Nukualofa, Tonga – [4 June, 2024]:
“I’m happy to be in this training because it taught me how to document all financial aspects of my business,” Malia explained to her family. “Before, everything was in my head. Now, I have learnt to document these and can see my expenses and earnings clearly and also plan for the future.”
Malia was part of the first cohort to complete the micro qualification training in Establishing and Operating a Small Seafood Business. The session held in Nuku’alofa, Tonga was part of the USP Pacific-European Union Marine Partnership (PEUMP) Programme training scholarship initiative, funded by the EU and the Government of Sweden.
At 50 years old, she had spent over three decades navigating the tides of the seafood business, a journey that had made her into the formidable businesswoman that she is today. Living in Kologa, she buys fishes from all the fishermen in her district of Hahake and sells it to her customers in Nuku’alofa – serving as a crucial link between the fishermen, including her husband and sons; and the eager market. Malia sold fish in bundles, with a large bag containing around fifteen fish fetching $80. In addition to seafood, she also traded handicrafts, materials for tapa making, and fresh produce from her farm, making her a central figure in the local economy.
For years, Malia had relied on her sharp memory to manage the intricacies of her business. Every expense, every sale, and every negotiation were stored in her mind. However, the training she recently completed introduced her to the vital skills of bookkeeping and business planning.
“I’m happy to be in this training because it taught me how to document all financial aspects of my business,” Malia explained to her family. “Before, everything was in my head. Now, I have learnt to document these and can see my expenses and earnings clearly and also plan for the future.”
With newfound knowledge, Malia and her family, including her husband—a full-time fisherman and farmer—and their six children, sat down to chart the future of their business. They envisioned diversifying their offerings by building a small restaurant by the beach, serving fresh seafood dishes like fish and chips. This new venture had the full support of her family, who were excited about the potential it held.
Malia was no stranger to breaking barriers. In 2022, she became a certified Master Class 6 in boat driving, the only female in a class of 25 men. Her achievement was a source of pride and inspiration for her community. As a key member of both the village co-operative in Kologa and the district co-operative in Tongatapu, Malia planned to share the knowledge she gained from the seafood business training with these groups. She was also involved with the Tonga Organic group, advocating for sustainable farming practices.
Despite her busy schedule, Malia found time to give back to her community. She worked part-time with Vision Women as a certified counselor, one of the five counselors for her district. Her counseling work was deeply rewarding, allowing her to support other women in navigating their own challenges.
Today, Malia’s business is thriving. She owned a truck and two vans, all bought from the profits of her ventures, and even a boat acquired from the Tonga Fisheries. As the main collector of fish in Hahake, her reputation for quality and reliability was unmatched. Her passionate dedication to the seafood business had earned her the trust and respect of the fishermen and customers alike.
Malia’s key takeaways from the training were the importance of book keeping; and marketing. Strengthening her marketing skills was now a priority, and she eagerly implemented new strategies to expand her customer base. As she proudly receives her training certificate, Malia felt a renewed sense of purpose and optimism.
The future was bright for Malia Peata Sioko Noa. With her family by her side and a community that believed in her, she is ready to sail towards new horizons, transforming her dreams into reality. And as we bid farewell on the last day, Malia smiled, knowing that the best was yet to come.
USP is one of four key implementing partners of the PEUMP Programme, a EUR 45million program which promotes sustainable management and sound ocean governance for food security and economic growth while addressing climate change resilience and conservation of marine biodiversity.
It follows a comprehensive approach, integrating issues related to ocean fisheries, coastal fisheries, community development, marine conservation and capacity building under one single regional action. The PEUMP Programme is housed within the Institute of Marine Resources within the School of Agriculture, Geography, Environment, Ocean and Natural Sciences (SAGEONS).
-ENDS-
Media contact:
Lore Croker
USP PEUMP Communications
Email: lore.croker@usp.ac.fj
