THE 4H CLUSTER AND THEIR FLORAL SISTERHOOD

In the misty highlands of Lomaivuna, where mountain breezes carry the scent of growth and resilience, a group of women are blooming into a force of change.

They are the 4H Cluster, and each “H” in their name carries a powerful truth: Humble, Honest, Hope, and Heart, qualities that have come to define both who they are and how they thrive.

At the wheel is Milika Torokula, a quiet yet determined leader from Navutu, married into Vatukorosia.

“I was still young when I discovered my passion for making flower arrangements,” Milika recalls.

“Then one day, a woman encouraged me to form a cluster. That’s how this journey began.”

Founded in 2021 under the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways, the 4H Cluster began with virtually no financial resources, relying only on vision and commitment.

“We were weak at first with no money, no materials. But we were determined to build something.”

And they did. From flower arranging to cultivating voivoi and orchard trees, the group steadily grew. A turning point came in the Ministry’s 2024–2025 financial year, when the cluster was supported through the Women in Agriculture Program with floriculture nursery materials, flowers, and dragon fruit seedlings. That assistance helped solidify their nursery and gave them the momentum to expand.

“We welcome any ideas or guidance from the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways, especially on floriculture,” Milika says. “With their support, we know we can grow stronger.”

Now with 11 registered members and 5 active leaders, the group has not only become self-sustaining but forward-looking. They’ve connected with Chinese mushroom producers and set their sights on mushroom training and to join the 2026 Women’s Expo to showcase their work.

“We sold flower arrangements just to open a group account,” Milika shares.

“People around us don’t usually see flowers or voivoi as business opportunities, but we did and we wanted this to be something our families could benefit from, not just us.”

Over the next three years, they aim to plant 3,000 citrus seedlings, a project designed to generate sustainable income not just for the group, but for the individual women and their households.”

And they’re doing it all with an unwavering commitment to the 4H values.

“Being humble, staying honest, nurturing hope, and leading with heart, that’s what holds us together,” Milika affirms.

Their nursery is not just a place to grow plants. It’s a space to grow women. They share knowledge, resources, and most importantly a belief that no dream is too small when rooted in purpose.

“Women's groups will always face challenges. But if we support each other with love, teamwork, and forgiveness, there’s nothing we can’t accomplish.”

In a world that often overlooks rural women, the 4H Cluster stands tall, not just for what they cultivate, but for who they are.

They are planters of citrus, crafters of beauty, and nurturers of one another. Their story proves that when a group of women unite with humble beginnings, honest efforts, Hopeful vision, and open Hearts, they don’t just grow flowers, they grow futures.

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