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Narawei: young people driving change
s I l a i ec p S l u e s i o Ch
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What’s inside issue 5
In this issue we are profiling the following young people who are bringing change to their communities in a different way:
6 Backyard gardening improves food security
12
Young women speaking into the heart of power
8 Youth fight against climate change effects
20 Multi-skilled Melgarartist, designer, mechanic
Words from the Coordinator......................................4 Overview Youth@Work..............................................5 View from the Provinces.............................................5 Creative Kona.............................................................14 Youth Voices................................................................16
10 Olympian dreams
21 Neilfotography: Behind the Lens
Ui Saveh Tu.................................................................22 Kastom Blo Mi............................................................23 Health Q&A................................................................24 Youth Faith..................................................................26 YOSI Photoblog..........................................................27
is proudly brought to you by the Youth@Work programme: YOSI comes out four times a year. Editorial team Emmanuel Oti- Editor, Writer and Designer Samantha Ryan- Editor, Writer and Designer Regina Lepping- Contributing Writer and Photographer Ruth Amos- Writer and Photographer Gino Oti- Contributing Designer Contributors- Stanley Ramosui, Stanley Kaoro, Mary Suimae, Steven Moka, Temple Green, Tia, Keith K. Enquiries Youth@Work, Tandai, Honiara 25278 yosi@youth-at-work.org www.facebook.com/YOSIMagazine Cover photo: Choiseul youth working together to build sea walls by Emmanuel Oti.
Contributors Thank you to everyone who contributed to YOSI 5: Our valued sponsors Bmobile Vodafone, Rotary Club, BSP, Frangipani Ice, Bamboozle Boards. Also our valued advertisers Nice Bola and Pasifiki Services. Thanks to all those who helped with articles and imagesRapataua Tarakabu, Lona Qilazozoko, Sydis Kotaru, Ruben Karotu, Peter Gallopui, Sharon Firisua, Rosefelo Siosi, Kiemi Lai, Vanessa Rodie, Lysa Orodo Wini, Jenllyn Malefoasi, Alicia Hilly Kenilorea, Elma Rizzu, Marisa Pepa, Melgar Rongota, Neil Nuia, Patricia and the helpful staff at the National Museum, Ann Claire and the Mental Health Team at the General Referral Hospital, Janain Teobasi, Rigley Livah, Kerry Jionisi and all of our YOSI photoblog contributors.
August 2016 Yosi 5 3
Words from the Coordinator
Welcome to YOSI Issue 5!
Our theme for this issue is Narawei: young people driving change. We chose this theme because we meet many young people in Solomon Islands who are scared to be themselves, scared to follow their hearts and do the things that they want to do because they might fail, or they might be rejected by others. Staying where we are because the alternative is too scary, too risky or we don’t know what might happen seems like a very comforting idea, but here’s the thing. If you do not stand up to the fear and have the bravery to do something different, every day will look the same for you and your world will remain small. Without being brave and standing up to the fear, we cannot grow and become the people that we want to be. When we take the leap and realise that we can do it after all, our world becomes bigger and we realise that we are more than
what we thought we were. In this issue we have tried to profile the young people who are being brave and doing things differently such as Tia Houniuhi, one of our young contributors, who writes about this beautifully in her piece, Ride to Inspire. In YOSI Magazine we want young people to be able to have a voice and to inspire one another. We want to encourage young people and tell them;
Have the confidence to step out and step up. Don’t wait for things to come to you. That’s why we have profiled young people who are standing up to be counted like the Young Women’s Parliamentary Group or those who are pushing themselves to their limits to achieve their dreams, like our young Olympians Sharon Firisua and Rosefelo Siosi.
View from the Provinces
Being young means that of course you don’t have all the answers, or even know where to begin. That’s why we encourage young people to have the courage to go and ask for information, and learn about what you are interested in and how you can get to the next level. Often you just need to get your foot in the door, and then if you work hard you can make your way from there. Don’t be scared. Talk to people who have the experience and knowledge. Seek information on where to next, get engaged. Be proactive, take initiative and spend time on rewarding activities that will be beneficial to you. Positive actions will have positive rewards. We wish you all the best in the pursuit of your dreams. Rose Martin
Youth@Work is now open in Malaita! Our Youth@Work Malaita office is located in Auki, in the Fred Fono building, room 3 opposite the main market. Our first phase intake will be announced in the upcoming months. Currently our resource centre is open for young people, and youth especially high school students are using the computer resources. Young people are welcome to come in and chat to our local team about how future activities can benefit them. We are looking forward for their cooperation when the program is fully up and running.
4 Yosi 5 August 2016
Young people accessing the new resource centre at Auki in our new Malaita office. Any youth are welcome to come in and use the facilities.
Island hopping through OVERVIEW OF YOUTH@WORK YOUTH@WORK URBAN MODEL URBAN PROCESS
INTERNSHIP -Mactching jobs to youth’s interests (CVs)
-Job interviews -Personal hygiene -Financial literacy REGISTRATIONS -Peace building & TRAININGS -Work ethics
-Govt Mininstries, companies MENTORING -15 weeks internship -Resource centre 3 a. INTERNSHIP
-Career awareness -Peer-peer coaching 4. MENTORING
-CV training 2. REGISTRATIONS & TRAININGS
YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS PROGRAM (YEP)
COMMUNITY SERVICES
In the urban programme youth who successfully complete 90 hours of community service are registered and undergo an intensive training that sets up the youth with basic skills for success terms of internships in 3 b. in YOUNG 1. COMMUNITY workplaces and foster entrepreneurship. In the provinces, the programme ENTREPRENEURS focuses on helping rural youth to SERVICE PROGRAM build a commitment to their communities and country by implementing climate change(YEP) adaptation activities, -Given trainings introduces agro forestry methods up ofsmall smallbusiness businesses and -First port: Young people for better crop varieties, support with set are being registered improve food security. -Produce business plans -Carried out 80 hrs of work in their communities
-SPC gives seed money
RURAL MODEL -YouthMarket: avenue to sell youth products and services. Platform to showcase talents and skills
COMMUNITY SERVICES
Island hopping through CLIMATE CHANGE
RESILIENCE YOUTH@WORK RURAL PROCESS TRAININGS BUSINESS -Climate change resilient TRAININGS activities YOUNG -Coastal Based Resource ENTREPRENEURS Management (CBRM) (YEP) PROGRAM
-Helping hand peace -Backyard gadening building -Agro-forestry
Climate know 3. COMMUNITY change yourself SERVICE Environment democracy
1. COMMUNITY AWARENESS -Programme overview -Expections from programme & youths -Application handouts -Selection
2. TRAINING (FRONT LOADING) -Climate change -Backyard gardening -Peace building -Self-empowerment -Know-yourself
-Foster young entrepreneurship -Small business trainings -Start-up capital practical climate change-Monitoring resilience activities 4. TRAINING (BACKLOADING-BUSINESS)
Lane
Entrepreneur’s
Backyard gardens improves foodsecurity While in Choiseul the YOSI team met young people who were earning a livelihood to tranform their lives and communities. One of these is rural youth earn livelihood through gardening Scarce land and infertile soil for crop farming on the populated island of Wagina, Choiseul, have increased islanders’ dependency on cheap imported processed foods. The sea itself does not supply the necessary food for balanced meals.
they partook in 15 weeks of climate change resilient activities, helping old and vulnerable people through the Helping Hands programme and agricultural activities that improve food security and provides opportunity to earn a living back in their own communities.
As villagers depend more on Meet 20 year old Rapataua imported processed foods their Tarakabu, or Rapa as her friends call health dwindles and the rate of her, from Arariki community. Rapa non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes and “Now that we do backyard as a youth leader in her heart disease community is increases as these gardening we no longer get vegetables from the market” responsible foods are low for bringing in the vitamins, together her peers, which are proteins and minerals a healthy mostly her cousins, and taking on body needs. the initiative to plant crops and Young people in Wagina are vegetables in their backyards. “We changing that. By participating in plant slippery cabbage, eggplants, the Youth@Work rural programme melons, snake-beans, lettuces and
Name: Lona Qilazozoko, 24 Village: Mboemboe What type of business do you choose to do? I choose to sell dyed lavalava and pillow cases. What need in your village do you solve? I choose to sell dyed clothing as the demand for it is high. Did you received any training on the how to dye clothing? I learnt it from my aunts. I love dying because it’s easy for me to do. How’s the business so far? I use to make 8 – 16 dyed lavalava and pillow cases and sell them at a price of $40 for a pillowcase and $35 for a lavalava. Who are your main customers? I sold my finished products here in my village and also to workers in the logging camp close by. Some of my customers are from other villages. How do you use your profit?
Youth of Arariki tending their lettuces. In a few days they will harvest them for and surplus will be sold at the market. Photo by Emmanuel Oti
6 Yosi 5 August 2016
With the money earned I brought things to meet the other needs of myself and my family.
Choiseul & Wagina :View from the Provinces corn”, Rapa revealed to the visiting YOSI team. “From the trainings conducted by Youth@Work we learnt how to grow crops and how to protect them from pests”, she adds. Previously, when her family wanted to have variety in their meals they’d have to spend a few dollars at the
Rapataua Tarakabu in her garden. Photo by Emmanuel Oti
market to pay for vegetables. “Now that we do backyard gardening we no longer get vegetables from the market”, said the proud young lady. Towards the end of the programme Youth@Work arranged for business specialists to teach Rapa and her peers the basic business skills that will help them manage profits earned and to invest them back into their backyard gardening by paying for new seeds and equipment. Youth@Work rural programme is aimed at helping rural youth to build commitments in their communities purposely to avoid young people drifting to urban centres. Rapa closed off the interview by sharing this with the team that “young people who don’t have jobs need to take up such initiative in their villages to help their families and earn money. There’s always opportunities to venture into other kinds of business using the money earned from backyard gardening”. -Emmanuel Oti
Name and business: Sydis Kotaru, 26 from Mboemboe village and I choose to be a Telekom top-up agent reselling phone credit. What need in your village do you solve? In Mboemboe there’s no top-up agent selling credit. We always have to go to Gizo to top-up our phones in order to place calls to our families in Honiara and Taro. On a fine day the trip to Gizo can take up to an hour by boat. What sort of business trainings did you receive? I learnt how to write a business plan and how to save up the money I’ve earned.
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View from the Provinces: Choiseul & Wagina
Youth at forefront of fight against climate change
Satellite photos have revealed that earth’s polar ice caps are melting at a faster rate each year. This means more volume of cold water is added to the oceans, changing its temperature, in turn causes abnormal and extreme weather patterns observed around the world. In temperate regions devastating heat waves, wild fires, droughts and extreme snow storms are becoming a frequent impediment. In tropical regions catastrophic floods, hurricanes and cyclones are prevalent.
message. But far from the bureaucracy, international spotlight and drama, young people in a populated atoll island in Solomon Islands are bracing their community against the hailing effects of climate change by building stonewalls in front of their coastal village. They were given trainings on climate change and mitigation activities through the Youth@Work programme.
Ruben Karotu, 27, a robust youth leader of Nikumaroro community, Wagina, Choiseul Province shared One of the issues that has recently the sad history of the once pristine gained popularity in the scientific beaches community in front of “The seawall we are building is important and has his village. to Nikumaroro community. Before, considerable influence in nothing could withstand the destructive “Before on the political power of waves during storms. Now the the coastline scene is seawalls stop the waves and I feel safe” there was a lot of white rising sea coral sand. Now it’s all bare rock. levels due to climate change. Big waves and giant tides took the Computer models present a sand away”. frightening fate for defenceless but inhibited atolls and volcanic Ruben’s village is on the leeward islands. It’s been scientifically side of Wagina Island which proven that the oceans are slowly receives the brute force of waves swallowing up the islands into during storms and swells. With the dark watery abyss. This has the increasing rise in sea level rattled regional leaders of small the effects the waves had on the pacific island countries who have coastline has been amplified. brought their predicament under Apart from eroding the beaches the international spotlight with and exposing the fossil corals preserving human existence and underneath, retreat of the shoreline their people’s survival as their core is also observed. “People who built
How’s business so far since you’ve started selling top-up? My top-up business is good…When I run out of credit I travel to Gizo to refill my top-up. I have had two turn overs already since I started my business. Who do you sell your top-up to? My main customers include everyone from my village, workers from a nearby logging camp and people who are passing through my village.
Name: Peter Gallopui, 27 from Ngorebara and I choose to sell school stationery. What need in your village do you solve? My wife is a teacher at the village school so I planned to sell everything the students would need to do their studies. Who are your main customers? My main customers are the students from the village school. How have the Youth@Work trainings helped you? Being part of the trainings gave me the courage and knowledge on how to sell my stationery and how to set prices. I also learnt how to manage my business. How’s the business so far since you’ve started selling stationery?
Retreat of coastline due to wave erosion is evident on Wagina Island. Photo by Emmanuel Oti
8 Yosi 5 August 2016
Profit from my small business helps me and my family a lot. With the extra money earned I am now venturing into selling other goods like rice, flour, cooking oil which the villagers need.
houses and kept pigs close to the shoreline are now relocating their homes and pig pens”, Ruben said as he showed the YOSI team around to witness for themselves the firsthand effects of climate change in his village. As part of Youth@Work Rural Programme, Ruben and his peers undertook two weeks of climate change adaptation training
conducted in partnership with the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), German aid agency GIZ and Solomon Islands government ministry partners. Reflecting on the experience Ruben said, “During the trainings we learned what climate change is and identified appropriate mitigation measures like erecting seawall defences and planting mangroves to stop wave erosion”.
“The seawall we are building is important to Nikumaroro community. Before, nothing could withstand the destructive power of waves during storms. Now the seawalls stop the waves and I feel safe”. Young people in rural communities are taking the fight into their own hands, achieving the programme’s aim that strives to put youth at the forefront of climate change understanding and adaptation. The climate change activities that Ruben and young people from his community have done have not only enhanced ecological development but have also improved people’s living conditions. “It is important for everybody, from youths to authorities, that we work together to prevent and minimise the disastrous effects of rising sea levels from destroying our village and way of life”, Ruben stressed.
Ruben Karotu and his peers carrying stones to build the seawall infront of Nukumaroro village. Photo by Emmanuel Oti
-Emmanuel Oti
lympian’s dreams When the Olympics begins, and the Olympics anthem starts to play and the best athletes in the world enter the stadium there will be two young Solomon Islander athletes proudly waving the Solomon Islands’ flag. They will have pushed their bodies and themselves to the limit to compete on the world stage, in the toughest competition in sport. We spoke to Rosefelo Siosi and Sharon Firisua, who you may remember we interviewed in issue 2 when they represented Solomon Islands in the Pacific Games, to find out how they are feeling getting ready for this historical moment. At the time that we spoke Sharon and Rosefelo both been training full-time in Melbourne where they are both being supported by the National Olympics Committee Solomon Islands, the National
Olympics Committee and the Glenhunty Athletics Club to train for the Olympics in Rio. Their training routine sounds gruelling. Sharon says, “Now I am training with Glenhuntly Club and I train
6-7 days a week, 2 days of track sessions, 2 days of easy run, 2 days of hill sessions and 1 day where it is optional to do 6km run or active rest. Which is 100 kilometres or 500 minutes per week.” Rosefelo says, “Olympics is a world class game. You have to work very hard to get there. I spend a lot of time training to get to the Olympics. No relaxing!” He says that having the chance to train in Melbourne has been really good as, “There’s a lot of athletes trying to encourage each other.”
“I am just the beginning, that’s my dream. Because this is athletics history, the first ever long distance female runner for Solomon Islands in the Olympics.” “I train with a lot of friends who are very fast runners. They’re almost better than me!” he laughs.
Sharon Firisua, during trainings in Melbourne.
10 Yosi 5 August 2016
“I’m really starting to be in good form. I did my time trials yesterday… I compete with my colleagues and have fun. Maybe if I chase the fastest I will be the fastest. At the senior level they are very fast. They are world athletes.”
Both are incredibly excited to have been chosen for the Olympics. Sharon says, “It is an honour and a privilege for a life time for me to represent my beloved country Solomon Islands in the Olympics…It feels amazing, like a champion and people respect you because of your good attitude and behaviour.” Rosefelo adds, “It’s awesome. I was very happy and excited and almost crying because of all my hard work, that’s why I was selected to represent Solomon Islands. It’s a privilege for me too and it’s my first time to be an Olympian- it’s my dream come true!” It hasn’t been an easy path for either of them, and there have been sacrifices along the way. Sharon says, “I love my training. I do it with all my heart and all my ability and strength while I am training, when it’s hard and painful I accept that and I just do it in a patient and a humble way.”
Rosefelo Siosi, training in Melbourne this year.
For Rosefelo the hard training doesn’t matter. If I can do it to the regime has meant an interruption to 5000 metres in under 15 minutes. Sharon’s goal is to “run my personal Olympics anybody can do better his studies. He says, “I had to leave than I did in future. Iám is just school to train. I should concentrate best (PB) and to compete with the the beginning, that’s my dream. champions and complete my race.” on my studies but I had to leave to Because this is athletics history, get to where I wanted to be, the the first ever long distance Olympics. That’s my goal, to go “For the young Solomon Islanders watching me, female runner for Solomon it’s not an easy thing, you have to work hard to Islands in the Olympics.” to Rio, I have to work hard.”
get there. I wake up early, I train twice a day.
Despite already competing in I’m lucky that I was born in Solomon Islands to For Sharon, the ultimate the Commonwealth Games in qualify to represent this country. I’m so lucky to goal for her career after Glasgow in 2014, last year’s the Olympics is to help get through to the Olympics.” Pacific Games and the Oceania others in sports, “to be a Champions and being the coach to train the young athletes in They are aware that when they current Solomon Islands record athletics.” compete many Solomon Islanders holder for the 5000 metres, Sharon will be watching them, cheering says that she never dreamed that Rosefelo says his goal is to goals is she would be an Olympian. She says them on. Rosefelo says, “For the “to still continue to do running as young Solomon Islanders watching simply, “I love my sports athletics. I I grow older. I want to encourage love running more than anything, it me, it’s not an easy thing, you have other athletes and young people.” to work hard to get there. I wake up makes me happy.” early, I train twice a day. I’m lucky “I would like to just get more that I was born in Solomon Islands Rosefelo who competed in the medals in the Pacific and Oceanic to qualify to represent this country. Pacific Games in Port Moresby and and Melanesian games. To get I’m so lucky to get through to the holds the national record for the more medals for my country in the Olympics.” 10,000 metres says, “I’m ready to future… I’m still young. There is still compete with them. All I want is to more time for running ahead.” To young Solomon Islanders be with the fastest.” watching her compete Sharon would like to say that, “despite the Both have their own personal lack of facilities for our young sports goals to drive them to work hard. -Samantha Ryan men and women in our country, it For Rosefelo, his goal is to run
August 2016 Yosi 5 11
Young Women Speaking into the Heart of Power
Our National Parliament is the heart of power in the Solomon Islands. Through it flows legislation and policy that determines how we all live and the way in which our country develops. During their Transformational Leadership training run by UN Women which ran from 2-4 June Samantha Ryan and Ruth Amos spoke to five young women who are part of the Young Women’s Parliament Group (YWPG) who are standing up and speaking directly to the Parliament about the issues that matter to them.
opportunity for me as a young women trying to affect change.”
Vanessa Rodie, 26, Guadalcanal and Western province Vanessa Rodie became part of the YWPG because she is interested in politics and works as the Parliamentary Committee Secretary for the National Parliament. When explaining why she joined YWPG she says “I think strategically we have an open window to voice out youth concerns, issues that affect young women of Solomon, to come straight to this national institution. We have a direct link to the parliament, we have a policy and legislative unit in YWPG which is able to give out the group’s opinions concerning policies and legislations. I think YWPG is an
12 Yosi 5 August 2016
“We have been involving in a lot of activities with Y@W, a lot of activities in trying to empower women, creating programs in the parliament like mock parliament for women. So my involvement in YWPG are our opportunities for us, seeking solutions for young women.” “I think mainly there’s two things that I’ve learnt (about leadership).” “You need to know what your
purpose in life is and where you want to be going. There are two things that I see that you need, self-empowerment and selfconfidence.” About the way forward for the future she says, “I think our education should promote a gender equality between men and women….Not necessarily equal representation but equal opportunities.”
Lysa Orodo Wini, 33, Malaita Current Chair Lysa Wini says of her reason to join YWPG, “First it was just the ‘short bus route’. I participated in the collection of their data and analysing it, and then I saw how this issue can get national attention and this group was able to do that.” Lysa works currently as Country Coordinator and National Liaison Officer for two projects for International Union for Conservation of Nature in which we supports the government through the Ministry of Environment to work towards the Sustainable Development goals, mainly on marine, mainly to meet the
conversion of biodiversity. She elaborates, “For me it’s about inspiring other young people to be able to feel confident and feel able to participate in the national building process...to not work in isolation but start to create the networks that we need to start connecting to connecting to other young women too.” “Rise up beyond personal and emotional issues and look at other young women who are also keen on the same course and come together as a collective.” “I believe that a collective can make a change not individual aspirations and YWPG is an example of a collective.”
Jenllyn Malefoasi, 18, North Malaita Jenllyn Malefoasi, a Form 7 Arts student at St Nicholas, says she joined YWPG because, “My vision is to change the country in an effective way as gender equality kind of society and because I have a lot of interest in politics.” About being a member of the YWPG she says, “I know I have been blessed to have this opportunity and I’m proud of it. It’s not easy being a women and trying to lead, you have to work your way up. Given the privilege and the opportunity to be part of the group, I stand here to advocate for the voiceless.” Of equal representation in leadership she says, “I hope so and that they will be an equal balance, starting now.” She believes that it will take, “More training of young people both male
and female especially in schools… With this mixture we will have different ideas…creating programs that involve everyone.”
Alicia Hilly Kenilorea, 34, from Western Province Alicia Hilly discusses how the YWPG began. She says, “I felt that there was a gap when it comes to women in leadership. I saw the YWPG as a key component to increasing women’s political participation in the future…I have this belief that to be in political leadership it has to start at a young age.” Alicia is currently undertaking her Master degree in Governance and Public Policy at the University of Queensland while taking a break from her work with UN Women. When I ask her what she’s learnt about leadership that she can share with youth she says, “Transformational leadership is about finding yourself. I really believe that once you are able to understand who you are and what your purpose in life is…you will be able to relate better to the people. Transformational leadership can only work if it starts with you... You can’t light a candle inside to change other people…I like these ten important words. If It Is To Be It Is Up To Me.” “I really go by the motto of the Solomon Islands that to lead is to serve and I believe that in the area of work that I’m doing I’m a leader…I’m supporting the young women of this country to realise their potential and their dreams.” When I ask her if she expects to see 50% political women’s representation in her lifetime she says, “It’s possible. I will be
working hard with YWPG to enact that change...YWPG is a unique approach. I haven’t seen this approach anywhere else for us in driving change.”
Elma Rizzu, 26, Malaita and Isabel Province Elma Rizzu says, “I would very much consider myself as a leader, not only in my work place but in my society.” Although still young, Elma works as Senior Legal Officer at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. She says, “in the work place, I am taking up tasks and advocating especially in my profession as a young lawyer going into the court room with cases and then trying to convince the Magistrate or the Judge. As I work in public prosecutions I represent the state. I am the agent who is there to speak out for the people I represent and let those who are in power make the decisions.”
“As a lawyer the most significant change I want to see is how society treats the vulnerable. I see we have a lot of cases of sexual assault. Those cases come about because of people not respecting the other gender.” “I would really like to see society’s perspective of women change and to see the opposite sex as equal… To see each and every one as a person. To see people have respect for each other.” When asked if she sees herself as a future MP she says, “Myself? Probably. If all goes well, if I don’t want to pursue my career in law, that is one thing I’d like to achieve.”
-Samantha Ryan and Ruth Amos August 2016 Yosi 5 13
Creative Kona: Poems
CREATIVE Kona
14 Yosi 5 August 2016
Artwork  :Creative Kona
Freehand Art work T
alking listening
Talking and listening skills are very important and relevant in many situations. Through listening we identify and differentiate the main points and relevant details of stories, talking and conversation. Through talking we debate or argue about important issues or answer a wide range of question types and requests for information through responding quickly and also to provide ideas and suggested solutions in problem dealing confidently. The drawing shows three men, one talking and two listening. The talker’s teeth are stained black from chewing betel nut. Artist: Steven Moka
G
ood meets evil
This is the artist’s depiction of bad and good, chaos and serenity, love and hate, peace and war, life and death, heroes and monsters, something so beautiful and a hideous beast! Total opposites yet have a strong attraction. Each needs the other in order to exist. Without the other life cannot persist. Artist: Temple Green
Creative Kona: Artwork
The Environment: A Poem Leaders of today
Coastal people
Leaders of today
The environment is complaining
Haven’t you heard
Citizens of Honiara
Haven’t you heard her?
The environment is complaining?
Coastal people
The very young trees are complaining
Why are you polluting the sea with all
Smokers and betel nut chewers,
Why are you removing them from where
Your rubbish?
They are supposed to be? What have they done to you? Citizens of Honiara Haven’t you heard The environment is complaining? Why are you polluting the Mataniko River? What has it done to you? Don’t you know it’s part of This country’s history?
The environment is complaining Why not take your time and
What has it done to you? Do you think it’s your dumping site?
Listen to them? Mary Suimae, 21, from Malaita Province is interested in reading and writing. She is currently studying Form 7 Arts at St Nicholas College.
Smokers and betel nut chewers Haven’t you heard the environment Is complaining? Why are you polluting the land With cigarette butts, betel nut husks And those filthy betel nut stains? What has it done to you? What’s the hard in throwing them In the right place?
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Column :Youth Voices
Our Biodiversity, Our Future Living in a beautiful environment gives you a free gift of life from our creator who made this planet earth. I’d like to express my concern about this great issue facing Solomon Islanders today.
and resembles that of South Asia. These ecosystems support an array of species from plants such as orchids to many endemic birds, a rich diversity of frogs and mammals. Not to mention the many butterflies and invertebrates that are just as important to the equilibrium of these rainforest systems.
our constituency development fund is funding the housing schemes. As a result people buy trees from other places and build their house. Now they do not have timber to build; their housing scheme is incomplete to this day.
I spent a year at the Solomon If we continue to destroy our Islands National University (SINU) forests, over harvesting them undertaking the Certificate “Customary landholders are faced through logging and polluting in Environmental Science marine life, in future we will with a difficult choice between experience the consequences. Studies at the School of Natural Resources and Applied Science. development and the preservation This will affect human life in of their traditional lands. Can these many ways, such as shortage of The course they were offering communities gain economic benefit oxygen. The wild life and marine was very interesting. We life habitat we depend as part of studied the origin of the earth, while protecting their natural the food chain will be lost and learnt to understand ecology heritage?” the animals will be extinct and it and functions of the various will contribute to global warming. ecosystems, components of However, although Solomon the physical environment, cultural My future prediction for the new Islands is rich in natural wealth and economic issues, legislation generation is that our children will it also attracts another kind of and policies, biodiversity and suffer. They will not know what international attention, from conservation management. the forest is or the other plant and industrial timber and mining projects that destroy its remarkable animal species that will be extinct. While doing my studies, I thought Already our natural ecological biodiversity. Therefore customary that I was doing it for the sake of system is unbalanced and the trees landholders in the Solomon completion and graduation. At that have been harvested will take are faced with a difficult choice the end, I realized that my studies years to grow back. between development and the had set me in the direction to preservation of their traditional become one of Solomon Islands’ Our country is heading towards the lands. environmentalist to discover the extinction of its forests and other different type of marine life, flora resources. What we will do as good Can these communities gain and fauna, with their importance citizens of Solomon Islands? Will we economic benefit while protecting and function to humans and the conserve our forest or destroy it? their natural heritage? environment. As we experience the adverse This is my point of view. I’m Throughout my studies and pressure of the social and concerned because of over research I came across a community harvesting of our tropical forests environmental impacts of logging conservation agreement that had and the extinction of animals and and damaging of other resources been made with the help of other plant species, I encourage our is becoming one of the pressures scientists, working in partnership good people of Solomon Islands faced by our Solomon Islands with our government. It stated that, communities. to take my advice. There are some Solomon Islands has a remarkable important measures that we landscape, made up of small islands As I have observed from living can take, like conservation and as well as large oceanic islands, reforestation of trees for our future in a village where logging some reaching more than 2000 generations. Stop disrespecting and companies operated on east metres in elevation. This landscape central Guadalcanal in Valevale damaging our natural resources, as supports very different ecosystems, (Bulona camp) when the company they are preserving our life. If we and is home to an amazing diversity was gone, the people in the area continue to destroy them we are of life. This richness has made killing our own way of life. suffered from the impacts of Solomon Islands recognized around logging. For example, we now have We only have one environment. the world as one of the earth’s to walk a few kilometres to get richest intact ecosystems. water for drinking and cooking. The Look after it. other problem faced is there are -Stanley Kaoro The vegetation of Solomon Islands now no trees to build houses. Today is composed of large hardwood
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Youth Voices: Feature Stories
Ride t o Inspire The lady with the purple hands As a young female growing up in my country, the Solomon Islands, I have always wanted to stand out in a very male dominated society by doing something bold. Growing up with a lot of boys (my two older brothers and my cousins) helped me find my own identity in the midst of my male dominated family. However growing up, confidence to do something bold to inspire others was not one of my best traits. Even though I see a need to do something to help in certain areas of my community and school, the fear of being embarrassed, looking foolish, failing or doing it the wrong way always held me back. This prevented me from being bold and doing what I know in my guts can inspire my generation. My ultimate goal in life is to be an influential young woman for my generation and the generations that will come after. I feel like I needed an opportunity to do something bold, but I couldn’t seem to find it. Maybe because I just didn’t look hard enough? I didn’t know that I was going to get an opportunity soon and that I was going to learn an important lesson along the way and grow.
remember what went through my mind when I heard that. I was like, “Whoa! Did I hear right?” When I first saw Sardis’s bike on my first long ride I was really impressed by it! I don’t know much about bikes but I could tell that it was a great bike. I couldn’t believe Sardi had asked me that but I didn’t want to sound too eager so I just said, “Sure I’d love to”. That was the beginning of an awesome two weeks.
On the morning of April 23rd I was out riding with some friends. Going for long rides on a Saturday morning has become one of my favourite things to do on the weekend. Not only because of the exercise I get, but because I am surrounded by a lot of great people who are always willing to answer my many questions. On that particular morning I was with two of these great people, Amelia and Sardi. As always I was having a deep intellectual conversation with Amelia, while Sardi was riding just close by. As we caught up with her, she asked me, “Hey Tia! How would you like to look after my bicycle while am away?” I can still
That morning I was invited to have breakfast at my friend’s house before going on this intense hike. As I rode to their house to get there in time for breakfast, the roads were already filled with people and vehicles. What greeted me was not what I expected from the neighbourhood I grew up in. There were a lot of people who were shocked to see a female Solomon Islander on a bike and so I rode through the whole neighbourhood under the stares of everyone. Some women exclaimed their shock to see a female bike rider, especially someone they’ve seen around for some time now. All this extra attention made me nervous and distracted from where I was going.
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My first ride on it was when I went to pick it up at Sardi’s place on a Sunday morning at 7am to be exact.
“As soon as I got on the bike and started riding it, I loved it! I felt as free as a bird.” I went downhill taking in the sights around me. It was a quiet morning and so it wasn’t that busy. There were not a lot of people on the road. I was so honoured and proud to look after such a cool bike that I told almost everyone in the family that my friend had personally asked me to look after the bicycle. I was like a five-year-old on Christmas day. Little did I know that I was in for a very important lesson in life.
The next thing I knew this vehicle reversed right into me. I swerved the bike away but got my shin hit instead. I was in shock but quickly realised no damage was done to me or the bike. I was in a hurry and had no time to think it over.As the days passed I slowly gained my confidence just riding into town and getting from one place to another. I loved every moment I was on that bike so I took it upon myself to give the bike a name. I tried to think of a cool name but couldn’t. I eventually came upon a name that means something to me. I decided to call it “The Lady with the purple hands”. When I first saw her it was the purple handle grips that grabbed my attention. The lady with the purple hands and I had some great adventures together. My best moment with her was when I rode through one of the neighbourhoods and a woman on seeing me threw her hands in the air and cried “YES!!! A GIRL.” Also, I started gaining the respect of the neighbourhood boys and even girls. I earnt a name for myself as the “bike gele”. I wore the name with pride. As I rode, the days passed and I began to notice that a lot of people, especially the woman and girls, were starting to warm up to the idea of seeing a female on a bike. I could tell that at first, because of how we are brought up, seeing a girl on a bike is a weird sight and in some sort of way not culturally accepted. Most of the girls would be so embarrassed to ride in public. When I realised that I became braver. I chose to ride more often to encourage them to be comfortable with a female riding. There is nothing wrong with a girl on a bike! So that’s when I got the idea of “Ride to Inspire,” to encourage young females like me and women to ride. I finally understood why
Feature Stories :Youth Voices my good friend Amelia was proud when I told her stories about my adventures with lady with the purple hands. After all, she was the one who inspired me to get into bikes. In turn I try to inspire other females to ride bikes. Not only that, but to be bold and confident. Each time I get on that bike my confidence grows and grows and I feel so free like I could just do anything. However something happened to shake my new found confidence. On the morning of the 28th of April 2016, I decided to ride up to Lunga to Maranata Hall to see someone I know sing at her graduation. I hadn’t ridden up there before, so that was a new territory for me. I rode up there smoothly through traffic with people staring. After the ceremony however on my way back to work at the hospital, I was riding on the left side of the road beside a red bus. Most vehicles are considerate and look out for other people on the road, but this one was not doing that. As I tried my best to go safely to the left and ride at a constant speed, the bus either slowed down or sped up to distract me. At one point I had enough and decided to swerve to the left to take on a new route. As I went left the bus stopped blocking the way and I swerved off the road, onto my knees and somehow bumped my head, as the bus took off. I quickly stood up to check the bike then myself. We were both fine, with just a few scrapes on my knees. I looked around but there was no one on the road. So I stood there, picked myself
up, grateful for the helmet that saved my head and got on the bike again. When I got to the hospital I sat down for a whole two hours, just thinking about my fall and how close I came to hurting myself and just feeling grateful that I was ok. I was so shaken up about that fall that I pushed the bike all the way home that evening. A good friend of mine helped me see that I needed to get back on the bike, that things like that happen so that we can learn and grow. The next day I got back on the bike and rode around town with a big smile on my face and of course with a lot of bandaids covering almost my entire left leg. From that fall and from people looking out for me I learned an important lesson about being confident. Through my journey with the lady with purple the hands I have been asked by a few women the same question, “are you not scared riding through the traffic with people staring at you (because of the fact that I’m a female rider)?” I realise now that every time I get on the bike I am actually doing something that frightens me. I ride again to show other females that it’s alright to ride. That it is scary (hence my Oubadge of honour, the bandaids on my leg) but never let the fear of doing what scares you stop you from doing something that you would like to. I challenge them to do what scares them every day, because that is how we learn and grow. If we are too scared to do a lot of things in life, we will never leave the front door of our house
and go out and see this beautiful world. Now, every time I hear “but, girls aren’t supposed to ride a bike”, I just smile and know I am brave enough to go out of my comfort zone. I have dared to do what frightens me every day. To some people it is just riding a bike, no big deal, but to me it means more. Just last week, I finally witnessed one of the best things ever. I rode past a girl riding a bike in my neighbourhood. That is a rare sight for Solomon Islanders. I felt so proud that I gave her possibly my biggest smile ever. Riding around town now, I see a lot more people riding bikes and I feel wonderful about this. I would like to see more females doing that. So even though it will take some time, I am committed to “Ride to Inspire.” I am up for this incredible ride and hopefully I can inspire some people along the way. Now looking back to even two weeks ago, I can say that I am more confident now than ever. I feel like I have all the freedom in the world to do bold things in the years to come. I have so much respect for the people around me and my community that I will do all that I can to let them see the same lesson. It’s alright to be scared but we will never learn and grow if we let the fear hold us back from doing what we would love. Like my friend passed it on to me from her favourite singer “Every day you have to do what frightens you”. That is what I believe am doing each time I get on the bike. Tia, dedicated to Sardi Calver
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Youth Voices: Feature Stories
multi-skilled melgar- Artist, designer, motor Mechanic Melgar Rongota 35 from North Malaita was once a youth like us. He was a grade six leaver but he is multi-skilled and can do both art and design and as well as work as a mechanic. This is his story. “My skills in art and design began during my primary days at Malu’u Primary School in North Malaita (Now Arnon Atomea Community High School). In every exercise book my teacher issued me, I inscribed art or designs on several pages of the book. It bothered my teacher who rebuked me for doing that. But I never stopped.” “From grade four to grade six every teachers recognized my skills in art and design so I used to draw on the black board for the students in any class or lessons that required drawings or design.” “In 1994 a mission led by Pastor Roy Funu from the Honiara S.S.E.C Central came to the Northern Region of Malaita to do writing of sign boards in front of every S.S.E church. Fortunately the head master invited Pastor Roy Funu to talk to us those of us who were interested in arts and design. It was at that time that I was motivated and realized the importance of the skill I have.”
Melgar completed primary school in 1996 and was unable to continue further into education. From that time he searched for ways to perfect his skills, so he came to town and associated himself with those who were professionals in arts and design. He volunteered with them several times and that gave him the confidence to work independently.
“Like many youths I was unfortunate in my formal education. However, I discovered that God has crowned every person with skills and the only thing is for us to realize that skill and perfect it. The time to do that is while we are young”. He recounts, “From 1997 to 2000 I began doing several art works and designs around town by myself. I designed the sign board for CNI Electrical Centre at Panatina Plaza and I also designed the sign board for Smart Shopping opposite the
Central Market in Honiara. In 2014 I won a bid to design ten sign boards for Central Province in Tulagi and I completed that contract.” Melgar also developed an interest in becoming a motor mechanic since he left school because it was also linked to design. He also began working with his cousins at the workshop by supplying and washing tools for those working at the workshop. “I kept on volunteering with the intention to gain experience and perfect my skills. In year 2000 I began fixing people’s vehicles on my own and so I gained confidence in that skill.” Currently Melgar is running his own workshop at KG Six and owns three buses. Of his success he says, “Like many youths I was unfortunate in my formal education. However, I discovered that God has crowned every person with skills and the only thing is for us to realize that skill and perfect it. The time to do that is while we are young”. From the story of Melgar it is obvious that if every direction is dull for us we can look within ourselves to realize the potential that lies within us, perfect it and utilize that God given talent to drive changes in our societies today and ensure that we can earn a living. Stanley Ramosui, 25, from Malaita Province is a law student at USP.
Melgar with some of the art work and designs that he has painted.
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Neilfotografi
Behind the Lens
Photography has become a growing hobby in Solomon Islands, and this generation is bustling with more budding photographers than ever. Regina Lepping talks with Neil Nuia (Neilfotografi), an emerging photographer and the founder of the popular Facebook group called PhotoUp- New Looks. The dark lines around his eyes say it all. This young photographer has captured impressions from all walks of life. Neil Nuia is a 28 year old married man part PNG and Ontong Java. At the age of 15, his parents divorced. Neil, being the eldest in the family, decided to leave his family and live independently giving his mother a bit less weight to carry while she faced the challenges of the divorce. Neil came back a few years later and helped his mother support his nine other siblings. “I played sports like every other kid my age back then, but I always feel the need to be more responsible and find work to help support my family too.” Neil started out with voluntary work for Save the Children doing humanitarian work before landing a permanent job. It was from this humanitarian works that he got his interest in capturing human emotions. But his most inspiring moment came from a personal photograph that he took of his late grandmother. “I saved up enough money, got an average camera, went home to Ontong Java and took a photo of
my grandmother. The shot was my personal favourite and has been my motivation ever since.” Neil said. Having a personal picture to motivate him in his interest and a family to support, the budding photographer decided to do side jobs. “My clients are mostly my friends, my network grew from there and not long after I started having people calling me up to photograph events like weddings too.” “I just love capturing moments that means a lot to people, and to capture the expressions on the human face in situations good and bad is worth it.” He added
“People don’t hire me to take pictures. They hire me to capture the moment as it unfolds. That’s the power you have behind the camera.” Surprisingly, it is not the only side job Neil has and he is not always working. “I do music recordings for interested local artists under my studio name 1PM. I am a Director/Actor with Dreamcast theatre group which I grew up with since 2005 and I play and record my own songs too.” “You have to try everything before you can see what you are good at. It’s not a waste of time. These experiences will come handy in your future.” Neil insisted Despite his busy schedule, Neil shares his skills and connects with people around Solomon Islands by forming “Photo Up – New Look” Facebook page. It is
a group page where people with interest in photography can share, collaborate and learn, encouraging android phone users to become photographers and share their pictures in and around Solomon Islands. The page has 3300 members and 1700 photos already. “PhotoUp – New Look is for anyone to show their work and get photo tips. You don’t have to be a pro to capture that moment. That is the moment. To run a page like that, you have to be tactical. Spacing your uploads can sometimes leave your followers pining for your photographs.” Neil has won competitions regionally and internationally with his photographs of nature and its people and continues to turn life’s negatives into positives. “For me, photography is a need to have a passion. I need to make extra money to pay for my siblings’ school fees and put the food on the table for my family and it helps me to do just that, and a little extra that I deserve,” he concluded with a smile. “I am currently working as Networking Communications Officer for the Development Services Exchange, the umbrella organisation for Civil Society Organization in Solomon Islands. To be honest, I have developed a passion for my job and every other related side jobs I have on my list every day, that’s the secret. “Don’t sweat the little things and lose sight of the big picture. Stay passionate and celebrate even the smallest success”. -Regina Lepping
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Iu Saveh Tu?: Facts about Solomon Islands
SOLOMON ISLANDS NATIONAL ANTHEM
Our National Anthem was composed by a Fijian, Panapasa Balekana, after a competition was made open for submissions.
SOLOMON ISLANDS IN OLYMPICS The Solomon Islands made its Olympic debut at the 1984 Los Angeles Summer Olympic Games. Since then a total of 18 athletes have represented the Solomon Islands at the Olympics across five sports (athletes, archery, boxing, judo and Weightlifting. It has yet to win an Olympic medal.
KAVACHI VOLCANO A submarine volcano located south of Vangunu Island and east of Yandina, and one of the most active of the Pacific with near eruptions every few years that often build temporary Islands. Locals, prior to 1939 refered to it as fire on the water and called it Rejo te Kavachi, “Kavachi’s oven”. New islands were formed at least nine times since its first recorded eruption during 1939. The new islands formed were not large enough and coated with solid lava flows to be able to resist wave erosion. They were submerged again after a few months after each eruption. The frequent shallow submarine eruptions that sometimes breach the surface produce surtseyan activity, magma-water explosions that eject jets of steam, ash, and incandescent bombs above the sea surface which is cool to watch. You can follow this link to watch one of Kavachi’s eruptions https://youtu.be/L4rcT6TWO-E
YOUNGEST PRIME MINISTER The late Sir Peter Kenilorea was the first and youngest Prime Minister of Solomon Islands at the age of just 35.
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JOHN F. KENEDDY SAVED BY THE COCONUT WIRELESS Coconut shell that saves the life of a future US president-While Kennedy was serving in World War II as commander of the PT109, his boat was hit by a Japanese destroyer and his crew was stranded in the Solomon Islands. Lieutenant John F. Kennedy carved this Coconut shell with a message and gave it to two natives to deliver to the PT base at Rendova so he and his crew would be rescued. He later had the coconut shell encased in wood and plastic and used it as a paperweight on his desk in the Oval Office. Message carved on coconut shell reads “NAURO ISL…COMMANDER…NATIVE KNOWS POS’IT… HE CAN PILOT…11 ALIVE…NEED SMALL BOAT…KENNEDY”.
WORST NATURAL DISASTER: TROPICAL CYLONE NAMU 1986 Tropical Cyclone Namu was considered to be the worst tropical cyclone to have affected the Solomon Islands on record, on May 1986. In all 150 people lost their lives, left 90 000 homeless and economic and property loss accross Solomon Islands totaled $125 million (1986 USD). It is the worst natural disaster in living memory.
Canoes  :Kastom Blong Me
Kastom Blo Mi - Sailing and Sea Voyaging This issue we chose to look at sea voyages and the range of different canoes and out riggers that were used across the Solomon Islands.
Tomoko, Western Province Tomoko were used for head hunting and trade missions. A tomoko could hold up to 50 people. Tomoko is linked to the Nguzu Nguzu which is the symbol of the Solomon Islands. A nguzu nguzu was secured to the front of the tomoko to symbolise the purpose of the voyage. If the nguzu nguzu was holding the bird it meant that the tomoko was coming in peace. If the nguzu nguzu was holding a head it meant that the tomoko was coming for war.
Tepuke , Duff Islands
in the Eastern Solomons
A Tepuke is a long distance voyaging canoe used by Polynesian people to travel for trade and travel to outer islands, as far as Santa Catalina and Makira. The trade was linked to red feather money that is made in Santa Cruz. The voyagers would navigate using the stars and these traditions are currently being preserved and revived.
Outrigger, Rennel and Bellona This canoe represents the ancestors of the people of Rennel and Bellona who sailed from the island of Uvea around twenty-six generations ago, with two stone god figures.
Hakasi canoe, Shortlands
This canoe was used for general fishing and transporting of crops and materials from gardens to the villages.
Canoe, Ulawa
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Health Blong Me: Mental Health
what is mental health? what does mental health mean? Mental health is a state of wellbeing in which we realize our abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and make a contribution to our community. A mentally healthy state of mind enables us to communicate our emotions, give and receive, work alone or with others, accept authority, have a sense of humour, and cope successfully with emotional conflict. If our mental health is not so good, life can seem a lot more difficult, and we may feel we are not coping very well.
what is anxiety & depression? Anxiety is an unpleasant emotion that most of us feel when something may be risky, frightening or worrying. Everyone feels mild anxiety when faced with stressful situations, like just before a sports match or an exam. This kind of anxiety is normal and is our body’s way of preparing us to act in difficult situations. It can help us to perform better. Anxiety can become a problem when it is intense, happens a lot, feels overwhelming, or interferes with our daily living. Physical feelings of anxiety include our heart beating fast, fast breathing, muscle tension, sweating and shaking or feeling dizzy. We all feel sad or “down” sometimes. It is normal for young people to have occasional mood changes, feel irritable sometimes, and to be sensitive to rejection and criticism. We may be experiencing depression if, for more than two weeks, we feel sad, depressed or irritable most of the time, or we have lost interest or pleasure in our usual activities. We may also lose our appetite or eat too much; have trouble sleeping or over-sleep, feel tired and lack energy and motivation; have trouble concentrating and making decisions; feel guilty or
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worthless; feel everything is “too hard”; and have thoughts about death or suicide. Depression is a major health problem, and we can recover with the right help, the sooner the better. If we have thoughts of suicide or to harm yourself, it is really important to seek help immediately.
what services are out there? It is important to talk to someone we trust about how we are feeling (e.g. a family member, teacher, women’s group leader, pastoral counsellor or sensible friend), and to take care of ourselves well, e.g. eat well, exercise, relax, and do activities we enjoy. If anxiety or depression continues without improvement, we should see a health professional. For many this will be at our nearest health clinic or doctor; in Honiara and Auki we can go to our Mental Health Clinic. Treatment for anxiety might include counselling, learning anxiety management skills, relaxation techniques and ways to manage stress. Treatment for depression will usually include help to develop skills to deal with stress and change unhelpful patterns of thinking. Antidepressant medication may also be helpful. Most people will start to feel better in two to six weeks.
can people in the provinces get help? Yes, they should talk with a trusted sensible person and go to their nearest health clinic. Each province has a Mental Health Co-ordinator who communicates about mental health with clinic nurses and teachers. You can also consult the Mental Health Co-ordinator at the provincial hospital.
Mental Health :Health Blong Me
I often have bad thoughts and feelings about myself. How can I tell if this is a problem? If you are feeling guilty or thinking you are worthless, you may have depression. If you are feeling afraid you will embarrass yourself, or that others will judge you, you may have an anxiety disorder. It is a problem if it is affecting most parts of your life and stopping you from enjoying the things you used to enjoy.
I feel very stressed about school and things at home. How can I deal with this? Stress is a part of normal life, but different things stress different people. Symptoms of stress can include irritability or moodiness, poor sleep, worrying or anxiety, muscle tension pains, headaches, upset stomach, etc. There are various things we can do to manage stress more effectively:- some aspects of the situation may not be within our control, but others may be, so control the aspects we can - build exercise into our daily life - eat and sleep well - make regular time for pleasant social and recreational activities - brainstorm possible solutions to the problems, list pros and cons of each, choose the best and put it into action - learn calming techniques such as controlled breathing and progressive muscle relaxation - learn assertiveness and improve communication skills
- try to eliminate negative thinking, and focus on positive thoughts and actions.
I am too afraid to talk to my friends in case they tell other people. Is there anyone I can talk to that will keep it a secret? All health professionals are legally, professionally and ethically bound to ensure confidentiality of patient information, unless – • You give permission for information to be shared with others • You are at risk of hurting yourself or someone else • The health professional needs to talk with another health professional about your care • They are required to by a court of law You may also know some teacher or community leader who you can trust to keep things you discuss private.
I am too scared to come to a clinic because of what people might think. Is there any way that people can come to me? Emotional, psychological and relationship problems are very common. These problems can sometimes be too hard to solve alone, even with support from family and friends. Finding help might feel scary at the start but it gets easier over time. Getting help can keep us on track with school, study or work, and in our personal and family relationships. The sooner we get help the sooner things can begin to improve for us.
We can call the Honiara Mental Health Clinic on 20690; or the Auki Mental Health Clinic on 40238. In the provinces we can call the provincial hospital and ask for the Mental Health Co-ordinator.
Is it true that marijuana can make you crazy? People usually use marijuana because they want to feel good, and in most cases they do. However if we already have a mental health problem, we might find that marijuana makes us feel worse. Marijuana can sometimes make feelings of anxiety, panic or paranoia more intense. Young people who smoke marijuana are at risk of developing mental health problems, such as psychosis. The risk is even higher if we start using marijuana when we are young or if other people in our family have had mental health disorders. (Psychosis is when we start to believe strange things or see and hear things that aren’t there.)
If people come to me for help because they are having bad thoughts about killing themselves, what are some simple things that I can do? The best way to help someone is to provide support, and encourage them to ask for professional help. Be as open with the person as possible and try to make them feel safe to discuss their feelings. Remain calm while recognizing they might feel ashamed of their “bad thoughts”. Ask the person directly if they have a plan or intention to commit suicide, and call or accompany them to your local hospital or mental health clinic. Remove anything in the house they might use to harm themselves. Have someone stay with them until the thoughts decrease.
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Youth Faith: The Miracle Singers
Youths making Miracles The Miracle Singers started in the year 2000 as “The Miracle Kids” when the members were little. As they grew up, the name changed to “The Miracle Singers”. It is a family group started by the group managers Lloyd Tahani, James Teobasi and Kim Teobasi.
Malaita. I am currently studying at Burns Creek Adventist High School, in year 10 (form 4). I have two brothers and one sister. I was born into the group when the group started in the 2000. I have been in the Ministry for 16 years now and I am still continuing with God’s work.
As the years went on, the ministry expanded - bringing in other singers into the group. 16 years on, The Miracles Singers continues to prove God’s work as they equip youths to be witnesses, spreading the Gospel to the ends of the earth and making miracles in people’s lives.
Rigley: I’m from Western Province and I am 27 years old. I’m a student studying tourism at the Solomon Host. I am an Adventist and still single. I joined the group through doing an audition. I was blessed that they picked me to be their tenor in the group. I have been singing with the group for four years now.
Meet two inspirational youth members of The Miracles Singers; 16 year old Janain Teobasi and 27 year old Rigley Livah as they share their Ministry with us. Tell us about yourself and how did you come to join the Miracle singers? Janain: I’m 16 years old and from
Where abroad have you travelled with the group? Janain: The group has travelled to so many places, especially in our province. USA is the furthest abroad. I have travelled with the group to Texas and recently to New Mexico. Rigley: Australia and the USA. Are there any experience in your life when you see God has worked miracles and that helped build your faith in him?
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Janain: An experience I will never forget in my life is when my mum had an incident and she nearly died but through prayer and trusting God, God saved my mum. That helped me to build my faith in God even stronger. Rigley: I have had so many experiences that God has led me through. One that I can’t forget is that God always provides for the group when we go out to do his mission. Especially on this recent trip to the States, we had no money but God provided our airfares. What have you learned from being in the Miracle Singers that you would like to share with the youth of Solomon Islands? Rigley: When you use your gift for the Lord as I have done in the Miracles Ministry, God will bless you. It can be singing, cooking, smiling, community service or anything that you are good at. Please young people use your potential and trust yourself, think positive and put God first in life. God will take you places that you never imagined that you would go. Don’t forget to say thank you to God every day. We would like to thank the Lord for his blessings and the talents he has given us.
YOSI Photoblog The Youth of Solomon Islands Facebook page is a photoblog featuring young Solomon Islanders talking about their lives and challenges. Here are a few of our favourites. “I love being part of something big that is doing positive things for for the nation. As a youth, joining youth programmes that helps to build me up and equip me with important life skills, makes me want to be good.”
“Performing on stage… for me is one way to encourage other upcoming artists like myself to come out and show what they are good at. At the same time I expose myself as a music artist in every entertainment opportunities everywhere and anywhere possible.”
“I learned I’m secure under the Family Protection Act that is launched today. A lot of young people in the country might not know of this. I want to highlight it, letting them know it is now in effect.”
“I love drawing; recently I started getting into painting. It took me five days to do this piece, and it’s a surprise gift for the person in this portrait, hope she likes it.”
“Having been pushed out from school and out of reach of any alternative to either continue with studies or a chance into the workforce, a lot young people end up unemployed.”
August 2016 Yosi 5 27
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