Members of Street Life Cooperative Ltd and the Psychiatric Survivors Association have gained new business skills and confidence through a week-long cooperative management and business training programme.

Hosted by the Ministry of Commerce and Business Development, the programme focused on practical areas such as teamwork, accountability, record keeping and shared responsibility.

For some participants, receiving certificates was a significant milestone, marking their first experience of formal training in a conference setting.

Street Life Cooperative Chairman Ilaitia Cirimainainima said the training made members feel respected and valued, while Psychiatric Survivors Association representative Patrick Samuela said it highlighted the importance of working together to create new opportunities.

The programme has also encouraged the Psychiatric Survivors Association to consider establishing its own cooperative, recognising the skills and talents of people living with mental health challenges.

Director and Registrar of Cooperatives Iosefo Koroidimuri urged participants to remain focused on the future, stressing that unity, determination and hard work are key to building successful cooperatives.

The partnership between the two organisations began during the COVID-19 pandemic through support for people living on the streets and has since developed into a long-term effort to promote dignity, inclusion and sustainable livelihoods.