At just 25 years old, Ronaldine Tchivi is already playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of Vanuatu’s food safety and certification systems and standards.

As a certification officer at Quality Solutions, she assists local businesses in meeting international standards for certification, opening doors to local and export markets. Certifications like Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) are crucial requirements for global food trade.

Ronaldine’s work is supported through the Australia and New Zealand-funded Pacific Horticultural and Agricultural Market Access Plus (PHAMA Plus) program, which is partnering with Quality Solutions to expand its service offerings for food safety certification in Vanuatu and across the Pacific.  

Raised in Santo, Vanuatu, Ronaldine’s journey into food technology and nutrition began with her curiosity about agriculture and a desire to improve her country’s food systems.

“I’ve always been fascinated by agriculture and its potential to change lives. Growing up, I knew I wanted to help my community,” she reflects.

Ronaldine, an Australia Awards recipient, is a graduate of Melbourne-based RMIT University, where she completed a degree in Food Technology and Nutrition.

“Studying through the COVID-19 pandemic and being far away from home was tough, but I was determined to see things through,” she said.

“Education opens the door, but it’s courage that walks through it,” she quipped.

While she helps Vanuatu businesses achieve certification, the experience is also deepening Ronaldine’s knowledge of the food technology and nutrition sector.

“PHAMA Plus gave me the opportunity to apply what I learned, bridging the gap between theory and practice in Vanuatu. Without this support, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” she says.

Her role at Quality Solutions is dynamic. She begins by consulting with clients to understand their certification needs and conducting site visits to assess their operations.

From there, Ronaldine assists businesses in preparing for certification—providing gap analysis reports, designing work plans, and training staff on new policies and procedures.

Her job does not stop at documentation. She is hands-on, assisting companies implement changes to ensure they meet the necessary standards.

“When clients achieve certification, it feels like a victory for everyone. It is not just about the business—it’s about empowering entire communities,” Ronaldine shares.

As a woman in a field traditionally dominated by men, Ronaldine is determined to break barriers and inspire others.

“There are fewer women in science, but we are changing that,” she says. “I want young girls to never let anything hold them back. They must be independent, stand tall, and believe in themselves.”

Beyond assisting businesses in achieving certification, Ronaldine’s work is contributing to systemic change in Vanuatu’s food trade sector, building on wider efforts across the region and globally.

“The partnership between PHAMA Plus and Quality Solutions is providing a path for businesses to grow, access premium markets, and improve livelihoods across Vanuatu and the Pacific,” she explains.

Ronaldine finds her work deeply fulfilling.

“Success does not come easy, but with determination, anything is possible. The journey may be tough, but the impact you make will last forever.”

ENDS