outh of solomon islands magazine
7even FREE!
Tings for ota youth!
Advice for young entrepreneurs, p. 12
Kreativ Kona! Theme:
OUT FROM THE SHADOWS!
View from the provinces
*It’s cool to have big dreams p. 6-7. *The fish numerator, p. 8-9 feat stories
Poems, narratives and artworks submited by youths, p. 18-26
YOSI photoblog
Quotes and portraits of youth voicing their concerns and views, p. 27
Turning passion into profit, A youth’s experience in A duty to serve and p. 10, 11 & 13 the Parliament, p. 14-15 protect, p. 16-17 April 2017 YOSI 7 1
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What’s inside issue 7? 10-12
Turning passion into business
8-9
The fish numerator
Words from Programme Coordinator.......... 4 Youth@Work Programme.............................. 5 View from the provinces................................ 6 It’s cool to have big dreams......................... 6-7 The fish numerator.......................................... 8-9 Turning passion into profit.............................. 10,11& 13 Things for oketa youths ya (Opportunities) 12 A youth’s experience in parliament............. 14-15 A duty to serve and protect.......................... 16-17 Krietiv Kona...................................................... 18-26
14-15
Youth’s experience in parliament
POEMS Culture a mask.................................... 18 My child............................................... 19 Better off without technology........... 19-20 It’s who you know; isn’t that corruption?......................................... 21-22 NARRATIVES Night among the dead..................... 22-23 Don’t make your momma cry.......... 24-25 ARTWORKS........................................... 26 Youth of Solomon Islands Photoblog 27
YOSI IS THANKFUL TO ALL WHO MADE THIS ISSUE POSSIBLE
YOSI advertisers; Bmobile-Vodafone, Rotary Int, Bamboozle. YOSI youth contributors; Emmanuel Ega, Jenny Tagini, Stanford Bouro, Brown Thompson, Bradley, Andrew Gani. YOSI features; Joe Taikui, Janet Leamae, Tyson Nare, Fabio Fabro, Guilherme Honorio, Nakoboe Lenga Sisiolo, Joe and Delwin Mae, James, Joseph Ramsey, Steve, Roselyn Sipolo, Khazin, Verma and Christina
SUBMISSIONS
yosi magazine welcomes photography, graphics and illustrations, poems, short stories and feature articles by young people. However, we do not guarantee that all submissions will be published. contact yosi for detailed submission guidelines.
COVER PAGE
Smash 5 freestyle dance crew by Emmanuel Oti. Stock image by Ruth Amos.
CONTACT YOSI
Youth@Work, Art Gallery, Honiara 25278 yosi@youth-at-work.org www.facebook.com/YOSIMagazine www.twitter.com/youthyosi yosi is FREE and comes out four times a year. all rights reserved © copyright 2016 by youth@work. reproduction in whole and in part without written permissions from the publisher is prohibited. April 2017 YOSI 7 3
Words from the Coordinator Greetings from Y@W! Y@W is pleased to bring you the 7th edition of the YOSI magazine. It’s been an amazing journey so far and I’d like to thank the readers, contributors, volunteers and sponsors who make the magazine what it is - a vibrant and informative tool for sharing youth’s struggles, successes and voice. The theme for this issue is “Out from the Shadows”, it tells us how youth struggle to overcome challenges by tapping into their passions to help them succeed. In this issue, you will find youth who share their experiences, poems, creative stories, artwork and many more. Our feature stories tell us about young people who are striving to succeed despite the hard times they had to go through. They also give us some words of encouragement for us. I am sure; you will relate to these stories and take courage to continue to work hard towards your own goal. Youth@Work in Honiara continues to working with youth to help them get work experience and also help those who want to start small businesses. Our teams in Gizo and Auki are working with young people in communities to start their small businesses too. Our last issue was distributed to all the 9 provinces and we received some great feedback. We encourage you to give us feedback to improve the magazine as well. We also have some exciting news, we are working on an App (Software application), which means that you can read the magazine on your mobile phone or other digital devices. So, STAY TUNED and WATCH THIS SPACE! This magazine is a space for youth voice, so we welcome you to share your inspiration with other young people out there. We sincerely thank those who have contributed to make this issue a successful one. We encourage young readers from the provinces to send in their stories also. Happy reading!
ARTIN R O SE M
THE EDITORIAL TEAM
Emmanuel Oti Editor, Graphic Designer, Writer and Photographer 4 YOSI 7 April 2017
Ruth Amos Writer and Photographer
Regina Lepping Contributing Writer
ABOUT Y@W aims to increase the economic prospects of young people in Solomon Islands through
providing pre-employment and basic business trainings, facilitating internships and supporting the small business start-ups.
YOUTH’S J O U R N E Y
Internship
Prepare young people to enter formal employment by providing pre-employment trainings, mentoring and intern placement in work place.
?
1. Community services
ILO
3. 15 weeks internships
2. Pre-employment trainings
YOUTH’S J O U R N E Y
ILO
1. Community services
2. Basic business trainings
Entrepreneurship
Assist youth to start or develop small businesses. This is done through basic business trainings, seed grant (materials), mentoring, additional technical support and Youth Market.
businesss businesssplans plans
3. Develop business plans
4. Start-up capital
Youth@Work Rural YOUTH’S J O U R N E Y
4. Mentoring & awareness on crosscutting issues
5. Technical support & Youth Market
In the provinces, the programme contributes to community development activities on envoronment, agro-forestry and support through seting up of small businesses.
you need more information contact the Y@W team on 25278 or Contact us: Ifemail: info@youth-at-work.org or visit us at the Y@W office, Art Gallery. /youthatworksolomonislands
/YOSIMagazine
/YouthYosi
April 2017 YOSI 7 5
DREAMS BIG IT S COOL TO HAVE
Youth determine to be successfull
Words and image by Ruth Amos
Recently YOSI magazine traveled to Auki, Malaita and met many aspiring young people there. One of them is Joe Taikui, a dreamer who recently promised himself he’ll take any opportunity to work towards his dreams. Joe shares his story with YOSI’s Ruth Amos. At times Joe was teased for being a daydreamer, dreaming of things he wished he could have oneday, but when I met him, his day dreaming days were over. Like other youth, Joe Taikui has decided to make out the best of the time he has. “I wanted to be an aircraft engineer growing up” he recollected, and the young enthusiastic young man had chased his dream from high school to training centres. Then came those bad days where he winded out of focus and ended up in places. Sometimes his parents were not sure of his whereabouts or if he ever ate something before he slept each night. Joe’s life changed when he joined the Youth@Work programme in Auki.
“At times Joe was
teased for being a daydreamer, dreaming of things he wished he could have oneday
”
“One day I had an opportunity to get engaged with Youth@Work and after successfully completed their trainings, I waited for my placement,” Joe recalled. He continued on saying, “by then I become more fascinated by just looking at the bank and how the ATM machine works. I got caught one day staring at it by a bank officer, he asked me if I was interested in working there to which I replied yes, and advised me to apply Joe confessed. The young man decided to keep the preparations and applications from his parents and eventually broke the news when he got accepted and started work. “This is my first year being employed and I am determined to do my best and be honest about it,” Joe said. One of my challenges was time management and what I did to overcome it was to be here at the bank even before any of the staff. Walking into the bank, the enquiry desk was occupied by customers waiting in line for their turn, enquiring
6 YOSI 7 April 2017
from how to get an ATM card to how much they have in their account. And Joe listened to them intently and helped everyone as reliable and efficient as he can be, keeping the status and branding of Auki BSP in its’ good course and purpose. When he finally has the chance to come out and talk, he shared his love for the job he is doing and his outlook on what he could become. It has just been four months into his job during the interview and a lot has already gone well for him. “With him now working with us, we have gained a good number of customers who chose us to be their local bank and it’s either because they are his friends and or his relatives, and this is what the bank needs and its good for business” his supervisor Ms Elizabeth said.
“
I would not want to remain as an enquiry officer ...one of these days I would like to be the Branch Manager
”
She continued on to say, we don’t have any other young people working in the company now so that we could compare him to them, but I can say he has done extra well.” Joe reasoned that he could become successful in life, even if he had failed along the way, and worked hard to earn what he always daydreamed of. Especially a good job, a house and a car. “I’ve always wanted one of those American cars; the Humvee, and of cause look after my parents he said through a smile. I would not want to remain as an enquiry officer as long as I worked here, one of these days I would like to be the Branch Manager,” the 24 year old envisioned.
Joe serving and answers customers’ quiries at BSP’s branch in Auki. Photo by Ruth Amos April 2017 YOSI 7 7
1HE Youth collects fish data from local fishermen Words and images by Ruth Amos YOSI magazine also caught up with a young lady with a very unusual job. Janet Leamae is employed as a Fish Numerator for World Fish Auki, Malaita Province. In this exclusive Janet shared her experience with Ruth Amos Living in the village, which is a walking distance to town, Janet walks every morning to and from work becaus she says it is less expensive. Janet could’ve gone back to town to continue her studies yet felt for her father who fell ill at the time and decided to stay back to look after him and look for other alternatives instead. Something she never regretted as it never showed in her eyes whilst saying it. One of the youngest maybe in her department yet described as keen and showed interest in her work. Janet Leamae works as fish numerator collecting fish data for World Fish at Auki market. Being an energetic young women, Janet has taken her work seriously and made sure her tasks are completed each day. I searched her eyes for explanation and she smiled, “My job basically as a fish numerator is to collect data on fish sold at the market from fishermen and vendors.” Standing a few distance from where she sits with a vendor, I held my breath to try and capture with my camera her while she is at work, the bustling market became muffled sounds as I saw her bent over paper with pen asking questions and noting it down. 8 YOSI 7 April 2017
“My job basically...is to collect data on fish sold at the market from fishermen and vendors.” Janet working with local fishermen collecting and recording their daily catch. Photo by Ruth Amos
numbers here, scribbling little notes there on the paper sheet before she’ll lose them to the crowd of customers.
“I would like to say that, it is important for you to prove yourself and become committed and to be really serious in whatever you do” At one point she promised the elderly person who complained about wasting his time that it would only take a while and let him continue selling fish as she moves to the next vendor. The 25 year old shared her challenges saying, “initially, I had a team mate and it helped but then my colleague left one day.” She explained as it was hard at first doing recording and measuring at the same time “however I have asked for advices from my superiors and was encouraged to carry on, ” Janet said.
“When she started out she was shy and at times didn’t know what to do but was keen and showed interest and was able to identify 200 fish for us since she started as an intern and is now working under a contract.” Dr Johan her supervisor said. He continued, “I would like to say that, it is important for you to prove yourself and become committed and to be really serious in whatever you do. “Janet has been serious about her work that’s why we took her in, working under contract,” Dr Johan emphasised.
(Top) Bonito is among the popular fish Janet has recorded. (Bottom) Janet talks to a saleswoman at the Auki Market. Photo by Ruth Amos
She added by saying that, at times she weren’t able to complete data collection as the fishermen are busy with their customers. Following her supervisor’s advise, instead of going to the fish market she stand at the shoreline waiting to intercept sellers when they dock and worked as fast as she could, entering
April 2017 YOSI 7 9
TurningYoungpassion into Profit Tyso n ta k i ng
th e e xtra step to rea l i se hi s v i ssi o n
Words by Emmanuel Oti
Alphy Tyson Nare is now considered by many as the go to person when it comes to baking trays, wooden coconut scrapers, scrapers for pudding, and a whole range of wooden kitchen utensils. YOSI magazine has been documenting Tyson’s journey, witnessing his transformation from a youth, with little to nothing to, now a proud owner of ATN Kitchen Utensils. YOSI first caught up with 26 year old Tyson Nare, a young entrepreneur from Makira Province, back in 2016. He always wore faded jeans with both ends folded up to his knees and one can’t help but noticed the tiny metal chips glittered on his clothes and the back of his hands. Tyson introduced himself as a high school dropout, who was faced with similar challenges as other high school dropouts in the Solomons, but he is not like most youth. His brown penetrating eyes was full of determination as he chiselled off edges of a rectangular metal sheet. Like a magician he expertly swung his hammer wand and a baking tray begins to take form. Though he was unsuccessful to further his high school studies, he excelled in form 5 industrial arts therefore, departing the system with a valuable skill set and knowledge that will inspire his future enterprise.
I had t o m o v e ar o un d “s t ayi n g w i t h o n e r e l a ti v e fo r a t i m e an d t he n m o v e o n t o an o t he r
”
Young Tyson then moved to Honiara hoping he might find a career opportunity but living in the city with relatives was a challenge for him. Most times the houses were jam-packed with other relatives and he remembers vividly the formidable shrieks from their sweat covered toddlers during the humid nights. “To avoid putting strain on one family, I had to move around staying with one relative for some time and then move on to another”, Tyson confessed. A few years ago Tyson over heard his friends talking about a business starter opportunity offered by Youth@Work programme that is
Tyson cutting metal sheets to make his popular baking trays. Photo by Ruth Amos 10 YOSI 7 April 2017
(Right) Another of Tyson’s products is coconut scraper. (Left) Tyson at his booth at the recent SICCI/SIWEBA open day, promoting his products to potential customers. Photo by Emmanuel Oti helping youth realize their entrepreneurial dream. Finally in 2016, Tyson decided to join the programme. During the business trainings he would always make sure he’d taken notes on all the topics taught by a stout, short curly haired, female trainer. Tyson recalled, “I learnt basic business management, cash flow, profit and loss, basic marketing skills, and lots of business terms”. At the end of the trainings Tyson decided on employing his former passion as the driver for his business idea; making kitchen utensils, baking trays and scrapers. Operating from behind the Youth@Work office, Tyson would produce an average of 10 to 15 baking trays a day. He would take orders
“I
l e ar n t b as i c bus i n ess m an age m e n t , c as h fl o w , p r o fi t an d l o s s , bas i c m ar ke t i n g s ki l l s , and l o t s o f bus i n e s s t e r m s
”
from new people he’d met on the streets, made the trays and then organised house to house delivery, carrying the products in an empty 20kg Solrice bag. “I found that there is a need for my baking trays and kichen utensils. Most of my clients are mothers who runs small businesses selling buns and cakes. Others are working public servants as my baking trays are equally suitable for “motu” (sic) local food”. (cont... p13)
Comic Relief reps posed with the young entrepreneur and were impressed by Tyson’s energy and dedication. Photo by Ruth Amos April 2017 YOSI 7 11
Tings for ota youths ya (OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL YOUTH)
What does it take to be successful Advice for young entrepreneurs In February this year the Ship For World Youth berthed at Point Cruz wharf. On board were inspiring young leaders from around the world. YOSI magazine caught up with some of the group members who comprised of young entrepreneurs from Brazil and Egypt who had the opportunity to share their experience to our local youths; teaching them about the business canvas model, a practical tool for turning your business ideas into reality and set the basis for young people who are interested in being an entrepreneur. Fabio Fabro (Brazil): I’m fabio from brazil and I’m passionate about entrepreneurship. It doesn’t matter what your school background or age is. Everyone can be an entrepreneur. The first thing you need to have is the will to start a business. You need to be proactive and willing to go the extra mile or willing to turn your ideas into action. The second thing is, there are certain set of tools that you can use to organise your ideas in order to make your plan into a reality. Tools like the business model canvas, strategic planning etc. The web is full of these tools. Guilherme Honorio (Brazil): Our highlight today is organising your ideas, whether it be fishing, agriculture or any sort of industry whether small it is. You always have knowledge and info and expertise no one have it is always important to organise those ideas so that you can build upon.
Mohamed Asaad (Egypt): Like my two colleagues said you can be an entrepreneur doing anything you are passionate about. The most essential thing is understanding your motivations; look at how you want to help your communities or families and use that motivation to drive you to take the extra mile to turn your ideas into a beneficial business.
Opens Mon fri 9:30-4:30 sat 9:30 - 1:30
PANATINA PLAZA
12 YOSI 7 April 2017
Tyson’s clever marketing and sales approach accommodates a number of techniques. To raise money he would sell his finished trays and scrapers to small business holders; women he identified on the streets and school grounds selling buns and sweet cakes. He would then buy new materials and focused his energy locking down orders from women clientele he identified as working public servants. “I would take their orders then deliver them on the week of pay day. They would have no excuses but to buy my trays on delivery”, Tyson revealed with a chuckle.
my bak ing tra ys a re “equally suitable fo r
”
mot u (sic) loca l foo d
Apart from making and selling baking trays, Tyson ambitiously enjoys doing volunteer work. He is an active volunteer for Red Cross a little over a year now, volunteering during the dengue and diarrhoea outbreaks of 2016.
Nonetheless, apart from being busy with volunteering work, Tyson still stay true to his passion of becoming his own boss producing products for his dream company Kitchen Utensils. “Currently I am raising and saving money earned from selling kitchen utensils to be able to register for short business and management courses at SINU”, he soberly revealed. “I would then add a few variety of custom made cookware to my list of items; wooden cooking spoons, coconut scrapers, scrapers to name the least”. Unfortunately the interview draws to a close and Tyson finished off with a statement which we feel we must share it with you; “You must have a clear vision of what you want to achieve and then identify the strategies to get there”! Tyson then hurried off to attend Red Cross Volunteer’s committee briefing.
“When I was undergoing Y@W trainings I built my confidence to stand and talk in front of people, improved my communications skills and have exposed to how NGOs operate. Now through my hard work with Red Cross, I was recognised and they recently voted me as vice chairman for the committee of volunteers”, discloses the proud and excited Tyson.
Compliments from Honiara Hardware! Tyson heartedly recieves the much needed tools that will boost his production from a Honiara Hardware staff. Photo by Ruth Amos
April 2017 YOSI 7 13
A YOUTH’S EXPERIENCE IN THE PARLIAMENT Words by Regina Lepping
On the 24th - 28th October 2016, The National Youth Parliament (NYP) took place in Honiara, where selected students from various high schools around Solomon Islands come together for an exciting, intensive and educational journey to learn about parliament process and debate on youth unemployment topics with the theme “Empowering Youth in Employment and Decision Making.”
For some of the selected youths. It is an opportunity not to be missed and a journey of a lifetime. Meet the talkative smiley Nakoboe Lenga Sisiolo, a 16 year old form 4 student at Buruku Adventist school in Ugele, Rendova, Western Province. Nakoboe or commonly known as “Nako” was selected by her school’s principal to represent their school and participate in the 3rd National Youth Parliament (NYP). Her journey begins from her village. With no knowledge of what her participation at NYP will be and little knowledge of the Parliament, Nako’s eagerness to learn and contribute receives her parent’s permission. Nako left her 2 younger siblings and boarded the flight from New Georgia to Honiara and join the camp at Honiara Hotel. “At the hotel I met more students like me from different provinces and schools in Honiara. We were all very shy but excited of what we’re there for and and staying at the hotel is the icing on top of the cake” Nako said with a smile. With the luxury of the hotel with air- conditioned room and the fine food that was served for the youth parliamentarians was beyond young Nako’s expectations, however, the tight schedule of the students remain very intense. “There was no time to waste!” “We have sessions where they tell us rules, how the government works, committees and the constitution. Everything happens on time and we learn a lot of stuff in that short time.” Nako recalled.
“At the hotel I met
more students like me...we were all very shy but excited of what we’re there for and staying at the hotel is the icing on top of the cake” 14 YOSI 7 April 2017
Nako recieves her certificate of participation from the organisers of the National Youth Parliament (NYP) retreat. Photo supplied. “I’ve always gone past the parliament house, see it stood out on the hilltop but I’ve never been to it or in it until this year 2016. When I first went to the Parliament House, I feel like I work there,” Nako said with a laugh “I don’t feel like a student but a member of the Parliament about to represent my constituency, my voice will be heard on SIBC and live on TV so I want to make sure what I say is right and true.” When asked what she thinks of a female Prime Minister. Nako said it is possible. “Women can be Prime Ministers. They are smart as the men; I don’t think sex should determine anyone’s leadership characteristics. The only thing is what he/she can do and will do for the country.” “Youth Parliament is very important for us young people, it helps us to understand the process of the Parliament more clearly and debate and discuss important issues that are affecting us youths like; youth unemployment.”
of NYP has helped this young student among others who came with little or no knowledge at all of the house that makes the country’s decisions. “I will return home and share what I learn here, the youths at home make kwaso all the time and I want to help them stop and realize the importance of education. I would like to help my school to understand the process of the parliament. I want to show them the videos of the parliament at my school during social studies classes.” Nako insisted. Nako was selected to represent South New Georgia/Rendova Constituency in the 3rd National Youth Parliament. The constituency she actually came from. With her confidence and vision for the youth of Solomon Islands, there is no doubt, this young lady is already paving her way as a leader and might one day be a female member of the Parliament. Nako wants to be a Doctor in the future.
As she shows her files and documents, Nako explained what she learned and even explained to me the process of a parliament sitting. It is amazing to know how this 1 week April 2017 YOSI 7 15
A
D U T Y
T O
SERVE AND
PROTECT Giving back with honor and pride
Words and images by Ruth Amos Meet a young man who pledges his life to serve his country and its people. When I first met him, he was on a break from his posting as a police officer of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) posted in Noro police station which he’d taken up since 17th of August 2015. The first thing I noticed about him was his tattoos. I mentally invited the perception that this would be a life changing story and most of all whatever rights he would reserve for being a young officer and remain true to his duties despite being surrounded by many influences. Joseph Mendana Ramsey also known by his close friends and families as Dana, has buried his past behind, and willingly started a new life taking on the duty of protecting and serving the country.
Growing up in the islands he has embraced the fun in sports and other activities that could be easily identified as “fun” for young people. “I used to join the sailing competitions here in Honiara yacht club, when I was in my primary days I used to play for the Marist futsal team and then as I got older into my high school there was just nothing but being a trouble maker.” Whilst drifting back into the past the young man who is part Australian shared his challenges that has shoved him into situations in which he identified as part of the solution at the time. “The main challenge for me in life is I would say, after my father passed away, for me my life had moved on from good to bad. I was involved in alcohol and illegal drug abuse”.
The 25 year old now currently works at the RSIPF HQ in Honiara under the Close Personal Protection (CPP) unit. We wants to share his story as a police officer with an aim to help other young people understand what police is doing in the society despite the bad run of police stories among former circles. Joseph has been living with his parents and small sister until his father has passed on and his mother remarried having an additional two younger brothers to count as his siblings.
“My greatest challenge was to find a way to make my family proud ” 16 YOSI 7 April 2017
Joeseph Ramsey on duty. Photo by Ruth Amos
“Joseph has been working with the Criminal Investigation department and have helped out on community policing” “My greatest challenge was to find a way to make my family proud.” “And eventually, I got away from those things, and end up becoming a police officer, in which I realised I also helped, my family, my community and people. That was one of the proudest moment in my life when I became a policeman, and I turned away from the life I used to have before,” he said. When asked what made him decide to become a police officer, Joseph embraced the opportunity of having being asked the question. “Before I became a police officer I used to be involved a lot in drugs and alcohol and then it reached a point where, I see it as these things are only there to spoil us, instead of helping us, it tears us down from what we should become to help our communities,” he expressed. In holding on true to his promise and duty he lost interest in all other things besides work and concentrated on serving the country and the good of its people. “My interests, since I’ve joined the police, there’s nothing else but work, but for me personally; one is dancing and listening to music.”
Working as a police man out in the province there are challenges as well however the art of teamwork has helped him and his colleagues to counter circumstances being faced with. In brief explanation of the work that he was doing at Noro, Joseph has been working with the Criminal Investigation department and have helped out on community policing. “When we go out to the communities we help people realise good from bad and we have results of people reporting incidents on things we identified as bad, plus they see us as people who will help them,” one thing that I see as a role that the police has played that is important is, it brings national security for the country, in which it creates more investment in our country as well. Like, when the foreign investors come, and if they see that Solomon Islands is a trouble country, it would be hard for them to stay and start their business here, they will be afraid and left. So the police has to come up strong, which will bring in more investors, which will also create more employment opportunities for us locals. Another important role in policing is awareness. Especially for us in the provinces, many don’t have formal education so a lot of time they would not correctly interpret our laws. So especially for us in the province, we have to work closely with people to also let them understand more of our laws in the Solomon. In which we used to do community policing. Been dedicated to the work Joseph has made a statement to confirming his love and commitment for the work he is doing now. “I see this job as it is very important, and even if I have one day as a chance in my life to change it I would not do it. When asked of what he is proud of as a Solomon islander, he replied, “I am proud to come from one of the most diverse country in the pacific and to have worked for it.” Joseph condemns the act of going against what the police is doing in the society like he used to when he was young it is better to join the institution in keeping its citizen and property safe. I encouraged youths to come and join the RSIPF, help to bring peace, security, and prosperity for all of us in the country.
April 2017 YOSI 7 17
KRIETIV KONA
POEMS
POEMS
The following are poems and short narratives written by young people in high schools who submitted their works highlighting issues they faced and sharing their thoughts and oppinions about culture, politics and life.
Is Culture a mask? Locked in the world of cultures Gripped like the mountain shadows Paints my life with many colours With dreams to be plain and spotless But wounded by the effects of the cultures And has bring my mind into thinking limits
culture does not “ thisdefine my being
”
The picture I’ve seen in my dreams Will play from scene to scene This culture does not define my being As hard as it may seem With the labels it has given me
Captivated by the culture
Can’t change my destiny
Hurts like a child without a mother That raised without a stature
From the struggled soul set free,
With its commanding voice echoes
From the hope that hopelesses
‘You do that dreamer!’
A light for my life have found
‘You don’t even have anything!’
Awakening joy in me
‘You’ve just wasting your time!’
Fluttered like a beautiful butterfly Into the sunshine with its steady wings
But who is to be blamed,
Brings out the insight
The culture that blinds me with facts
With the future is here
My people who didn’t realize?
BY JENNY TAGINI
If someone had to look inside me, Would they have seen the struggles I have been through, In this culture so mean? I might they would Deep desires burning from within My heart believes for what I have already seen 18 YOSI 7 April 2017
Name: Jenny Tagini Age: 17 From North Maliata Interest: Imaginative art
I lack nothing,
My CHild
Was content with everything; Food was bountiful,
My child watching you grow up
Nature was very helpful;
Your step, took you to a thousand miles,
Now I want more,
Sun ray dash by
More than my mind can explore.
Darkness approaches, While I lay still and watching you slept
Across the sea it came,
How peaceful is to see myself lying beside you my child
More like a game;
Now it turns 12 months I realised that it’s the first step to your Voyage to the world of the unknown, There are rivers and valleys But you have to make it through Always remember you’re my heart You must know my child You can’t buy this love, with the pension you’ve earn,
Competing with my culture Promising a better future; Life will be easier, Now I am lazier. Go to school, Forget your customs and be cool; Once primitive, Now smart and innovative; Papers and stones accepted, Barter system affected.
It’s costless but very valuable Now I know you you’ve understand, That you’re carrying my other half And for that I love you my child. BY BROWN THOMPSON
Name: Brown Thompson From North Maliata Interest: Community work April 2017 YOSI 7 19
KRIETIV KONA
POEMS
POEMS
More space needed, Developments demanded; Forests cut down and cleared, What my ancestors feared; Left with nothing, Pollution is involved in everything. I don’t need to walk a mile, Just a few clicks and dial; Information received, I am amazed and deceived; Gods don’t exist, Scientific answers insist. Round-legged animals, Carry even the largest mammals; Houses with wings can fly, Just like a butterfly; Boom! It came down, Sirens laughing like a clown.
I am amazed and deceived; Gods don’t exist, Scientific answers insist Machines get more favour, Less demand for human labour. Internet services available, Important information accessible; Social media sites, To stay in touch and avoid flights; Movies and pictures, Containing dirty and illicit features. New drinks that is fizzy, Made people dizzy; Smokes that people inhale for cancer, Or to a psychiatric unit dancer; Acting like fools,
Better drugs and medicines,
Aimlessly wandering like frogs for pools.
Delicious cuisines;
Left with a dying culture,
Made people healthy and fat,
Where’s the promised better future?
Growing faster than a rat;
Once a free life, now so dear
Few tablets mistakenly swallowed,
Tomorrow’s worse, I fear
And you’re in a coffin hallowed.
Anyway, it’s the technological era So live with the terror.
Mobile phones replace, Cone shell and wooden drum days; Finger nail sized objects, Store great deals of subjects; 20 YOSI 7 April 2017
BY EMMANUEL EGA
POEMS
POEMS KRIETIV KONA
It’s who you know; isn’t that corruption? After many years of strife, Mr Stranded finally graduated, With a mere piece of paper; Acknowledging him For his tireless efforts and struggles. Comfortable and idle in a sofa Sat Mr corruption. With his under table deals Sweet con talks And self-served policies. Wiping the sweat from his brow Mr Stranded strides down the street With a newspaper in his hand Open to the vacancy corner With a sigh of relief he sent his application. Scanning through the papers With a wry smile Mr Corruption picked up the phone
“Mr Corruption excelled In the field of bribery and fraud”
Called Wantok Corruption for an interview And Mr Stranded an apology. Promoted to another level Because of favouritism Rather than from experience and skills Mr Corruption excelled In the field of bribery and fraud. His qualifications worthless Mr Stranded ploughed the unfertile soil From dawn till dusk he toiled Praying for good harvest and prosperity But his God is deaf. In Mr Corruption’s world Dollars and cheques are the only modems of communication. Promises are made to be broken Appointments postponed Personal benefits first priority. His resources controlled and strained From disguised government policies. Mr Stranded’s efforts are useless The world with its greedy walls, Shutting him away secretly. April 2017 YOSI 7 21
KRIETIV KONA
NARRATIVES
“Mr Stranded could do
nothing But encourage his son to work extra harder ” While society is stricken with droughts And wells run dry, Mr Corruption’s lawns are ever-green His table over-flowed with food Still he craved for more. Knowing his son’s fate And how helpless he is against the world Mr Stranded could do nothing
But encourage his son to work extra harder Towards his uncertain future Academically poor at the best school in town Mr Corruption smiled at his son’s report Like father like son His name a master’s degree certificate Corruption Junior will always have a place Buried silently in his grave With no one to weep his passing Neither acknowledges his hard work Mr Stranded left his family To face the insane and selfish world With a state funeral Mr Corruption is farewelled With a shimmering coffin and colourful wreaths For his fake smiles and sweet con talks And mostly for his fame. BY EMMANUEL EGA 22 YOSI 7 April 2017
Narratives
Night am the dead
In this short imaginary narrative, Emmanuel Ega found stranded in a cemetry. Surrounded by bla escapes?... I was running with all the speed the strength of my muscles could generate. Breathing heavily with sweat dripping from my whole body, I found myself wandering under the tall trees in an old abandoned grave yard. It was a cold chilly nite and I could see the smoke of warm air coming from my nose and mouth every time I exhaled a load carbon dioxide. The dark clouds were rushing to and fro in front of the moon every now and then forming long stretchy claws of shadows that seemed to reach out and tear me. The rustling of the trees and the slow howling of the wind is enough for the hairs at the back of neck and arms to stand on end. I could feel fear gripping my soul to my very bones. My whole body seemed to attentively focus on my surrounding; I could feel the bloods rushing through my veins, hear my heartbeat and the insects chirping clearly like a vampire despite the dogs howling loudly close by.
“The rustling of the trees and the slow howling of the wind is enough for the hairs at the back of neck and arms to stand on end”
Narratives
NARRATIVES KRIETIV KONA
mong d
a skillfully describe his nighmare where his was ackness and the stench of death, will Emmanuel I thought it’s over, that I’d finally be free, but then it appeared; the white hooded-cloak with nothing but darkness and a hunger for soul that could be felt like a magnet from miles away. The moment I saw it, I could feel my windpipe constricting like someone is squeezing my neck very tightly. I rushed to the nearest tomb, but it’s locked. With my heartbeat doubled and my muscles crumping, running is just a waste of time. By now the floating white ghost is just a couple of yards away. I stumbled on a root and fell right into an old grave. My head hit something hard and round and I heard a few snapping sounds of broken twigs. It was so dark that I thought only my brain existed; I could hardly see anything or even myself. Just as I was getting up and reaching for the walls in the dark, something cold grabbed my hand and I could feel my blood stopped running.
and wails of agony as the dead dug their way up from their years of sleep to welcome me. I tried to move, but the cold seemed to freeze my whole being and I can’t even blink my eyes. I watched helplessly as a very sharp agonizing pain shot through my heart and a glow of light escaped with what seemed like my last breathe. I’m now among the dead… “Wakeup up, you’re sweating the bed and it’s already late”, my mother yelled. Damn, it’s just a dream but the most terrifying experience in my life. BY EMMANUEL EGA
A freezing sensation rushed all over me and in that instance the whole grave yard came alive with shrieks
“I stumbled on a root and fell right into an old grave”
Name: Emanuel Ega Age: 22 Student: Currently studying at USP Interests: reading, basketball and watching movies. April 2017 YOSI 7 23
KRIETIV KONA
Narratives
NARRATIVES
Dont make your
MOMMA CRY!
Losing someone you really love is one of the hardest things in life. For Bradley, it is loss sandwiched between guilt and regret. In the following passage, tell of his sad experience; his own shadow that has been following him since his mother pssed away. I experience losing someone I really love when I was in form three. That was nine years ago when I was 15.
totally mute. I then remembered a time I made my mum cry. That was only a couple of weeks before she died.
I lost my mum. It was the one of the saddest moment I have ever experienced in my life. It was kind of hard to handle that kind of feeling but as time goes on, it will slowly fades away leaving only memories.
I went to the room where she was sleeping with all the pain and suffering, and when she coughed I made a farting-like sound using my mouth. When she coughed twice I made the sound twice.
I remember back when I lost my mum, it took time for me to lose the feeling of sadness until it came to a point where I feel like she is just somewhere in another place.
I just repeated after her depends on how many times she coughed. With sadness she told me to get out of the room but I refused. A few seconds after I heard her cry. She cried and cried and I was like “sorry mum, sorry mum” trying to cool her down without letting anybody know but she continue crying. I knew I was wrong and shouldn’t have done that knowing she was very sick.
“It was the one of the saddest moment I have ever experienced in my life. It was kind of hard to handle that kind of feeling but as time goes on, it will slowly fades away leaving only memories” The feeling of losing someone you really love was like; At first the level of sadness will be very high that it can cause feeling like trauma but after a while, let’s say after a couple of weeks or more you will eventually feel like that loved one is somewhere where you cannot reach. A simple example would be like you are in Guadalcanal while that someone you love is in Isabel and never will you see her again. My mother passed away at around 2am in the morning. I heard a loud scream that woke me up and then I noticed that she died. That moment was a real trauma. I didn’t cry but keep silent looking at one corner like someone who is 24 YOSI 7 April 2017
“If you are somewhere out there watching, I promise you that I will make you proud one day” So I laid down on the bed listening to her, crying, and I finally fell asleep. When I woke up I heard my mum and dad talked about what had happened and I did heard my mum told my dad that she had forgiven me. The day after next, they took her down to the National Referral Hospital. That was her last time she was admitted before she died. Few day later, they bring her back home because there was no treatment for her anymore. And then we all know what happened. She passed away. After she died I felt like I was also a contributing factor to her death. That was how I feel. I knew she had already forgiven me but I just blamed myself somehow. Many times I keep on thinking about what I did and many nights I dreamt of her but she didn’t talked to me in my dreams. I only saw her. One night in a dream I saw her and asked her to forgive me but she didn’t say a word. Many nights I cried and couldn’t sleep thinking about what happened and blaming myself as part of her death. At home, we had a leaf house consist of two bed rooms, a store room, a living room and a veranda. My two brothers and I use the other room and my mum and dad use the other room. After my mum died, my dad decided to sleep at the veranda while we were still using our room.
when am not with them?”, “Is it because of what I had done to her?”, “Are we still not in peace?” Then I recalled back that day I made mum cried. That made me more even sad. Every nights I prayed asking God to forgive me, thinking about my mum and what I did to her. I always did that until one night I saw my mum in a dream and she told me that she forgives me. When I woke up I feel like I’m totally free from something that holds me back. From that night on I never dream of her again but her memories still lingers on. “If you are somewhere out there watching, I promise you that I will make you proud one day. I love you Mum.” For those of you who still have your mother alive, here are few words I want to tell you; Do not let your mother down! Don’t ever make her sad! Because if you do and God takes her away one day, you will regret every single thing you ever done to make her cry! Always cherish your mum.
Name: Bradley Veka From: Isabel Student: Currently studying at USP
One night I was alone in our room while my brothers are in the Master bedroom. My dad came in late at night, went to the Master bedroom, and crawled under the mosquito net and sleep next to them. My brothers were still asleep when my dad woke up and to his surprise there was no mosquito net. They were only sleeping under the roof with no mosquito net over them. In reality there was no mosquito net. Only my dad saw the mosquito net. The next day my dad told us the story and I said to myself “why did this happened April 2017 YOSI 7 25
KRIETIV KONA
Artwork
ARTWORK
Name: Stanford Bouro Age: 18 Interest: sport-gym Inspiration: for art, the person that I was inspired by was my uncle and I have built my interest since I was in primary school, mostly on portraiture. Young people nowadays are so influenced by peer groups that they hardly have the time to showcase their God given talents. Spending most of their time on worldly things. Young people! we must try to balance our physical and spiritual life in order to have peace, unity and harmony in our beloved Solomon Islands
By Stanford Bouro
CARTOON COLUMN By Andrew Sanga Gani Lukim ba Mary! Me garem staka likes lo pics mi ap lodim lo FB ya na hihi!
Manyaa! U no disturb mi! Mi study ya!
Psst! Mary! Iu saveh lo ansa blo disfala question ya tu?
HEYY! Iu bae penalise for tok tok during exam.
Shhh! Mi no saveh tu ya broADVICE KONA: Time management is important if you are still a student. Prioritise your studies and always do the right things at rhe right time 26  YOSI 7 April 2017
Hem na ya! Taem for study no Facebook gogo kasim 2am!
YOSI PHOTOBLOG
This is an extract of portraits and quotes from youth of Solomon Islands voicing their views and things that matter to them. Follow us on Facebook to read more about youth of Solomon Islands www.facebook.com/YOSIMagazine "I harvested these pineapples from my parent’s garden and came all the way to Auki market to sell them because I need money to pay for my school uniform." -Delwin Mae
“I used to get involved a lot in taking drugs and alcohol and then it reached a point where, I see it as these things are only there to spoil us, instead of helping us, it tears us down from what we should become to help our communities.” -Joseph Ramsey
At first one of the things I am afraid of, is not being able to find a job whilst living here in the urban center. Everything costs money. Now that I have a job, my fear now is losing it over a silly mistake. -Steve
There are a lot of undiscovered skills and talents in youth and we need the “right kind of support” and platforms to unlock and expose them. We need more initiatives that can facilitate basic support by providing a platform for youth voice. -Khazin
"I believe we young people can influence change, but change has to start with each one of us first." -James
I am 3 weeks into my first job helping out my uncle. I found it as an interesting experience sharing time between work and study. -Roselyn Sipolo
Individually, what is one thing you liked about your dad? “He cares.” “He loves us all the same.” -Verma & Christina April 2017 YOSI 7 27
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