As part of the Ha’apai Masani festival his week the University of the South Pacific (USP), Ha’apai Centre, has been teaching local women how to make floral arrangements, and to do table settings. The idea is to promote a more positive community, and staff held free training on June 20-21.

The program encouraged participants to utilise local knowledge to promote sustainable development.

Local based trainer and businessman Fetu'uloa Havili told participants that local knowledge, skills and resources are "just as important as the pen and paper".

USP Ha’apai Centre Coordinator Talei 'Ulufonua said they are keen on providing more locally organized trainings to suit the needs of the local people.

This first session included 15 women from various villages on the outer island.