to in the construction industry.

This placed me in a tricky position—trying to balance professional construction field attire with religious values and cultural expectations of modesty and decency. It wasn’t easy at first.

Over time, I’ve managed to find a blend that works—one that I’m comfortable with and genuinely pleased about. While it can still be a little challenging when I’m out on construction sites, my style now respects church values, cultural norms, and my professional role.

I’ve grown to love this new look. I’m still exploring and refining this balance, but for now, it feels right—and it truly represents where I am in my journey.




















Current Work Attire

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Clash Between Tradition and Mordern Life: A reality for women in Malaita.

By Ivory waki / Solvoice
Image
When Culture and Modern Life Collide: The Women of Malaita In Malaita Province , women continue to walk a fine line between modern expectations and traditional customs . While modern life brings education, independence, and the freedom to choose, culture still defines how a woman should behave, speak, and live. This ongoing clash leaves many women caught in between — struggling to find balance and a sense of identity in a fast-changing world. The Traditional Role of Women Traditionally, Malaitan women have been the heart of the home. They cook, care for children, and support their husbands in gardens and communities. A good woman is expected to be humble, respectful, and quiet. In many areas, men make the major decisions, and women’s opinions are often left unheard. These customs have shaped communities for generations and remain strong today. The Arrival of Modern Influence Modernism has slowly entered Malaita through education, religion, and technology. Young women are now attend...
Read more

A Night of Pure Island Joy

By Ivory waki / Solvoice
Image
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. Baby sister in Yellow dress 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 ...
Read more