YOSI Magazine Issue 3

EE 3 FR SUE 0

IS

OVERCOMING DISABILITY YOUTH BREAKING THE BARRIERS • HELEN’S STORY

FE AL AT AIT IS U A SU R E E

IC A

!L !

M

E P S

PHOTO COMPETITION ARE YOU A BUDDING PHOTOGRAPHER? ENTER THE

PHOTO COMPETITION

BY SUBMITTING YOUR PHOTOS ON THE THEME “INCLUSIVE PARTICIPATION”

Deadline for submissions: 4th March 2015 Submissions can be emailed to yosi@youth-at-work.org or hand delivered to the Youth@Work office, Art Gallery

WHAT’S INSIDE..Issue 03 11

18

Malawai Youth Project

Q & A With Koplyn

What is Youth@Work?

Overcoming Disability

5

Sinasu Library

12

Carving My Way

17

Custom Blo Mi

6-9 Youth Faith

20 21

Youth Stories from Malaita

10-13 Health: Ask YOSI

22

Youth Voices

14-15 Movie Review

23

Iu Save Tu?

16 Creative Corner 17-19 YOSI Photoblog

Careers

24-26 27

is proudly brought to you by the Youth@Work Programme: YOSI comes out four times per year.

Editorial team Regina Lepping – Acting Editor/Writer Ruth Amos – Writer | Ashleigh Bond – Writer Gino Oti – Designer Enquiries Youth@Work, Art Gallery, Honiara yosi@youth-at-work.org 25278 www.facebook.com/YOSIMagazine

Contributors Thank you to everyone who contributed to YOSI Issue 03: Rotary Club, Pasifiki, Betty Sam, Angelina Nandu, Kerrie Jionisi, Lionel Taorao, Simon Tevake , Joey Manemaka, Agatha Blandina, Georgianna Lepping, Florence Tina, Ruth Amos, Helen Ferguson, National Museum Cover photo: Helen Saohanga Photo credit: Ruth Amos

Issue 03 2015 YOSI 3

Youth breaking the barriers

T

o the Youth of Solomon islands!!

Hello and welcome to Issue number 3!

This issue of the YOSI magazine will be focusing on breaking the barriers to ensure equality and inclusive.

The most recent Youth Market Festival had a theme “Humanity, Equality, Inclusive.”

Youth of Solomon Islands need to understand that having equal human rights is not all about government policies; it doesn’t start at the top. Humanity and equality actually starts at the bottom, with you and me. Our attitudes and how we treat each other is what really matters.

In this issue you will read stories of youth who come from different backgrounds, facing trials, overcoming challenges but all with one common goal – to be recognized in doing what they love. In addition we are happy to welcome special stories featuring Auki youths.

Youth@Work was established aiming to give youth the equal opportunities that we ALL deserve to have!! This issue of the YOSI magazine will give you an insight of what it is like to be growing up in a very diverse society and understand that we are all the same!!

T

his year, the DCC Government through the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs will be embarking on the following priorities for Youth Development; • Review the Solomon Islands National Youth Policy • Develop National Youth Employment Strategy (which will include a National Youth Entrepreneurship Strategy) • Revitalisation of the Solomon Islands National Youth Congress (NYC) • Establishment of a SI Centre of Excellence on Youth Development in Training and Research • Hosting National Youth Parliament • National Youth Award and Youth Workers Programme Youth issues cannot be tackled through fragmented and isolated interventions. They require sustained and concerted action.

Thus, the MWYCFA continues to believe and support the need to have an integrated and coherent approach to address youth problems and that’s why working with the government, development partners and other stakeholders including the churches on issues facing young people in Solomon Islands is crucial.

Tagio Tumas.

Mr. Andre Tipoki, Director Youth Development, Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs

Youth@Work Group Leaders

4 YOSI Issue 03 2015

What is Youth@Work?

Component Descriptions

Youth@Work Office, Art Gallery Complex Phone: 25278/29257 email: RoseM@spc.int Opening Hours: 8:30am - 5pm Mon to Fri. Like our page Trainings

Mentoring

Internships

This includes front-loaded training For all interns in the internship that will prepare the interns for employplacements, group and individual ment. Followed by weekly cross train mentors offer career counselling, ing on issues such as gender help in learning how to equality, food security, climate network, guidance in conflict change, sexual reproductive resolution advice on anger managhealth, disaster management, ement, substance abuse and human rights and other global family problems from local role crosscutting issues. models who volunteer their time.

Placement of youth in job internships for a period of 15-20 weeks in either public or private sector.

Y@W

PLUS

The PLUS component Communications This component is responsible for works closely with youth with advocacy and visibility of the Prodisabilities. PLUS youth are mainYouth are trained in basic start gram. Covering all Y@W events streamed in the Y@W internship your own business skills using and trainings, highlighting success stories. programme. Rural disabled ILO materials. YEP interns are It is also responsible for producing the YOSI youth are given the option to also able to receive grants to quarterly magazine and for Y@W Facebook learn organic farming at Zai Na start their new enterprises. account, group and pages.

Tina organic farm, followed by The Youth Market is open to any youth - Youth at Work (Team) business training and materials businesses to provide a free venue - Youth at Work (page) for starting farms supplied through YEP. to sell and promote youth-made - Youth products.

Market (group)

Young Entrepreneurs Program (YEP)/Youth Market

Y@W Choice This component opens internships and YEP for youth released from prison. These youth are largely pre identified through the Correctional Services, CHOICE youth are mainstreamed in all aspects of Y@W.

Resource Centre This is where weekly soft skill classes are offered for youth who are waiting for placements, and for any youth who want to work on their CVs or learn Microsoft Office programmes and work on their basic computing skills

Y@W ICT Set up by the SPC IT Unit and the Ministry of Was developed by the SPC Land ResouFinance ICT Support Unit to train up rces Division. This component to 60 youth per year in certifiuses youth to implement agriculture cate programmes for IT servicactivities for income generation in ing. These youth are trained by remote communities, starting in ICTSU and SPC and then placed 2016 in Malaita and Temotu. The youth in ministries and businesses as helpare able to start agri-businesses after desk staff, often leading to permanent receiving training

by Agriculture employment. specialists.

Ag@Work

NCD Warriors

Fish@Work This team works under the Ministry This component uses youth and women to of Health and the SPC Public Health implement coastal fisheries activities in Division, trained to help combat remote Malaita and Temotu. Youth non communicable diseases (such are given the opportunity as diabetes and bad health habits) to develop a food source through school programmes. The NCD through fish farming Warriors work with both primary and (tilapia and milk fish) and FADs secondary students, parents and (fishing attraction devices). Youth use the school administrations, as well as income from the FADs and fish farming to school area food vendors to help maintain the FADs fish farms and to provide promote healthy eating habits from their own income. an early age!

Issue 03 2015 YOSI   5 

INCLUSIVE STORIES

OVERCOMING

“MORE THAN T

Helen competing in Shot put during the London Paralmpic Games 2012 photo taken from http://www.insidethegames.biz/articles © Getty images 6 YOSI Issue 03 2015

here were cheers, laughter and shouts of disbelief at the volleyball field where a village evening game of volley was held.

The cheers were not for the game but for a specific player, and her courage to join the game, despite what the people think of her physical disability.

Helen Saohanga is from Renbell Province, unlike her 4 brothers, she was home-schooled. However, the barriers in Helen’s life created by the society, did not stop her from breaking through.

“When there is a volley game in the village, I would be the only disable one in the team. They try to go easy on me but because of my stubbornness I told them not to,” she laughs Helen’s enthusiasm and courage to play sport with people without disabilities, has opened a whole new opportunities for her in building her abilities, starting with the London Paralympic Games 2012.

Helen took her chance when National Olympic Committee Solomon Islands (NOCSI) were keen to send a paralympic team to London. A NOCSI officer asked her if she would like to join, Helen accepted the offer and was trained in Shot put soon after.

“Me and 4 other boys went to Australia for a qualification test to see if we could play at the Paralympic Games 2012. I didn’t expect to qualify for London having been the only girl in the

INCLUSIVE STORIES

DISABILITY

MEETS THE EYE” team,” “When I heard the results, I was shocked and couldn’t believe it! I realized that I am definitely going and I have to try my best. I was a little afraid because I didn’t know what to expect in London let alone compete there,” Helen was in the 15th position in the London 2012 Paralympic games. She continues to test herself in other sports as well.

“I played Wheel chair Basketball during the Solomon Games and wheelchair table tennis single seated at the Pacific Games 2015.”

It has never been a smooth ride for Helen. There were times she felt like giving up, but Helen refuses to quit.

“At one time at the Pacific Games, I fell sideways with my wheel chair and I really hurt myself.

Everyone was worried about me and told me I should have a break, but I got back up,” “I don’t like going out of the game when it is still on. I want to stay in the game until it ends, whether I win or lose. Helen recalls as she demonstrated with one hand pretending to hold the wheels and the other holding the bat and moving them quickly in a firm opposite motion.

Her determination has led her to winning the Bronze medal in the singe seated table tennis at the Pacific Games.

The young challenger speaks of

the support of her peers and always encourages them.

“I always told my friends with disabilities, to be honest and make use of the chances we have,” the 27 year old said.

“Any work or sport they give us, we must try it. We have to make use of it because this is our high chance to show what we can do.”

For sure, this time, when the strong minded young woman goes back to her home village and join in the volley game, they will not see her as the disable one, but as one of those who brought home a medal.

“I challenge myself because I want people to refer to me by what I do and not how I look.”

“ Everyone was

worried about me and told me I should have a break, but I got back up.”

Prime Minister of Solomon Islands; Manasseh Sogavare congratulating Helen Saohanga, on winning bronze in the single seated table tennis at the 2015 Pacific Games.

Photo credit: Philip Lilomo

Issue 03 2015 YOSI 7

INCLUSIVE STORIES

N Y U T F IVI CA T

Learn how to communicate with the deaf by using sign language

8  YOSI Issue 03 2015

INCLUSIVE STORIES

“DON’T SPEAK FOR US, SPEAK WITH US” A li Barnabas greeted good morning through an interpreter and said that he and his brothers and sisters are happy that YOSI wants to share their story! Apparently, as the president of Deaf Association Solomon Islands (DASI), Ali has a lot to say.

“DASI focuses on the needs and concerns of people with hearing impairment. We want our rights to be heard and people to believe that we can do more,” “I know it’s hard to understand someone who can’t talk, but all we want is to be part of the society and build on our strengths by showing what we can do.” the 32 year old said.

When the association was formed in 2012, there were only six of them including interpreters, but as time goes by, the group grew in numbers and now they are in need of their own space to do the association’s work and to hold activities.

“There are people that continue to help us by permitting their venues for us to hold our activities, fundraisings and giving us ideas. We thank God for making them.” he expresses.

Ali added that the group puts on shows to give people a good laugh, as a way of breaking the ice with the crowd and get people to see they are no different from them.

Having being born with hearing impairment and only learned sign language at the age of 7, Ali knows the struggle.

“We know people are afraid to talk to us because

they are worried we might not understand them, that is why we put on public performances.”

DASI holds fundraisings in order to get an office for the association and make it an official recognized group by 2016 after its launching. The group sells food and does clean ups as part of their fundraisings in and around Honiara.

Currently DASI has 30 members.

“We welcome anyone to join the association, and support us deaf and other disabilities, to have our rights be heard,” “We can even teach you sign language.” he insists with a smile.

Ali did his studies at vocational training centres for people with disability and managed to get a scholarship to study at the APTC in Fiji, where he did painting and decorating.

After his graduation in 2013, Ali came back to Honiara and reignites the flames of the association.

“All this is for inclusive education. I see how in overseas they have inclusive education and I think it is time we have that here too. That is our right and our fight,” Ali remarked.

“We don’t want people to speak for us but to speak with us.”

“ We want

our rights to be heard ”

Top: President of DASI; Ali Barnabas Left: Members of the Deaf Association Solomon Islands (DASI) performing at the July Youth Festival

Issue 03 2015 YOSI 9

SPECIAL FEATURE: AUKI YOUTH STORIES

STORIES FROM MALAITA YOSI went to Malaita Province, to hear what the youth are saying.

In this special Malaita issue, YOSI brings you stories of youths in our most populous province in Solomon Islands.

YOUNG AND IN BUSINESS Becoming a 20 year old business owner is easy.

Just ask Johnson Ete, the owner of Yiamski, a small canteen on the main road in Auki.

J

ohnson grew up in Namonako village just outside Auki. He is the second youngest child in a family of five.

His canteen, opposite the courthouse, has been open for two months and is busy and doing well.

The brightly painted sign of his shop stands out from the road ‘Yiamski, open 24 hours’.

10 YOSI Issue 03 2015

He rents out the space from the Auki Traveller Motel.

Johnson finished form 1 at Auki Community High.

Following this, he opened his first small canteen outside his house when he was 18 years old. After making some money from his first canteen he opened a second in another village. Yiamski is the third canteen he has opened. Johnson’s brother is now running the second one.

In order to start his business Johnson budgeted so he could save a little each week from the pocket money given to him by his parents.

“I started small and have slowly grown my business,” he said.

Johnson is dedicated to his shop, working long hours and avoiding smoking, drinking and betelnut. He also enjoys playing soccer and futsal in his spare time.

Yiamski is named after his childhood nickname.

Johnson encourages youth to consider starting their own business.

“It’s good to be your own boss,” he says.

“I can control my work life.”

He plans to stay in Auki and expand his business by opening another bigger store in the future.

SPECIAL FEATURE: AUKI YOUTH STORIES

giving back to the community Save the Children Youth Outreach Partnership Project in Malawai Village, Malaita Province, stands out from the rest due to the hard working young people and a supportive community. YOSI had a chance to visit the project and talk with the youths behind its success and sustainability.

Youths in the Malawai Village Youth Outreach Project.

L to R: Joel Kwato’o, Luisa Luda, Junior Alanimae, Joe Kwato’o, Philip Dau, Mary Dau, Selina Nona, Selina Kwato’o.

A

fter a 20 minute ride south on a bumpy muddy person of Malawai’s YOP. A position she said has helped her to exercise her leadership skills in helproad from Auki, we arrived at Malawai village ing the community. where 12 youths waited for us impatiently to share On the other hand, the boys have their own mistheir stories. sion. Running the project’s poultry. The poultry Selina Kwatoó is the treasurer of Malawai Youth is managed by 6 boys with the help of the girls.

Outreach Project (YOP). She has been with the Though most of them are at school, they routine project since the beginning and has seen it grown, themselves in looking after the poultry. However, as she continues to grow in skills. meeting the market is a challenge for the boys.

YOP aims to equip youths with livelihood skills Vice Chairperson of Malawai’s YOP, Junior Alansuch as; tailoring and running a poultry as well as imae said the group tried selling the managing a business.

“This is our way of Chickens to the Restaurants in Auki “The project has given me skills thanking the village for but could not meet the demands so in managing finance and making supporting us in this they came up with an alternative. sure we have income and facilities project” “We organized a 7 aside knock out for to sustain the project.” she said Malawai and neighbouring villages, with $30 for Selina also teaches the girls how to sew and mend registration and the winning team get 2 Chickens. clothes. The girls tailored any clothes for the memWe managed to make money,” Junior said “I am so bers of their community for free as part of giving happy with this project because it helps us to make back to their community. our own decisions and the elders support us in “This is our way of thanking the village for supporting us in this project and equipping us with life every decision we make.” Added Luisa, “This makes us want to give back more to the skills.” community.”

Meanwhile, 19 year old Luisa Luda is the chairIssue 03 2015 YOSI 11

SPECIAL FEATURE: AUKI YOUTH STORIES

A ROOM FULL OF KNOWLEDGE A

n old storeroom at Sinasu School in Auki has been transformed into a vibrant place where students can learn about the world around them, fire up their imaginations and discover different people and places.

This room houses Auki’s one and only library. The brightly decorated room contains over two thousand books aimed at students from grade 1 to form 7, including non-fiction, adventure, comedy, fantasy and more.

The construction of the library was funded entirely by the school, with members of the community pitching in to help with the building and painting of shelves and louvers. The Solomon Islands National Library, schools in Australia and Rotary donated the books.

Sinasu School Principal Alex Duamae said opening a library had been a dream of the school’s for a long time.

“This library is very important because it will give the children knowledge and help them improve important skills such as reading, writing, spelling and speaking.”

Each class will be allocated time to come and use the library each week. The school plans to introduce a borrowing system and also open up the library to the community.

It has also become a model for other schools in the province and many school principals have been visiting to be inspired and learn how to start a library.

Why we love our Library “I am very happy we have a library now. I want to learn how to read better. I plan to read three books every week.”

Josephine Maidua, 15 “I come to the library every day. I am currently reading about spiders and I have learnt that spiders like to eat flies. I like to read books about Science.”

George Junior Joash, 14

“I am interested in reading books about young people so I can learn about the different lifestyles of young people.”

“I think the library will help me to become a good reader.”

Pritus Didi, 15 12 YOSI Issue 03 2015

“I want to read every day so I can learn good English.

This library will help students to learn more. I enjoy reading about fairies and mermaids.”

Flory Waleilia, 16

SPECIAL FEATURE: AUKI YOUTH STORIES

Preserving The Future While looking for a story of youths preserving culture in Auki, YOSI met up with Celestina Koti. A single woman from Lilisiana village, who makes Akwala’afu (shell money) for a living.

Her interest in shell money making started one day when she was bored and her aunt Veronica gave her something to do. Make shell money.

“My aunt taught me how to break the Kakadu (white shells) and drill holes into it. It takes a lot of patience to do such a work. Because you have to make it perfect, the value of the custom money will lose if you do it in a rush.”

A normal day for Celestina would be to sit with her aunt in the leaf hut kitchen, chewing betel nut and making the custom money. To complete a product of one Akwalaáfu would take them two to three months of full day concentration.

“If I put my whole concentration on the work for a whole day, I can fill up a half shell coconut,” She explains.

“Aunt Veronica always told me and my cousins that this will make the house balance, even if you don’t have money but you have this (Akwala’afu) in the box, you will be alright. There will be times, you need to buy bride price or pay compensation.”

In addition to her work, Clestina also makes gift necklaces and E sae galia (for bride price).

When her little cousins are back from school, Celestina would help her aunt in teaching them how to carry on with this cultural skill. For Celestina, making shell money is not just about

preserving the past but also securing a future.

In Langa langa this is our culture, it is important for us to keep it and pass it on.”

Left: Celestina Koti, holding an Akwala’afu (traditional money).

Far left: Lilisiana Village, Auki.

Top: Celestina breaking the Kakadu (white shells) to make the shell money.

Issue 03 2015 YOSI 13

tok blo youth

YOUTH

VO CEs

A place for youth to express their thoughts and ideas

Failures are blessings by betty sam Born and raised in Malaita, and the youngest of 10 children, 27 year old Betty Sam was also keen to share her own story in the hope that it might help motivate youth, particularly women from Malaita, and help them overcome the challenges they face.

I have experienced failures and setbacks in my life. A large setback I experienced was me not being able to continue at school.

I enjoyed school, but when I reached form 5, my Dad told me I will not continue school due to lack of funds and his belief that women are not worth the investment.

It saddens me that there are many people who have been denied access to education and that the culture in Solomon Islands and Malaita is one where there is low expectations on what youth can get out of education.

My dad had low expectations of what I

could achieve if I was to continue at school.

This is the case for many families I know, where there is little expectation of brilliance and success to come from education.

or a woman, education is important for all. This is not just a job for the youth themselves. It is a job for everyone. The parents must make the youth believe that they are worthy of education.

This set back has contributed to a big part of what made me who I am today.

I believe you should look at failure not as the end, but as an opportunity. Failure is good. If you accept failure and learn from it, you grow as a person.

Just because you didn’t finish school or you don’t have a job, it doesn’t mean the end of your opportunities to learn and grow.

The youth of today must understand education is important.

It does not matter if you are a man

After I couldn’t continue at school I went and worked until I had enough money to go to a computer class. It was this computer class that led to me getting my first job in Honiara, which in the end led to me getting a job with the YWCA Solomon Islands. If I had seen that setback as the end and not learnt from it that I wanted to continue to grow, then I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Failure is not final, it’s a blessing.

If you want your voice to be heard in YOUTH VOICES send us your stories and pictures by email to: yosi@youth-at-work.org or hand delievered to the Youth@Work office.

14 YOSI Issue 03 2015

tok blo youth

JUST W ANNA SAY THANKS! By Angelina Nandu I would like to take this opportunity to thank Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC’s) Youth@Work Program and all the Ministries who assists in providing this employment opportunity for youths in Solomon Islands.

It is clear that youth unemployment issue is very high for Solomon Islands and we know youths are happy that slowly we are moving forward in the right direction in achieving our goals. Hence, I on behalf of my

friends in the program, we would like to thank the people behind it for giving us the chance to fit in this system and be productive.

Most of the time youths have been marginalized, ignored and not included in different processes.

Despite that, we are getting somewhere, and that is what we need.

So once again, thank you to SPC, Partner Government ministries and the Youth@Work staff for giving me a job experience!

once in a lifetime opportunity Being selected to be part of the Wantok Stori project was a dream come true for me, as I got the chance to work with professional filmmakers and expand my media skills.

The Wantok Stori project was initiated to help young people in Solomon Islands and throughout the pacific to know more about their culture and find creative ways to preserve it, via the medium of filmmaking. The finished product ‘Wea Nao Mi?’ is a fiction story about a village boy who wants to go to town, he falls asleep and finds himself in a nightmare that changes his life forever. It explores the 2012 11th Festival of Pacific Arts themed ‘Culture in Harmony with Nature’ and specifically cultural and social change taking place in the Pacific.

As part of the project, me and eight other young emerging filmmakers in Honiara took part in the training over 2 weeks from 16th to 27th of April, 2012. During that time, we learned various professional film-making practices, including; planning film shoots, writing script, storyboarding, camera operation techniques and working collaboratively as part of a team.

A major highlight of this experience was the world premiere screening of our film “Wea Nao Mi?” at the 11th Honiara, As part of the official Film Festival program. I had the opportunity to share my experience with the audience, engage with other filmmaking networks, media experts and made new friends from all over the South Pacific. From this experience,

Angelina is a Phase 8 intern in the Youth@Work program; a program that helps to tackle youth unemployment in S.I. She is part Temotu and Renbel Province.

by kerrie jionisi I have become more assertive, more positive and have more confidence in working with male peers. My passion and motivation for making media has been reignited and I will continue to work towards my dream of a career in filming. Therefore I would like to encourage other young people especially women and girls –if you have an interest or talent, find someone who can support and mentor you to excel in this field.

Kerrie Jionisi is an emerging young film maker/journalist from Malaita Province.

Issue 03 2015 YOSI 15

EDUCATION

IU SAVE TU?

Marovo Lagoon, situated in New Georgia, Western Province is the world’s largest salt water lagoon.

The Solomon Islands has a total of up to 120 indigenous languages. (http://www.10-facts-about.com/Solomon-Islands/id/959)

(http://www.10-facts-about.com/Solomon-Islands/id/959)

The currency code SBD stands for Solomon Bokolo Dollar. Bokolo is a traditional money from Western Province, it is engraved on the $2 coin.

The archipelago of Solomon Islands covers an area of 249,000 square miles that is almost 3 times the landmass of the United Kingdom.

Tinakula is an active volcano 40 km from Santa Cruz island. The island has an impressive stratovolcano shape. Tinakula Island used to be inhabited before the 1971 eruption and tsunami. http://www.volcanolive.com/tinakula.html

The stretch of water between Savo, North West Guadalcanal and Florida Islands is named by the Allied sailors as “The Ironbottom Sound”, because of the dozens of ships and planes that sank there during the WW2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ironbottom_Sound

Solomon Islands is made up of nearly 1000 islands (http://www.factsking.com/countries/solomon-islands/)

16 YOSI Issue 03 2015

CARVING MY WAY A

CAREERS

How a young teacher quit his job to be an entrepreneur by Lionel Taorao

t a very well-known spot in Honiara’s center, under a thatched roofed hut, there stands a young, handsome guy in his mid-twenties.

This young fellow, with short dread locks, wearing dusty brown jeans, is one of the very few creative carvers you can find selling carvings at the Art Gallery compound, Point Cruz.

Hailing from Marovo in western Solomons, Steven ‘Texie’ Tausia is a skillful carver who sells his products to earn a living.

Steven acquired his diploma in teaching at the Solomon Islands College of Higher Education (SICHE) now the Solomon Islands National University (SINU).

He then started working as a teacher in 2013.

However, his teaching career did not last long when he decided to quit his job at the end of Year 2013 and start working at the Yacht club.

He stayed there for only a year when he finally decided to quit his job again and venture into making carvings and selling them.

Steven reflects back to his high school days when his interest in

carving first began.

“I worked with my dad who is a skillful carver himself when I was in high school.

I made carvings for sale to get money for school fees and other necessary needs I had,” Steven says.

“I finally decided to go in full time with my career as a carver because of the interest I have with this art and I also love what I am doing,”.

On the table where he is displaying his carvings, there are a variety of types and designs of carvings ranging from small sharks, dolphins, bowls to large human faces and spiritual images of the Solomon’s.

“I really enjoy doing this carving thing because I’m self-employed and I don’t have anyone to boss me around and I have my own rules.” he adds.

“I’m self-employed and I don’t have anyone to boss me around”.

Steven ‘Texie’ Tausia

According to Steven, he says that carvers in the country today now have a wide and good market for their product due to the high demands.

“Today, not only the tourists buy our products but there are many people who want to buy carvings,” “My dream is to go into bigger business in the future, exporting my products, out in the world market because today, carvings from the Solomon Islands are rated as the best and unique,” Steven says.

Lionel, 26, from Makira Province.

Lionel is interested in writing features.

One of Steven’s signature coffee table carvings Issue 03 2015 YOSI 17

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

JUST A FEW MORE GIGS ...

She is a songwriter, guitarist and a dancer in a winning dance crew called Inmates, she is the most active and sometimes the only female performer in the Youth Market shows and festivals.

Meet CAROLINE KOPLYN. A 23 year old talented performer from Shortland islands and Malaita. Take a peek into her life with Ruth Amos.

When did you start playing?

I grew up in a family with four brothers and two of them formed a band, and my elder brother taught me to how to play bass guitar when I was in grade four, singing came in later, I realised I could sing when I was in form 2 in year 2007.

my friends, playing my guitar and singing at the market house, when a local artist walked past and he heard me singing. He then asked me if I’m interested to do a duet with him, I agreed and did my first gig at the Heritage Park Hotel.

Since then, I have a gig there every Wednesday nights.

Who is or are the influence in your life?

My brothers were the greatest influence in my life. Seeing them perform on stage, aspires me into becoming an artist today.

How do you handle mistakes during a performance?

During a performance when I make a mistake, I just try as much as I can not to make it obvious, I improvise. By keep on strumming to my groove.

Who are your favourite musicians?

I like the style and performances of the Jamaican artists; Bob Marley and Lauren Hill.

What kind of music do you like to play?

I have played and sang songs on a wide range of genres but I mostly like reggae.

How did you get your first gig?

It was one of those faithful evenings when I was hanging out with 18 YOSI Issue 03 2015

How do you balance music with your other obligations you have, like dance, friends and job?

Sometimes I am faced with a situation where there’s a clash and I have to make a decision, most times I chose music before other things that I am obliged to do.

Are you thinking of making an album soon?

That is one of my top goals! I am currently working on it at the moment.

I think you are an original.

What makes you an original in what you do?

I don’t like copying other artists, I want to do my own style, I don’t want people to listen to my songs in the future and go “she’s copying her or him!” that is not my thing.

I want to make my own unique signature in my music without stealing other artist’s signature.

Apart from singing, what other things do you do?

Stay at home and read a book or spend time with my family.

Do you have a favourite saying? (pause) “Keep your head up and strive for the best,” I also had it in one of the songs I wrote, I like it because I’m at a stage where I’m still struggling to pursue my dreams, facing challenges is a common track I am on, but staying positive and making every effort to bring out the best keeps me going.

Tell us about yourself?

Oh okay… uh I am a down to earth kinda girl, I love everyone around me.

CAREERS

W

Turning Talent into Dollars

ith a Solomon Islands and Australian parentage, Jason Smith, 16, currently a form four student at St. John School is a talented young tattooist. He started shooting tattoos six years ago in grade five where his designs varies from traditional designs to facial designs.

Jason recalled when he begged his parents to buy him a controlled-toy car to use its motor to shoot tattoo.

“I saw other boys were using home-made motors they extracted from toy cars so I wanted one too, he said.

“All I wanted most was the motor so…Yeah! The moment I got hold of the car, I dismantled it and took out the motor,” Jason said with a smile.

From time to time, Jason shoots and designed more tattoos for anyone who pays him to do so. He was very talented and skillful that nearly most of his artworks were done without looking at any images or he doesn’t even need a pen to pre – sketch before inking it.

He has a variety of pictures and designs where one could choose from. If a picture or a design is new to him, that is the only time he have to look at it as a guideline. If he shoots that same design for the second time, he does not need to look at it again as he already pictured the whole image in his brain.

“If it’s my good day I can hit a thousand dollars”.

By SIMON TAVAKE

“The most complicated part is to sketch a human face where one has to make sure it looks perfect,” Jason said.

“By the time I start doing it everything just went out smoothly.”

Jason stressed that he does not acquire the skills naturally by himself, but by looking and getting ideas from friends and other tattooist he met.

For instance, recently Jason had just caught up with a tattoo studio based in Sydney, Australia through social media and sought advice from them. In return, they showed him how to do shadings and mixing ink according to what colour required in the tattoo.

“They gave me tips on how to mix the ink whenever I wanted to do shadings.”

“Like how much ink and water would I use if I wanted the shaded part to be lighter or darker in color” For Jason, he uses his skills and talent to create income.

After school he would shoot up to four people and normally he earns three to four hundred dollars a day.

He also owns a stall at the Youth Markets in Honiara called “DIRTY GHETTO INK” “I used to shoot up to nine people here compared to when I work from home.”

“If it’s my good day I can hit a thousand dollars a day,” young Jason said.

When asked about his future plans, Jason said he would love to own a tattoo studio. However that will only be possible if his schooling career ends somewhere in the near future.

Jason urges youths to use their God given talents wisely for their benefits rather than tarnishing their reputation as youths.

“Stop wasting time doing nothing” urged Jason.

Simon Tevake, 22 is a final year journalism student at SINU. He is part Malaita and Temotu Province, and is interested in reading, writing and playing all kinds of sport.

Issue 03 2015 YOSI 19

CULTURE

CUSTOM BLO MI Some different type of traditional money in Solomon Islands

Feather Money, Santa Cruz

Feather money is made of red feathers of the local Scarlet Honeyeater and Kurukuru bird. To remove the feathers, a traditional trap is set to capture the birds. The feathers are then plucked from the birds and glued on to the base (round coils) of Mokali bark and left to dry. No birds are harmed in this process. For a 36 feet long coil of feather money. Over 1500 feathers are used. The money is used for bride price, Compensation and batter system.

Kesa, Choiseul

Baniau, Kwaio

Baniau is made up of small white shells collected from mangrove areas. The red shells are similar to Tafuliae (red money). The value of the Baniau is determined by the red shell money at the top. Each Baniau is made up of 6 strings and is commonly used in Bride price.

Mbokolo, Western Province

Mbokolo is made out of fossil giant clam shells found in the jungle. Stone tools are used to breakdown the shells, shaped and smoothed. The Mbokolo is then decorated with ornaments where each process is carried out by different specialists. The design of the Mbokolo signifies the land, animals and how the people relate to nature. It is used to show wealth, land purchase and bride price.

Tafuliae, North Central Malaita

Tridacna shells are used to make Choiseul’s custom money. Kesa. The shells are then hammered using a traditional tool called kikiza, grinded and drilled until hollow cylinders are formed. It is used for bride price, reconciliation and marriage.

20 YOSI Issue 03 2015

Tafuliae is made of brown, white and black Shells and red oyster shells called “Romu”. The colours of the shells determine the rank of the shells value with the Red being the most valuable one. The shells are broken, drilled and threaded onto strings.

After that, the strings of shells are then placed on a bench and grinded to have the smooth look. Each of the shell money is used for Bride Price, Compensation and land payments.

YOUTH FAITH

A PASSION FOR STRINGS Twenty six year old David Riare is from Guadalcanal and Western Province, a budding guitar instructor and a music class teacher, he holds sessions for children and youths. From churches to behind bars, his passion for music and guitar takes him out of his comfort zone.

D

avid Riare brings out his guitar from its bag and strums a few chords as if finding tune to focus and tells his story of how he became a guitar instructor.

The 26 year old’s journey started out when he took guitar lessons in grade 2. David was introduced to the instrument by his parents, especially his father.

“I grew up in a music family, my father taught me some simple chords and I played at the local church I attended.”

David’s family moved to fiji in 2005 when he decided to quit school and concentrate on music but was late to apply for music classes.

“I was late to apply for the music course of-

fered, so I was sent home (Solomon Islands) instead.” He explains On his return, David continued to build his knowledge in music by reading old music books and educating himself on music theory.

“I noticed there were many young people interested in playing the guitar and learning music but could not get lessons because there are not many opportunities here, so I decided to help.”

David stumbled on an opportunity offered when he was asked to teach grade two children at the Tenakonga Primary

rehabilitation program for Juveniles at the Rove Correctional Centre.

An experience he described as rare and interesting.

“It was a rare experience, I found a sense of interest in them, they paid attention and learn as much as they could.” He says.

“What I found though was; not all of them are interested in playing guitar, so I had to improvise and being the only person teaching, it was a bit of a struggle to coordinate the whole thing, but it was worth it at the end of the day.” He says with a smile “I see music as a sense of emotion it is a medium in which

“I wouldn’t have done it without the leading hands of Our Heavenly Father” school’s music class. A challenge he later enjoys taking.

David continue hold guitar classes for children and youths, not only in his church but even in a correctional facility.

It happened one day, he got a request to help out in the

unspoken words can be heard.”

Despite quitting school to take up a career in music, David’s classes brings him income, and he willingly thank God for making it this far.

“I wouldn’t have done it without the leading hands of Our Heavenly Father, I pray every time I am faced with a challenge and I thank God.” He adds With a range of music experience and guitar skills around his belt, David always reminds his students to do the same.

“Perfect Practise makes perfect… that’s the only way to become a best guitarist.”

Issue 03 2015 YOSI 21

ASK YOSI

ASK YOSI: SELF-HARM Got a question for YOSI? Email yosi@youth-at-work.org

What is Self-Harm?

Self-harm or damaging your body is a problem. It is a way of punishing yourself or feeling a physical pain instead of the emotional pain inside. It’s a problem for you alone and it only helps for the short term and then comes back. It becomes like a habit.

How does it start?

It starts when someone is feeling very sad, angry, frustrated, misunderstood, or disappointed. But it starts before this in someone’s life when they have been through a trauma and not dealt with it properly with counseling. So the only way to feel better is to cause the physical pain and scars, which represents the internal scars and pains. But this is only short-term solution that never helps completely.

We are human beings and not just a body. We have a soul and spirit that lives forever. Counseling needs to help the whole person and not just focusing on the body problems.

Our thinking affects our feelings and then our actions.

Check what you are thinking about yourself and if it is

true. You choose your thoughts and actions. Maybe you need to learn how to grieve for something lost, or learn how to forgive the right way, or learn how to love yourself the way God loves and values you (not judging or condemning), or learn how to work through anger, or learning how to negotiate with others?

How to stop being a Self-Harmer?

Realize you have a serious problem.

Work out where this problem started and what you decided from that time about yourself.

Talk with someone you can trust about what you are doing.

Recognise what triggers you to self-harm (A thought or feeling or memory).

Be ready when it hits you again by having a plan or word of encouragement at the hard time to change the habit.

Damaging yourself is not helping you in the long-term – it is causing you more problems even if it feels good for a short time. The guilt or hurt keeps coming so it is time to do something different. The emotional pain is still there so find someone to help through the emotional pain.

Counsellor Helen Ferguson. Email: helenferguson3@gmail.com

Testimonies of ex - Self Harmers:

“When I was 17 years old, I had a problem in accepting my parents’ lectures and I ended up being an angry grumpy and sad kid. One day, my peers told me that if I hurt myself when I’m angry or stressed, I will feel better.

I was desperate and I took their advice, I just went to my room, lock the doors and cut myself on the wrist. I felt relieved, I continue doing it for 3 years until I realized I was hurting myself and that it is insane and wrong. So I keep on telling myself “I’m not an insane person and I shouldn’t be doing this to myself” and eventually I stopped.”

Anonymous youth, Honiara.

22 YOSI Issue 03 2015

“I grew up in a strict respected loving Christian family, but one day I did something shameful that only God, me and the devil knows. I felt the need to punish myself so that I can feel the physical pain of what I have done. That is how I started cutting. I cut myself as a warning that if I keep on doing the bad thing I did, I will have to pay with my blood. I kept cutting until my scars became reminders of my shame. I was only 15 when I started and I was doing it like a psycho in my room at nights and go to church like a normal kid every Sunday morning while my parents thought I was all good. I finally stopped doing self harm when I realized it’s the devil’s deception that made me do this to myself.”

- Liza, 20. Rove, Honiara

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

MOVIE REvIEWS

EVEREST (2015) A climbing expedition led by Rob Hall and Scott Fischer on Mt Everest is devastated by a severe snow storm.

Director: Baltazar Kolmakur Writer: William Nicholson and Simon Beaufoy Actors: Jason Clarke, Ang Phula, Jake Gyllenhaal, Emma Watson, Josh Brolin, Keira Knightley.

Run time: 121 minutes Review Everest is an epic drama film about adventure and survival in nature’s extreme conditions. Based on a true Inside Out (2015) After young Riley is uprooted from her Midwest life and moved to San Francisco, her emotions take the form of characters - Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust and Sadness. These emotions, or characters, – conflict with one another on how best to navigate a new city, house, and school.

Directors: Pete Docter, Ronnie Del Carmen Writers: Pete Docter, Ronnie Del Carmen Stars: Amy Poehler, Bill Hader, Lewis Black, Richard Kind, Mindy Kaling, Phylis Smith Runtime: 94 min Review A great movie that explains how emotions set in and how important it is to control them and make the most of your worst situations. The

story, this film will keep us questioning why people want to climb Mt Everest in the first place. But it leaves us with such respect for the nature and will motivate us in conquering our own goals in life.

The film’s Director Icelandic Baltazar Kolmakur gives you the real deal.

The film is shot in various locations around Nepal and Italy in snowy, harsh conditions, making it look more realistic and with less visual effects. You can feel the danger and challenges the climbers go through as their bodies try to cope with the high altitude and low temperatures on the mountain.

Everest touches the lives of the climbers with their pride and humbleness, but mostly it tells the story of man vs. nature and the story of Rob Hall’s final moments. As one of the character said “the last word belongs to the mountain.” movie is set all inside Riley’s mind and highlights that growing up is an adventure and psychology has never been more fun!

Apart from the excellent storyline that keeps you hooked throughout the film, the colorful display also deserves a lot of praise.

Due to the success of this movie already there are rumours that there will be a spinoff which will see Riley’s emotions taking her through

TRIVIA

- On April 18 2014, an avalanche killed 16 people more than the 1996 disaster on which the movie is based. Filming had to be postponed.

- Rob Hall was the first non-Sherpa to climb Mt Everest 5 times. His widow Jan became the second New Zealand woman to summit Everest; Lydia Bradley was the first.

NEW RELEASE

January

Kung Fu Panda 3 (Animation) Ride Along 2 (Comedy action) The 5th Wave (Sic fi, Drama)

February

Dead Pool (Sci fi, Adventure) Gods of Egypt (Sci fi, Epic) Zoolander 2 (Comedy Sequel) puberty. (Don’t pretend you don’t know what that is.)

All in all it’s an awesome family flick. You can’t end this year without watching Inside Out!

TRIVIA

- The writers considered up to 27 different emotions, but settled on five (Joy, Sadness, Disgust, Fear and Anger) to make it less complicated.

Some of the major emotions that ended up being cut included Surprise, Pride, and Trust.

- Psychologists and other experts were consulted so the writers could make the way Riley’s mind works scientifically accurate. For example, it is believed that short-term memories made during the day are converted into long-term memories during sleep, which is what happens in Riley’s mind.

Issue 03 2015 YOSI 23

CREATIVE CORNER

CREATIVE CORNER

Creative corner is all about showcasing the creativity and talent of Solomon Islands youth. We welcome original submissions of poetry, short stories, photography, artwork and more from all youth.

An abstract from I put one foot in front of the other and tried to wave my way toward the bus’ doors. I felt like a rugby player going in for a try. My eyes wandered for a second to the side where the mother and her son were standing, staring hopelessly at the raging sea of bodies gushing into the sliding bus doors. The woman clutched her son’s shoulders and brought him close to her and I felt pity well up inside me. It was a moment of weakness on my part, as I understood clearly that feeling sorry for people got you stranded in places you didn’t want to be and in relationships that you regretted being in, so givinginto emotions at this time would certainly have consequences. The bus roared to life and eased into gear, rolling and building speed as it took its cargo of cold yet relieved commuters.

I watched until the bus was just a speck of light in the distance. No, not a glimmer of hope, not a light at the end of the tunnel, just a speck of hope fading fast in the cold February night.

The mother and son were now huddled together, the mother trying her best to keep her son warm. I felt an ounce of anger for the woman, why did she have to put

24 YOSI Issue 03 2015

Strangers at the bus stop by Joey Manemaka

her child through this?

Why was she just now returning home with the poor child? I blamed her for making me miss the bus. But then again I did not know their story. Perhaps it was like a scene out of a sad movie, one that began with a sweet romantic relationship but then took a turn for the worst and ended in tragedy.

That scene was rudely interrupted by rowdy, harsh voices. I suddenly noticed the other people who had also missed the bus; the drunken men were still standing in the same spot. They were either too drunk to notice it had come or had missed the bus intentionally. But why? A disturbing probability hit me square in the face like a punch thrown by an angry, experienced boxer. To prey on people like you who are too weak

to get on the bus, I thought. I fought the urge to look in their direction. They caught my glance and as if it was an invitation, started towards me.I quickly looked around to make sure there were at least a few decent people there and almost cried. There were only six other people left at the bus stop, the mother and son, a couple of elderly men and a couple – an obese woman with a mousey looking guy who seemed like the type of person who would be scared of his wife’s own snoring.

You should’ve gone with Alfred! You should’ve gone with Alfred!

The words rang inside my head like an annoying mantra.

I was never the prettiest girl in my class or group of friends but I was definitely looking like the

winner of a beauty pageant right now to these two drunks who were moving towards me without blinking. It had to be some kind of record, not blinking during a slight drizzle for about two minutes. Before they even spoke I knew what their voices would sound like, unintelligible slurs through beer breath and betel nut stained teeth.

Dozens of horrifying possibilities ran through my mind. I remembered an article in the papers last week of a girl being raped in a secluded area just outside of town. This was not secluded was it? Surely two old men, a middle-aged mother, an obese woman and a coward could overpower two belligerently drunk men.

The two men came up to me and looked me over.

They reminded me of prowling animals sizing

CREATIVE CORNER

up their prey before they pounced upon it. I fidgeted with the strap of my hand bag and tried to look as tough as possible but I knew they smelt my fear, they knew what I was thinking.

One of them, the bigger one, raised his hand and touched my shoulder, sneering as he rubbed my shoulder with the back of his hand. I looked around at the other people there at the bus stop but everyone was trying hard to be

busy at anything else other than noticing whatever was happening between the young lady and two drunken men right in front of them. The smaller of the two stood in front of me as if discouraging any possible idea of flight. The light shone on his face and I looked into his unfocused eyes.

I cursed the light source for exposing possibly the face I would associate with a very bad memory for the rest of my life. The

light grew stronger and suddenly it was accompanied by the drone of a 5th element Toyota engine, an engine usually built into the type of buses that worked this city. A bus rumbled to a stop in front of the bus stop, still in gear as if the driver knew there was someone here that needed a quick getaway. Never before in my life have I been so happy to see a bus. I was safe, the two drunk men retreated back into

My Sauragi experience 16 year old Agatha Blandina Sau wrote this in her diary when she was 12 years old. She wanted to share it because it reminds her of a treasured moment during a holiday in Gela, Central Province.

Blandina loves reading.

On Saturday morning, when we woke up we went for a swim, there were no jellyfish in the sea and the sea was so clear and beautiful. After swimming for some time, the maids called us to go and have breakfast. After breakfast, we went back to the sea.

My mum showed me some small clown fishes and their sea anemone; she explained how they live and their relationship.

Then my mum taught me how to paddle a canoe.

After lunch, a boat from Sauragi Resort came to pick us up to go to Sauragi, so we took all of our things, say goodbye to everyone and left. We went passed a lot of rocky islands, some of them look frightening but I like the view. After travelling for some minutes we saw some frigate birds, they just hover around in the sky.

We travelled for a long time and I fell asleep but something made me open my eyes. It was Sauragi, it was surrounded by mangroves. When we got out from the boat some of the local girls came and greeted us with some ngali nuts and fresh green coconut fitted with a straw made of ginger stalk. After some refreshments, we went to see the houses and the water tank and the generator

the shadows and carried on with their obscenity infested conversation.

I practically ran for the bus, settling myself inside as I waited for the eventual beginning of my journey home. As the bus pulled out and began its possibly last journey of the working day I silently thanked God for protecting me and sank into my seat, thinking of the warm cozy confines of my home.

an extract from Agtha Blandina’s Diary,

house. Then Mellita and me went down to the sea to have a swim but it started to get dark, so we just sat there and tell stories about Mellita’s family.

When mum came back, she told us that the woman who married the man, who owned the resort, is her relative and they will be preparing dinner for us. They cooked rice and roasted fish over hot stone, I really liked it but I really missed the lovely food at Nugu too.

After dinner, Caroline and Mellita went to bed and mum and I went to our relatives down stairs, they were telling stories while I do my home economics homework, when i finished my homework I went to bed, but my mum still stayed on with our relative.

On Sunday morning we

had bread and baked beans for breakfast. After breakfast mum, Melita and me went for a swim in the sea and saw lots of sea cucumbers. Around 10:00am before we boarded the boat back to Honiara, we went to the main land and see one of the local primary schools in the main land, there were students and children all crowded around us because they didn’t saw us around, after some minutes walking, we went back into the boat and waved goodbye to everyone in the village, then we travelled back to Honiara.

We had our lunch at the yacht club and then my uncle came and picked us up, we dropped our friends at Don Bosco school and my mum and I headed back to St. Josephs Tenaru.

Issue 03 2015 YOSI 25

CREATIVE CORNER

POEMS NAÏVE

GROW UP Cute and Cuddly I possess, Fat or Chubby?

Never the less I control them they are powerless when I scream, I kicked, I’m the ‘stress’

Suddenly my world is depending on me No longer the majesty, no more cup-a-tea No free lunch my dad said, I get the hunch, I hope for aid

I jumped into mischief with a malicious glee Flew into rage that’s me Dance with mistakes now and then the truth awaits to set me free

Set the book down put my feet on the ground A silver lining does exist, with age and knowledge and a firm fist.

Entwined with tasks unknown seems I stepped into a horror zone the sun is cool, the snow is hot My nerves are numb, an invisible clot I discover when I explore I’ve seen what was never there before I feel emotions absence at a time seeking commotions some comes with a mime.

When it seemed to go right, where did it all go wrong?

I must be singing the wrong song because I know I saw the light Stop complaining and shut up keep learning and grow up.

By Georgianna Lepping

THE PAINFUL MEMORIES

Georgianna is a 25 year old writer and poet. She is

I felt guilty and confused, Lonely and even worthless.

Hurt at the heart is so painful and is so hard to deal with.

part Malaita and Western Province. Her hobbies are reading, watching movies and writing.

COLLISION OF POLICY Collision of policy of races is impulse So is such a question of human rights equally on the conscience Of all nations of good will, history has shown that the freedom Of joy becomes fragile, When the denial given to few bases of human rights is tolerated Our effort as free men must be to establish new relationships, To avoid reassignment and hostility Restore beliefs, faith and ourselves as individual Dealing on the bases of equality.

By Angelina Nandu Angelina Nandu, 25 is part Temotu and Renbel Province.

Unfamiliar feeling, Turning the pages Unconscious, faces could’ve been; A lover, a friend or a brother.

Yet as the cover gets thicker It becomes unfamiliar, falling asleep mid-way blues, On a page and dreaming it was you.

I saw we had fun playing in the rain, Our shirts wet and stuck like plastic skin, I open my eyes and felt tears dropped on The picture of two happy people, Faded to almost black and white are Shining eyes and white smiles Ruffling through to get to why it felt alive, I tore the last picture right in half Suspending two people, who were once together?

Painful memories are the worst nightmare for me, I hate being blamed, tortured and treated badly Wounded but never healed.

Unhappiness and Sadness are a part of me They belong to me and they don’t belong to me either.

I hate myself and am quite about it, Like a dark shadow, it casts over me.

Am only a human and wanted to live, Like a butterfly who struggles to keep its wings away from rain.

Florence Tina, 21,

is from Isabel Province. She is a nursing student at SINU.

26 YOSI Issue 03 2015

I held back the torn piece and look at the half page, Wait...

Separated, two different people When easily placed together it was a perfect fit, We belong together.

It maybe that the unfamiliar is just the right feeling of familiar, We are more than lovers, friends and yes related Closing the book and putting it up on the top shelf A familiar place that the eyes can reach When it feels like you will become so unfamiliar.

By Ruth Amos Ruth Amos, 23 Is a poet and writer from East Kwaio and Vanuatu. She loves writing and reading

MY HOME A Miraculous morning clears Over the mountain tops The Sun rises beaming across my lovely paradise Nearby ocean my home is gorgeous Beautiful with colourful stony beaches.

Sleepless nights has gone by Thundering sounds echoes As the waves breaking ashore Carried by the southern Sea current Till the new day comes.

People confuing and Complaining Sleepless nights are normal Thundering waves are normal My home never change.

My home is authentic.

By Florence Tina

tok blo youth

YOUTH OF SOLOMON ISLANDS The Youth of Solomon Islands Facebook page is a photoblog and was initially inspired by the Humans of New York photoblog. The page features young Solomon Islanders talking about their lives and the challenges they face from day to day. It has a faithful following and is the primary inspiration behind the YOSI magazine name.

Here are a few of our favourite entries:

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I believe music can bring positive impacts on people, this is a chance for us to raise the stars here and entertain the world outside, instead of the other way around.

Sport is more than just a game that you play, it can be used as a bridge between the government and the youth, something to fill in the gap between the old and the young.

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Be your own Boss or even better, be “the” boss you want to be…when you are the boss, you can control everything that happens to your life and in your life.

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There are many opportunities for young people today, we have to decide what we want to do that will benefit us... I believe there is no failure for someone who tries again.

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Through all my experience, I have learnt that hard work will always pay off, no matter what.

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To read the full stories and many more, visit Youth of Solomon Islands on

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I joined a youth training that helps youth to get experience in workplaces. I am really happy to do this, because it gives me more opportunities than before and I have made alot of friends even though I have a hearing impairment.

and dont forget to click Like

Issue 03 2015 YOSI 27