Police officers of the Solomon Islands Police Development Program (SIPDP) recently donated a collection of clothes to some of the local children who have been involved in situations of domestic and family violence.

There were no pikinini’s at the centre when we were there but we are sure they will be all smiles when they are gifted their items of clothing in weeks to come. The items included skirts, dresses, pants and fabric handbags all made from recycled police uniforms. The clothing packages were received by two of the staff members who displayed overwhelming gratitude and emotion.

The staff involved with Seif Ples were very grateful for the generosity and kindness they had been shown.

“Tagio tumas for makim kaleko for pikini, we garem mani pikini here needem kaleko” (translation)…(“Thank you very much for making clothes for the children, we have many children here needing clothes.”)

The Deputy Centre Manager Falu Maesugea was unwell the day the team came but Federal Agent Dovey was delighted to find an email from her the next day in appreciation of their visit and donation. Ms Maesugea said: “Thank you so much for the children’s clothing, they’re so adorable and please pass on our heartfelt thanks to all who have helped one way or the other with the donation”.

Seif Ples is an initiative of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF). It is a product of a unique partnership between the Ministry of Health, the RSIPF, the Ministry of Police and the Honiara City Council.

The Seif Ples Gender-Based Violence Crisis and Referral Centre offers a comprehensive first response service for victim-survivors of sexual and gender-based violence in the Solomon Islands. The centre encourages victims of domestic and family violence to seek assistance without the need to attend a hospital. The items of clothing were provided through the Uniforms 4 Kids, a program which recycles police uniforms into items of clothing for disadvantaged children.