A group of Lautoka women have spent the last four weeks learning how to make value-added products, practise food safety and start and manage a micro business.

The women from the Lovu Housing Assistance Relief Trust (HART) took it upon themselves to engage a group of NGOs and participate in the “Making Agri-Value Chains Work for Communities in Fiji” workshop.

Workshop participant Seria Tinai said the skills she learnt had boosted her pickles, jams and chutney business at the Lautoka market.

She said her business was the sole source of income for her family after her son and daughter-in-law lost their jobs a few months ago.

“We used to rely so much on their income, but now that they are no longer working, I have had to step up and start a small business that could help our family,” Ms Tinai said.

“If we don’t have this, we wouldn’t have any other source of income.”

She said the weekly workshops helped her gain a new set of skills that added value to her business. Workshop organisers Food Inspired (Fiji) Pty Ltd were funded by Australian Aid in conjunction with the University of Adelaide and Griffith University in Queensland.

Company general manager Wayne Lilo said the workshop brought a new lease of life to women who had either been directly or indirectly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Most of these women come from struggling families who are trying to find ways to look after their loved ones,” he said.

“This workshop is designed to empower them and provide an alternative source of income for them and their families.”

A total of 45 women were part of the month-long workshop.