Publication issue 9
outh of solomon islands magazine
“Gender Equality” what it means to youth in Solomon Islands
Defying all odds
More young women signing up for rugby 12-13 Agony Aunt 24-25 YOUTH IN ART Colour My Dreams Come True 20-21
Flipping The Kitchen Norm 18-19 Youth in Leadership
Youth takes lead 6-7
December 2018 YOSI 9 1 This issue is brought to you in partnership with @SideBySide; a Movement for Equality
ABOUT Y@W aims to increase the economic prospects of young people in Solomon Islands through
providing pre-employment and basic business training, facilitating internships and supporting the small business start-ups.
YOUTH’S J O U R N E Y
1. Community services
Internship
Prepare young people to enter formal employment by providing pre-employment training, mentoring and intern placement in work place.
ILO
3. 15 weeks internships
2. Pre-employment training
YOUTH’S J O U R N E Y
Entrepreneurship
Assist youth to start or develop small businesses. This is done through basic business training, seed grant (materials), mentoring, additional technical support and Youth Market.
businesss businesssplans plans
ILO
1. Community services
2. Basic business trainings
3. Develop business plans
4. Start-up capital
Youth@Work Rural YOUTH’S J O U R N E Y
Follow us: 2 YOSI 9 December 2018
4. Mentoring & awareness on crosscutting issues
5. Technical support & Youth Market
In the provinces, the programme contributes to community development activities on environment, agro-forestry and support through seting up of small businesses.
@youthatworksolomonislands
@YOSIMagazine
@youthyosi
What’s inside issue 9? Flipping the Kitchen Norm. pp18-19
Color my dream come E W H AT ’S INSID true. pp20-21
Defying all odds. pp14-15
TH
IS
ISS
UE?
We’re all equal when it comes to health. p16-17
Words from the Coordinator............................................................................... Editors & Contributors........................................................................................... Youth takes lead................................................................................................... From humble beginnings to the cutting- edge................................................. Kastom blo mi........................................................................................................ Be your own boss.................................................................................................. Social Engineering................................................................................................ Young women in sports; profiles.......................................................................... Defying all odds.................................................................................................... We are all equal when it comes to health- Miss Solomon .............................. Flipping the norm.................................................................................................. Colour my dream come true.............................................................................. Kreative Kona........................................................................................................ Agony aunt............................................................................................................ Duim Seleva (DIY)................................................................................................. Phototoks............................................................................................................... Rotary Int. full page advertisement....................................................................
Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 & 7 Page 8 & 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 & 15 Page 16 & 17 Page 18 & 19 Page 20 & 21 Page 22 & 23 Page 24 & 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28
ADVERTISE IN YOSI MAGAZINE 2019 AND INCREASE YOUR REACH TO YOUNG PEOPLE Youth@Work, Art Gallery P O Box 1468 Honiara 25278 email: yosi@youth-at-work.org, Find us on Facebook @YOSIMagazine and Twitter @youthyosi YOSI is FREE and comes out four times a year. All rights reserved © copyright 2018 by Youth@Work
December 2018 YOSI 9 3
Words from the Coordinator
Greetings & Welcome to Yosi 9 YOUTH@WORK (Y@W) is excited to bring you the 9th issue on Gender Equality! In this issue, YOSI magazine, in partnership with Side By Side Movement, celebrates young women and men who are taking up gender roles which are previously constricted to one particular gender. In “flipping the kitchen norm”, Max’s passion is in the kitchen creating local mouthwatering dishes, a role most young people previously percieved as women’s or girls’ role. We want youths to understand that gender roles can be swapped and given the right support each individual has the freedom to discover and do what they are passionate about and enjoys the right to live it without being negatively singled out or stereotyped. I recall a quote in YOSI’s 3rd issue; Youth Breaking Barriers, it says “humanity and equality starts at the bottom with you and me. Our attitudes and how we treat each other matters”. This reiterates that, no individual can make up a society unless all work together to build its foundation. To create change it has to start with me, you and trails down to everyone who stand next to us and furthermore, to those in their cirlces. So as you flip through the pages of this magazine may you open your heart’s eyes to see the possibility of equality that reigns over all discrimination, race, gender and harmful social norms in our day to day. Take for example Sharon, who is pushing her limits in rugby, a sport once considered to be the men’s domain, to the country’s first ever Miss Solomon Island body building champion, Corina, and her dedication for a healthy life-style. We believe that inequality is gnawing on the lives of both women and men and the only culprit is the idea that sets us to see ourselves differently to access opportunities and social services. We hope you will enjoy this magazine and we do hope you will make better choices to be competent and be responsible in life despite its constant disparities.
Ms Raywin Taroaniara Youth@Work Coordinator @RaywinTaroaniar
4 YOSI 9 December 2018
EDITORIAL TEAM and contributors
YOSI Magazine have grown from strength to strengh and this year the young and passionate staff of Youth@Work together with young contributers and volunteers of writers, photographers and designers have once again beat all odds and put together this amazing and inspiring issue on Gender Equality and portray what equality means to young people of Solomon Islands.
Ruth Amos
Peter Zoleveke Jr
Y@W Media & Communications Group Leader
Y@W Media & Communications Team Leader
Editor, Writer & Photographer
Bryan Luvena
Y@W Comms Intern, Journalism Student, SINU
Writer, Photographer & Intern Graphic Designer
Lincoln Leamana
Esther Fioli Contributing writer
Journalism Student, SINU
Contributing writer & Photographer
Contributing writer & Photographer
Ivan Utahenua
Francis Rove
Samuel Gifton Don
Contributing Photographer
Contributing Graphic Designer
Contributing writer & Photographer
Freelance Photographer
Graphic Designer, Island Sun
Journalism Student, SINU
Emmanuel Oti Side By Side Coodinator
Volunteer Graphic Designer & Writer
YOSI MAGAZINE IS THANKFUL TO THE FOLLOWING INDIVIDUALS & INSTITUTIONS WHO MADE THIS PUBLICATION POSSIBLE
A big thank you to media consultant; Alfred Sasako, for journalism services and advices rendered. Corina Dettke, George Rongoto, Lionel Lekasi, Kevin Ross, Esther Moses, Nester Suiramo, Flinda Menapi Akir, Sharon Mahekava, Mary Alatoma, Featherstone Ofotelia, Kozi Ata, Elita Salole, Mary Totorea, George Zama, Rose Paia, Hazelyn Andrews, Betty Waneasi, Mary Kini Lifu, Jenny Tagini, Max Webo, Wesley Tomani, Anica Carter, Lorretta Taika, Iho Taika, Emmy Luluku (Radiologist), Fatima Aoraunisaka (RSIPF Maritime), Esther Fioli, Samuel Gifton Don, Francis Rove, Bryan Luvena, Lincoln Leamana, Ivan Utahenua, Y@W & Pacific Community (SPC), Empower Pacific, Oxfam in Solomon Islands and Rotary International and many others who are active behind the scenes.
HOW CAN I SUBMIT MY PIECE TO YOSI MAGAZINE?
YOSI Magazine welcomes photography, graphics and illustrations, poems, short stories and feature articles by young people. However, YOSI do not guarantee that ALL submissions may make it to next publication. Contact YOSI Magazine for detailed submission guidelines.   December 2018 YOSI 9  5
youth in leadership
YOUTH TAKES THE LEAD STORY BY Ruth Amos PHOTOS BY Ivan Utahenua In Solomon Islands, previously women and girls take up teaching because partly society generalise this idea that only they can and should pursue careers in teaching. This story spoke of a different tale. A tale of a passionate volunteer, a tale of competence and sacrifice that shifts how she sees herself NOT only as a teacher but a leader, delivering quality free education to poor children in her community and a female entrepreneur, supplying school uniforms. IN one of the hot-spot settlements in the eastern strip of Honiara City is St Vincent, Burns’ Creek, where security, running water and electricity are not familiar daily necessities among families and young children living here. Mary Alatoma, a 27-yearold early childhood teacher chose to look beyond these limitations. Instead, she invested in the children’s education when she was asked by her church to help their small congregation. 6 YOSI 9 December 2018
The young woman started conducting a school for 4 year old children. There are questions that tested her will to make education become accessible for the young children and how, given the exercise that the school is free, and children are not obliged to pay any school fee at all except for their $20 contributions to basically pay for stationaries. “I used to be a teacher at Eden Primary School but when the church requests my help I quit and came back to help”,
she said. “In late September (2017) makeshift classrooms were erected beside the church compounds, and you could just imagine how excited the children were,” Ms Alatoma recalled. “I understand the standard of living here is below the average, and since the school started I worked as a volunteer.” “It was a struggle for me and other eight teachers who were also volunteers.
Sitting back and reflecting, Mary realized one thing stands out most – a lot of kids’ uniforms are charged at a very high price which most families can’t afford. “It was not until when I came and joined the Youth at Work Young Entrepreneurship program, I looked back and saw that even if the kids have a school close by, uniform would be something that would motivate them to attend and stay in school. With her skills in dying fabrics
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I believe we can move forward without expecting too much
youth in leadership
and sewing, she decides to do something out of her passion.
cutting table and make some other adjustments.
“I used to dye fabrics and sew its edges and then sold them. But I realized my earnings was too slow especially when costs for materiaIs is high.
“The next design was praised!
When asked why and how she begin her trade, she carefully explained. “I decide to revive the skills I have, which I learnt from my mother, and that is to sew. “Sewing these uniforms I do not use proper measurements, I would estimate their size and then sew them and when the first design came out, there was a lot of positive and negative feedback that I got from the children’s parents. “I was happy that I got positive response from the first design I sewed, so I went back to my
“The uniforms were described by the parents as unique, and very affordable,” Mary expressed. “I have just one price for all sizes, I sold them at $50 for all the uniforms and it was acceptable by all the parents. I am happy seeing the kids wearing their uniforms and coming to school every day and I am happy I helped. “Over the time I have been sewing these uniforms there have been a lot of orders placed including students from the neighboring primary school. However, I did not accept their order as yet because I want to complete my target for this school before moving onto other orders. “I see myself in the next five to six months sewing uniforms for students in other schools,” she said. Mary never gave up on her volunteering work, given the challenge she found herself in excelling in her tailoring business. “For us young people, to discipline yourself can be very hard but whenever we can, I believe we can move forward without expecting too much.” The lession here is with such big heart and positive vision for her community, Mary Alatoma use all that is in her power to create the ideal changes she want to see and make every effort to do what she is committed to. In her own words she highlighted that to be a great leader “be faithful in the little things you do.”
Caption: (top) Mary’s students in their school uniforms (bottom) Class in progress December 2018 YOSI 9 7
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From Humble Beginnings, To The Cutting Edge
STORY BY Lincoln Leamana PHOTOS BY Ruth Amos
BEING very good at a particular skill can turn out less perfect as having the passion that drives someone to do something without willfully able to answer the question “why?” Driven by passion, local hair stylist George Rongota worked his way out from standing under his parents’ house, giving his friends a hair cut, to standing behind real customer, inside a commercial shop performing his passion professionally. 8 YOSI 9 December 2018
”It all comes to individual choices whether in clothes fashion or hairstyle fashion. Everyone has their right to what to wear or make up in which he or she feels comfortable with,” George said.
George realised his potential early, growing up in the village he was always facinated by the scissors and comb clipper, asking everyone at home and his neighbours if he could give them a haircut.
“I believe this world is changing and we have to live up to its standard, so when it comes to fashion nowadays we have to dress accordingly, and wear it with pride, live with dignity and status, in other words respectable.
This is where and when he began to venture into the world of hair-dressing.
When asked where he would see himself in the next five years, he simply said:
“Now the outside world is getting broader for me. But without the motivation, I was stuck in my own world at the first place.” The quest has given him the motivation to move on.
“I am venturing into this world of cosmetology and I am here to stay and grow, becoming the best barber in town, that is my dream,” he said.
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Everyone has the right to wear what she or he feels comfortable with
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From a very young age, George who hails from the beautiful plains of Guadalcanal, was always amazed at how a professional haircut can transform someone’s look within a short period of time.
Caption: (bottom) George at Trend’s Saloon when YOSI caught up with him for a photoshoot.
With what he earned, George bought his new electrical hair clipper to cater for the growing demands for his service. A few months later, one of his close friends told him that there was a vacancy at the Trends Hair Salon, for interested individuals. Without hesitation, he went over to the shop and asked for work without a formal application letter. He was given a short test and landed his first the job. “The salon manager identify a random person along the street for my first trial. Less than 30 minutes I completed the test and the salon manager was impressed with what I did. “When I got the opportunity, without any questions asked, I went straight to the chair and got to work. Working at the Trends is whole new experience for George, interacting with customers and colleagues with the same interest. December 2018 YOSI 9 9
kastom blo me
Solomon women STORY BY Samuel Gifton Don
own another individual and allowed do whatever bad they wanted to do to them and could get away with. Increasingly, women nowadays make the decision as to whom they want to marry or have a relationship with. Also in the situation of married couples, if men cheated or hurt his wife, compensation of shell money must be paid to his family and her’s before the husband could return to live with his wife.
MALAITAN WOMAN MALAITAN social traditions are arguebly the most influencial and widely misunderstood customs today. Malaita society, being a partriachal society, men are naturally considered head of tribes and decision making. As society evole the consequence is that women’s role was suppressed and interpretations muddied. However, there are roles that women still have the upper hand, roles that men cannot over-ride. For example, a woman of status has right to voice out concerns about family properties, ownership and debate land issues with men. Marraige and bride price seals two famililes relationships. Today this practice have been taken out of context and resulted in men wrongly presume they 10 YOSI 9 December 2018
TIKOPIAN WOMAN LOOKING beyond the horizon eastward to Tikopia and their culture that uses traditions and customs to keep their society together. For example in Tikopian society woman looks after the production of traditional cloths (tapa cloth). With so many uses for the tapa, it is facinating to know that this skill is only practiced by women and passed down to girls and daughters. It is an honor all Tikopian women are proud to have. To being a woman from Tikopia is a blessing for preserving their traditional practice. Without a woman, playing the tapa-sewing role might not be occurring in Tikopia Island today.
MAKIRAN WOMAN IN every society men and women play different roles. Solomon Islands is no exception. In some tribes in Makira Province for example, a woman plays a pivotal role not only in family matters but land and properties as men. She is the dominant force and holds the rights over families matters like taking care of properties and other issues in the family. This society is matriarchial, as women have rights to own lands – something which men cannot take over because the right was inherited and passed down the bloodline through a woman. A woman has to be involved in making decisions or talking about traditional matters and properties. Do you know how powerful a Makira woman is? If ever any conflict between men is to stop, a woman intervention will cool things down. A woman takes the leading role in every aspect of Makira traditions hence, a woman is the most respectable individual and her importance is embedded deeply in Makiran society.
BE YOUR OWN BOSS
entrepreneur’s lane
STORY BY Bryan Luvena PHOTO: Lincoln Leamana ‘’SELLING clothes is my job. I am the boss and I made my own decisions,” Wesley Tomani revealed. Wesley, a 30-year old youth of Kwara’ae and Kwaio descent, Malaita Province chose to go into this lucrative business because it helps him to earn money every day, unlike other jobs where employees have to wait two weeks before they get paid. He was unplaced after completing Form 5 at Auki community high school in Malaita. So he moved to Honiara where he resided at the outer suburb of Gilbert Camp area in Central Honiara. He found a job at the Bulk shop but his forth night salary is not enough to support himself financially since living in town is very expensive. He came up with an idea of selling clothes because he thought it would be fast cash, even though it’s an endeavour considered to be practiced mainly by women. “I love trying new things so I started this business of selling clothes, and don’t mind what people would say about me going into this business mostly done by women.” “Most people nowadays are interested in modern fashion and many people would also have the same choice
Caption: Wesley manning his clothing stall at Honiara Central Market.
of fashion that I choose, so I started to buy clothes and sold them at the central market,” said Wesley. Wesley always goes to the second hand fashion shops to check for the new bales of clothing, which he buys and then resell them. “I use to sell boys’ fashion wears like trousers, shorts, pull ups, t shirts, cut shirts and jumpers. People may say negative comment about me involving in such business, but through the encouragement of my market colleagues, and family members, it gives me courage to continue.” “I feel responsible when running my own business, like I have the final say in everything I do, such as making discounts for customers, where as in other places you have to wait for the employer to make
decisions”, said Wesley. In his daily sales Wesley earns an average of $600 per day, some of his lucky days he hit the $1000 sales mark. “Sometimes, I earn $300 or less, especially during the start of the week,” he explained. The clothing business has helped him to buy whatever he needs as well as to support his family financially. He also finds that clothesselling helps him to select good clothes for himself and share the extras with his brothers. Wesley wants to encourage fellow youths to focus on their goals, and do whatever they think that will benefit them. To be successful, he has one final advice. “Put God first in everything you do.”
December 2018 YOSI 9 11
social engineering
con.nect and the magic of maybe COMPILED BY Emmanuel Oti
Robert Sapolsky published a study he’d done at Stanford University coined “The Magic of Maybe”. His work gave birth to a whole new spectrum of how we define technology and understand how social media tools are ripping apart the social fabric of how society used to work. It is by no mistake, it is by design. Social media is addictive as it gets; whether it’s old for you or it’s your first time. Unfamiliar to us is social media is a profit oriented product: Facebook, Instagram, Youtube and their cousins are carefully made in such a way users will get hooked. Some say the selling pitch takes advantage of what we all want; that is to not feel socially awkward.
Addictive by design
Don’t give me that look yet, allow me to present my complete argument. The magic here is basically social media is engineered to be addictive as much as possible by using the working principles of gambling. Yes you read it right. Addictive as a hooked gambler or as nicotine for smokers and cocaine for hippies.
Flooding our brains with dopamine
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter found in our brains and dopamine drives addiction. We constantly check our phones for that notification or expected texts. Studies have shown that when our expectations finally 12 YOSI 9 December 2018
arrives the excitement we feel is equal to 400 spike in dopamine levels, similar to the one we would get if we sniff a line of cocaine - I didn’t mean you should try the latter at home tho.
Offer rewards
Experts revealed that Social Media tools offer shinny treats so we come back for more in return for minutes of attention and bytes of personal data which are packaged and sold for profit. Every time we see the “likes” we feel much better about ourselves. The “ping” sounds promise short term stardom and evidence/ assuarance to our existence?
Attention economy
To add to the above, social media designers know that as human beings we are affected by what we think others might think of us. When we upload a photo our minds are more vulnerable to knowing what others think. They know this and control the dial when and how long more people will see our posts and click the “like” button. Hearts, wows and thumbs up makes us feel wanted; but then we translate that against our values and reality only to find this popularity is short and leaves us vacant and empty. Hence, it forces us into the vicious cycle to get more or make anything up to satisfy the relapse of internal frustration.
Life on Social Media is FAKE
Literature have found (and you can honestly relate to this) that the more we use social media the more we feel lonely or isolated. Constant exposure to our “friends” carefully curated positive portrayal of their lives on social media can make us feel inadequate. The filters on photos makes us feel they live interesting lives than us, so we set out to capture some of our own only to realise we still feel that life is different in reality.
Fragmented attention
Remember the “ping” sound? New research shows that the more time we allow our attention to be disrupted during our waking hours to get the quick glance at the notifications, this can permanently reduce our capacity for concentration in class, meetings, workshops and work. Thus, we become unproductive in our lives.
To conclude, it is one thing to pull the machine handles in casinos, but taking that machine home (smartphones) and pulling the handle every second of our waking hours can lead to total breakdown because we are not wired to deal with this form of addiction. Cherish your real life friends and people around you. Word of advice use these tools for a purpose, dont let them get the best of you.
girls in non-traditional sports
Profiles of Girls in Sport
COMPILED BY Peter Zoleveke Jr. PHOTOS Supplied
To young people nowadays gender equality to them means equal opportunities for both women and men. Our society must provide enough support for girls who are competent and encouraged to try out variety of sports like their peers of the othe gender. Here YOSI Magazine profiles inspiring stories of young Solomon women excelling in different sports.
“ Age: 24 years old Occupation: Student (Solomon Islands National University) Sport: Weight-lifting (National athlete)
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Name: Mary Kini Lifu
“I always wanted to represent my country in the sport I love, and being an ambassador also for young women and girls in the country.”
“I like weightlifting because I learn to overcome my personal fears in life and taking on bigger challenges”
Name: Hazelyn Andrews Age: 22 Sports: Body Building Occupation: Waitress (Yacht Club) “Keeping fit and healthy is my priority, every young girl should live a healthy lifestyle and (being) confident in themselves in whatever they do.”
Name: Corina Dettke Age: 24 years old
Name: Rose Paia Age: 23 Sports: Football Occupation: Student (Tourism & Hospitality, SINU) “I always wanted to represent my country in the sport I love, and being an ambassador also for young women and girls in the country.”
Sports: Body Building (Solomon Islands Body Building Federation SIBBF 2018 Miss Solomon) Occupation: Student (Bachelor in Business & Management) “I hope that with the sport, oneday I could become a role model for young women in Solomon Islands and help them value the importance of staying fit and be passionate about the choices they make in life.”
Name: Betty Waneasi Age: 22 Occupation: Student Sport: Weight-lifting (recently competed at the Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, Argentina) “I encourage young females to seize their potential and be discipline in whatever they do in life” December 2018 YOSI 9 2018 13 13 YOSI 9 December
girls in non-traditional sports
Defying all odds Female Rugger Believes In Equality Through Her Sport
STORY BY Peter Zoloveke Jnr PHOTOS Supplied For a sport like rugby only few women were seen involved here in the Solomon Islands. For Sharon she wants to see more of her gender to be part of the sport she loves despite the norms in the society. THE sport of rugby is a male dominated sport, where they ruck, they maul, they tackle and they scrum; all without pads. The aggression, sweat and high risk of injury make it too risky for girls to play. For Sharon Mahekava, she challenges the odd, believing in gender equality through the sport she loved. The 26 year old Primary School teacher who hails from Rennell & Bellona province, took up the desire in rugby, coming from a Polynesian region known for breeding a lot of talented rugby players in the Solomon Islands to date.
Growing up in a family of four, she took the inspiration from her only brother. “During my primary days of schooling back at home I was the only girl seen playing tag rugby with all the boys in the community, also at school when competitions were being organized. “My elder brother was my motivator, and growing up in a very socialize village I find it fun despite being a girl,” Sharon recalls. It was when she reached her secondary level of studies at the Selwyn College, she
came over to Honiara already equipped with the basic instincts of the gentlemen’s game. Women’s rugby was not a common trend back then, yet Sharon suits herself with the minorities who have the common interests of playing the sport. It was in 2011 when she first made her exposer and it was not tag rugby anymore. “Very young at that time I pushed myself to experience the game. Sadly for me it was not a great start, I injured my right collar bone, but that did not force me to quit playing.
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both genders has the potential, despite comparing our strengths I see it’s fitting for any other girls or women to play rugby. Yes we girls can do it too!
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14 YOSI 9 December 2018
It was then, that she made her own memorable achievement, being awarded the Player of the Tournament in helping her team to reach the competition’s decider. She was her team’s first five eighth (fly half), a position she admired and have obviously made her an exceptional playmaker. “I always wanted to compare and also compete with the boys. And my favorite international player is New Zealand All Black’s Daniel Carter. My brother helped me a lot with ideas and advices, and yes he is my role model,” she said.
girls in non-traditional sports
Sharon always has the dream of wearing the national colors for the country through her sport, hoping that the sporting bodies could see the passion that women has for the game in the country.
“I don’t know about other girls but I encourage them to take up the sport, it makes you as a female to be courageous and build confidence as an athlete and also as a female in the society. “Everyone is equal when it comes to sport, both genders has the potential, despite comparing our strengths I see it’s fitting for any other girls or women to play rugby. Yes we girls can do it too! “Playing rugby is much more than imitating a bunch of strong, aggressive men tackling each other on the pitch. It’s more than just the ability to play the sport and get the athletic benefits of
playing- it’s about the team and learning to fight against the stigmas about being a female rugger and about totally abandoning your comfort zone to allow yourself to do something you never thought you would do,” Sharon stressed. She recently led her team in 2018 Queen’s birthday competition, however the competition did not eventuate as only few clubs involve women. Under SIRUF’s yearly calendar recently released early last year, 2018, the federation already has in place programs, where keen girls like Sharon could have an avenue to pursue their dreams. “I’m looking forward for such opportunities and I want others to feel part of the development together.
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I’m looking forward for such opportunities and I want others to feel part of the development together
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The year 2015 saw the birth of her current women’s rugby club, the Westside Tigers, competing in a first ever Solomon Islands Rugby Union Federation (SIRUF) organized 10’s competition for women in the capital.
Caption: (Far left) Sharon pose for a photoshoot. (Left) Sharon in her favorite no.10 jersey during a training session with team mates. December 2018 YOSI 9 15
FROM Zumba to netball to the soccer fields to body building gyms, women and girls from all ages are more physically active than ever before. Some consider sports for leisure, others as a career, for some they play to keep maintain health and wellness.
We are all equals when it comes to our health WORDS Peter Zoleveke Jnr PHOTOS Supplied
YOSI Magazine had the opportunity to sit with the first-ever Solomon Islands Body Building Federation (SIBBF) Miss Solomon, Ms. Corina Dettke, as she reflects on her achievement despite all norms for being a female figure in a male dominated sport in the Solomon Islands. The 24 year old was crowned during the SIBBF 10th National championship in September 2018, and represented the country at the 24th South Pacific Body Building Championship in Fiji, winning two silver medals recently. YOSI - Tell us about yourself. - Well I was born in Auckland, New Zealand, raised in Solomon Islands. My heritage is Polynesian, Melanesian and European; so I’m part Tongan, German Solomon Islander. I love to travel, shopping, swimming, food, health, fitness and beauty. YOSI – When did you get involved in the sport?
16 YOSI 9 December 2018 16 YOSI 9 December 2018
– I got involved in body building only less than eight (8) months ago. I took part in a bikini category in Australia and then fitness here
at the national championship in September 2018. YOSI – What are the challenges you faced? – Here in the country the sport is dominated by men, that’s the greatest challenge, but with the opportunity I have living abroad I get to learn everything step at a time. With the sport it requires me to have more muscle, build my strength and learn all the posing, walking and the quarter moves. In the regional competition the figure category it’s different from the bikini and fitness competitions which I learnt in just a matter of weeks but I gained lot of experience from other female competitors in the region. YOSI – What are the healthy approaches you took to stay fit, and how the sport addresses women’s health? – Everyday I’m learning new things to stay healthy, such as dietry requirements, what to eat and not to eat, how to gain muscle and overall how to stay positive having a healthy conscious. Every day you have to be prepared mentally and physically. Maintain a healthy active lifestyle - active people tend to be stronger, healthier and happier. Everyone is different. We don’t all have the same genes, body types, looks, personalities that’s what makes us unique. I take the word “diet” to a whole new level. You may think food but I think of it as a way of life. Your diet is not only what you eat. It is what you watch, what you listen to, what you read, the people you hang around with. You have to be mindful of the things you put into your body emotionally, spiritually and physically. It took me 6 months and I lost 20 kilos – there was no special diet, pill or surgery that I had to go through for this to happen. I
girls in non-traditional sports
wanted to feel the pressure, pain and hard work to get what I wanted and that was to be fit and healthy.
I specifically start making better and healthier choices for my mind, body and soul YOSI – Who supported you throughout? CORINA - My personal trainer, nutritionist and Coach Jessica Beckman and the Sweat Box Gym crew plus my mum and dad. YOSI – Being the Miss Solomon SIBBF, representing young women in the country, what encouragements and advices can you give others who might have similar interests? CORINA - There is sport for everyone, and I urged girls to give it a try despite the fear of being ridiculed. After all it’s our individual priority to be healthy and we are all equal when it comes to our wellbeing. I also encourage girls to take up the sport of body building. I’m looking forward to have more girls to come forward and part of the sport and I hope my achievement can be an inspiration to many. Be healthy and beautiful inside and out.
good! We all have equal rights, gender equality is achieved when women and men enjoy the same rights and opportunities across all sectors of society, including economic participation and decision-making, and when the different behaviors, aspirations and needs of women and men are equally valued and favored. As the first ever female body builder and Miss Solomon I competed with 37 men in SIBBF I took the first step and proved that women can do it too. YOSI – What are your future plans? CORINA - For the future yes I will still be competing in next year’s national bodybuilding championship, I love doing what I do because I’m doing it for a purpose putting my heart and soul into it. Getting involved in competitions and continue to persevere and generate awareness for a healthy life-style.
Do your research and see what physiques see if that’s what you like, find out which best suits your personality amd strength. Try to have a healthy lifestyle and avoid as much as possible smoking, alcohol and other unhealthy choices. YOSI – In your own perspective, define EQUALITY in the Solomon Islands. CORINA - Gender inquality does exist. Gender equality is not only a fundamental human right, but a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world. I am a firm believer in always striving for selfimprovement but that doesn’t mean that what you have right now is less than
Caption: Corina at the Sweat box gym December 2018 YOSI 9 17 December 2018 YOSI 9 17
Fl the k
In Solomon Islands society cooking is socially constructed as chores for girls. In this inspiring story you will learn that gender roles can be easily changed-and catering is an opportunity to earn a living.
Picture a rare sight: a man in a kitchen, sweat perspiring from his forehead as he leans over a boiling soup, the aroma of onion and garlic seeping through his apron and the air as he pinches off cabbage leaves from its stalk. A practically endangered sight would it be if that man is a boy who has lots of energy to do fun stuff with his friends instead. Seeing this is as an opportunity to start his business, Max Webo - a young man from Malaita – has decided to take up catering. His business, Hoodlum Catering, provides catering for training and workshops and in offices events around Honiara. Apart from spending time in the kitchen at home in Kaibia settlement, Max, like many other young people his age, 18 YOSI 9 December 2018
enjoys playing soccer and listening to music.
the food every time it was brought here.”
Max grew up in a family of six boys where his interest for cooking was bred, no doubt, in his mother’s kitchen. From here, he fully embraced the skills learned, and he aspire to become one of the best cooks in town.
Growing up, the young lad always admired the professional chefs he watched on TV and wanted to be like them.
When asked what is unique about his catering business, the 20-year-old replied, “Most of my dishes consist of a local food which is sold at an affordable price. I am very reliable and always on time.” Speaking to one of his customers, Desmond Mane, who currently attends trainings under the Y@W programme, he said “I really liked the food. Max’s catering team usually comes and delivers every time at our training venue.” He went on to say, “I do not have any preference on the dishes he delivers as I enjoyed
Young Max was pushed out from high school due to disciplinary measures decided by the school and was not allowed to return because his parents would not agree to
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I am very reliable and always on time. Most of my dishes consist of a local food which is sold at an affordable price
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IT is a local social norm that the role of women and girls is limited to the kitchen.
lipping kitchen norm STORY BY Ruth Amos PHOTO Supplied
morning tea, lunch afternoon tea,” he said.
entrepreneur’s lane and
He continued on, “The drive that keeps me going is my aim and goals.” At the moment, Max gets help from his mum for his other gigs delivering lunch for young people with disabilities who are doing their training at the Bahai’i center. Max and his mother have an agreement where they distribute catering responsibilities equally between them. While Max’s mother does deliveries, Max does the dishes and cleans up. Max’s unorthodox business choice has roused the interest of a number of his friends.
Caption: Where all the magic happens. Max in his kitchen workspace.
the idea of him going back to school. He went on to attend a vocational training center in the hopes of finding work at the end of the day. Unfortunately, this was to no avail. “I was not able to get a job immediately because the course I took did not align with my interests.” It was not until Max was involved in the Y@W program that he decided to nourish his interest of cooking and earn a living out of it. “One of my biggest gigs was doing catering for the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA). It was a four-day training and I was engaged to provide food. He went on to explain that doing such big gigs gets very hectic and requires a lot of hard work. “It’s a lot of pressure when I have to prepare and deliver on time. However, I quite enjoy the adrenaline rush, especially with the YWCA four days catering which included
“Most of my peers earn their income by selling betel nut and cigarettes in small huts or in front of their homes so they become curious about the activity that I am involved in. I usually get a lot of questions about it,” Max said. Max also shared that, at the area where he lives, there was a man who used to work at Pacific Casino as a chef. “I would, on a number of occasions, go and help him out in his kitchen serving noodles and eggs to their neighbours. I really enjoyed it. That experience reaffirmed my interest in becoming a professional chef - a goal I am at the moment working towards achieving.” When asked where he sees himself in the next five months and how he is going to achieve it, the young lad replied, “Five months from where I started, I see myself having gained a good amount of experience and would have already paid for most of the utensils I would need for a complete kitchen” “Since starting up my catering business, I have tried to save up my profits. However, because I do not deposit my profits at a bank, I have a tendency to use it up again. This is a major challenge that I have been struggling with for a while”.
Fortunately, he has found an antidote to this, “Whilst attending a refresher training for those who were registered under the Y@W Young Entrepreneur’s Component, I found out that I could save my sum of profits under the NPF initiative called YouSave.” It was with the YouSave scheme that Max realized his profits were growing well, building a bridge to reach his goals within his planned timeframe. “So in five months from now, I would like to see myself opening up a kitchen serving fruits, veggies and local food,” Max said. At the moment, Y@W and SPCSI are his main customers. “I have difficulties promoting my set-up - not because I do not have much to show - but because I do not know how.” “My first attempt is to create a page on Facebook and share it with friends in order to build my client base.” Max is available for business doing catering for any individuals or businesses who might be interested in his menu outline: local motu cabbage and chicken, fruit platters, soup, beef or fish stew, and vegetables. He concluded by saying, “Work hard on your business be faithful and committed to whatever you do. At the end of the day, you will be able to achieve your goals or for whatever you are aiming for”. Max is a young entrepreneur who is growing and improving by the day. His business is at a stage where he is building his client base and is open to anyone who is interested in supporting him. Being young and venturing into the business world is tough. Max still needs support in terms of professional mentors for marketing and catering management to take his small scale business to another level where he can expand and develop. December 2018 YOSI 9 19
COLOR MY DREAM COME TRUE STORY BY Ruth Amos PHOTOS BY Peter Zoleveke Jnr.
Not every body’s level is the same in one thing. Others learn better in different subjects/skillset while others at other thing. In this issue YOSI talks to a young female artist and discovered her tough journey is pursuing her dreams. “HAVING my painting exhibited beside the only two other female artists’ at the national art gallery during the recent Melanesian Art Festival was phenomenal,” an honour Jenny Tagini accepted with humble humility. This was closest to making her dream come true and that is to have her own art exhibition and partnership with her siblings and uncle. Jenny, now 19, is a very enthusiastic artist who embraces the skills of an artist at a very young age. “I remember when I was in grade five, there was a drawing competition and I challenged myself to make an attempt and so I submit an artwork.” It was way back in 2011, under the theme ‘education
is important for all children’ and it was a portrait of a child carrying his school bag pack facing his mother, while she zips the bag. “I never dismiss the pride I had after making the decision, because it became a boost to how far I have come and I am still working on my art skills until I am satisfied that I have reached the professional level.”
very young age whether it was pencil colours or watercolors. Jenny and her siblings love art and craft growing up. “My parents were not artists, but whenever they appreciate our artwork when we were younger, they encourage us more and compliment our creativity,” she said.
Jenny won the competition.
Growing up and becoming a lady comes with some responsibility, as it was with the traditional norms for Malaitans.
“This was a savored moment in my life. It made me realize that my passion for art is starting to pay off, and if I worked really hard on it I would be able to make a career out of it,” she said afterwards.
“One of the challenges at home is the roles I would have to play growing up, I have chores I would have to do after school and it takes some of my time to do what I always wanted to do- drawing.”
For someone like Jenny, the passion thrives in the family, encouraged by her parents to splatter and spatter colours at a
“To me, not drawing can be at times put me on edge.” “But then as soon as I finished my chores, I would immediately
“
20 YOSI 9 December 2018
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CAPTION: Jenny sketching concepts for her next pieces.
I remember when I was in grade five, there was a drawing competition and I challenged myself to make an attempt and compete
Still in school, and doing her fifth form at St John Community High School in Honiara, Jenny managed to find her way to work on her passion besides studying. Jenny was known in her school as an artist who is always helpful drawing pictures for her classmates, and even visual aids for her teacher’s presentation. She became an inspiring figure for girls who are interested in art. “Drawing for my classmates, schoolmates and even teachers, was one of the fun activities I enjoyed being an artist in school.” “It is very encouraging to hear especially girls who came up to me and praised my work, I still feel a little tingle in my tummy whenever any of them said; they would one day like to draw like me,” she grinned. However, that is not what her parents see in her, it was instead the opposite and Jenny had a number of disagreements with them.
would like to make my passion become my career. Solomon Island is a country that is blessed with music artists, as it is with lawyers and politicians but the curtain is delayed when it comes to arts and crafts. “I understand the angle at which my parents are talking from but denying my reality will not help. There isn’t much to bet on when it comes to art. But I am a very optimistic person; I believe one day I will make my dream come truemy own exhibition alongside my elder siblings and my uncle. Jenny was just getting into painting, “until now using
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my passion for art is starting to paid off, and if I worked really hard on it I would be able to make a career out of it
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resort to picking up my pencil and start sketching,” she said with a smile dancing at the end of her lips.
pencil and pen are my favorite as I can pull out my sketch book and pencil anywhere I find comfy.” “I felt like I still have a lot of room for improvement and coming here at the local gallery sort of reaffirms my dreams to become a professional painter some day.” She concludes by saying, “I started out very young and have improved my skills every chance I can get, so I believe there are other young female artists out there who are improving or are better than me. “Criticism may come in all directions especially if you are young and being a girl when our work of choices is being critiqued, we take it personally and retracted quickly. This shouldn’t be the case, we should define growth by its true nature, and that is to pick on the positive feedback and move forward with it. also as parents we should create an incubating environement to allow other girls and boys to discover what they are good at and flourish” Jenny said. Caption: Jenny at her workspace and pieces she recently paint
“My parents wanted me to finish my education and get a good job, I fought with the idea every day and would at times wished they would just let me draw instead of studying maths and science.” she said. “I confess, sometimes I stole study time and drew on my sketch book and then continue studying for upcoming tests” she revealed as she bits the end of her lip. “I do not see myself working in an office in the future, but December 2018 YOSI 9 21
poems from young people In this section of YOSI Magazine, the following poems are submitted by young creative writers who submitted their works dipicting what gender equality means to them on the individual level. Enjoy reading.
Life’s railroad BY Esther Fioli THE bell began to overwhelm the old Castle Words got broken, evening fell While the choir humming a hymn Hands were shaken on the pulpit With gray hair all around the silver moon
into the light
While the balloon blows across the plain The muscular uplift the wall brick As the talent unfold, passion motivated, skills were displayed
Eyes fixed, trapped anxiously
Behind the scene olds and Childs with their mother
Justice stand and maintain
With the unfair treatment, unwillingness fall like a cast of shadow The desk were empty, left with old notes on the board Triangle shapes were printed on the wall Weed growing like the cattle field Future hidden through the spot Capabilities were identified Stabalisation occurs as the stonewalls were built
Boundaries were built Bearing all approaches.
They bequeath the ownership in my hand
Action speaks louder than words No one should judge my loyalty Freedom is found in happiness Time changes in frames
“
Bound to the vast expanse like the burgeon city
She beat the rules eminently Wearing of shoes , clothed in uniform
“
Along the railway , life began its expanse
Togetherness!
As the traditional reveals gratefulness
As decay occur
She became optimized, and being optium.
I drew my breath from men’s ribs Equality is the existence
Few miles away, siren sreaming loudly
Fatal wounds swallowed youths like a tide slash own
With the concern unbearable, unanswerable
BY Samuel Gifton Don
I see daughters, daughter-inlaws and grand-daughters excel in all things No longer are the chances to speak is ignored Men uncover power from thine eyes As we observe womwn absorbed into our system. Equal opportunities. No longer men dorminate Living souls crying in lonley waters But we give hope as the only option, we vowed. Holding on to our faith...
Bound to the vast expanse like the burgeon city
One of these days we will affect many to love their own
She beat the rules eminently
Mothers, daughters and daughter-inlaws.
Wearing of shoes , clothed in uniform 22 YOSI 9 December 2018
poems from young people Become oppressed after a
GENDER EQUALITY
RECOGNIZE BY Ruth Amos
IF a boy should tell you he likes to love you.
BY Esther Fioli LEAVES began to fall, rolling memory drown in the winter Floor covers with dirt, as an old flood plain Bubbling kettle blows its breath as a crying need Table fill with uncover dinner While infant sob with convulsive gasp in the busy world From a distance cruching engine
hears
a
hard day’s work, your child in arm suckling life, Numbered under label of duty and wife.
Let him love you.
Bring yourself up, do not let the crown slip off your head.
If you find him sitting next to you one day and asked you to hug him
You were your father’s princess, now a queen to this home
Hug him back.
He is a man that feeds off your hand,
Many times he is alone and his mother though holds his heart, his mama Couldn’t fight the strength of his father who taught him manhood should be his pride So… hug him back.
Lullaby tune began comfort the infant
When you turned and reached him with a smile, and he asks you to kiss him or
Stress slot in relieve like reddish brown umber
Stole one on your forehead
Clashing into in still pond
Peck his cheek, he will grow cold at first but will survive.
While the clock hand moving, in the blink of an eye
When he hands you precious stone around your neck, wear it proudly
Spice sprinkled and a pinch of salt for taste, gives him strength to stand up for what’s right. Many a times when he hold your hand, tagging your heart’s string, Don’t let your eyes heavy, staring on the floor Tell them his clean shirt is folded, first one in the napkin holder. Know this, behind every successful men there is a bolder woman
Make it your pride, and sit at a desk close to him as a princess next to her prince
Concern fall on his face, as the needs grow bigger
You are the solstice that pulls them close to life, happens twice in his life, when they show you love and when you give back life.
You can be the one who will bring him to contentment.
Recognise his own identity
True change happens when we walk together,
Heart full, golden butterflies, weigh more than the tafuliae hung around your neck.
We realize the equal sign comes in two
He needs your womb to carry his next generation so let him be aware he needs you like the curves of his arm that can fit into a hug
Forming a question mark, as she cries why?
Hesitation fades, action begins Helping hand stretch out Blows the Burden peacefully Home reassured cooperatively Not all memories lie to unfold the truths Ribs broken from its main, live identically Sharing the same shoes as a truth Speak the equality in the society.
If he should tell you he loves you, say “I do too” And when you look into his eyes, make sure he is true to you Do not let him make your eyes glisten with tears of sorrow Spilled like coconut juice or black and harden bobbing on the shallows
Never when he bends his back to hit her
“
Know this, behind every successful men there is a bolder woman
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The door complain… a gentleman return with smile on his face
December 2018 YOSI 9 23
AGONY AGONY AUNT! AUNT! :
NAME Lionel Lekasi AGE: 27 years old
1. Why gender equality is important? Gender equality is important because, being equal simply means being fair. In a relationship for instance being equal rules out the power of being bossy in decision making and just having the same rights in everything. Gender equality brings out many positive aspects and therefore it enhances happiness. When people are happy, this is where all the other positive things unfolds. Source – Empower Pacific Gender based violence (GBV) is alarmingly prevalent in the Solomon Islands. Gender norms encourage men to perpetuate inequality. Gender inequality is a key driver of poverty. And a fundamental denial of women’s rights. It is important in achieving gender justice to tackle poverty. Source - Oxfam
In these pages, YOSI Magazine gathers questionnaires generally asked by young people concerning their relationships and own perspectives on what they encounter in their daily lives. ‘Empower Pacific – Putting People First’ helped to put together these answers along with collective organizations. You can read more or should you ask related questions to http://empowerpacific.com/about-empower-pacific/
2. How can we avoid violence?
NAME: Nester AGE: 25 years old
Suiramo
3. Why do many married couples divorce, what is the cause?
NAME: Kevin Ross AGE: 20 years old 24 YOSI 9 December 2018
There are many causes people would say such as financial issues, family affairs, loyalty, drunkenness, irresponsible and so on however when we look at the underlying factors, it would be having the right knowledge of what marriage is, understanding it and applying it into the marriage. Married couple eventually give up with each other because they couldn’t stand each other anymore. They usually say they love each other but ….... (Reasons).
By having the knowledge of what it is, how it affects us and understanding it better we would then be able to avoid it. Therefore having more workshops, trainings and teachings at our communities, schools and churches on violence are worthwhile. Source - Empower Pacific I believe that before two people want to get married, they should learn what marriage is, do marriage counselling (etc) and while they are married, they should continue learning about each other, understanding and continue applying the knowledge into their marriage. “Love to women is feeling the affection. Love to men is respect” This is just one example, married couples should learn more, understand and apply it more. Source – Empower Pacific November 2018 YOSI 9
7
4. How do we get help when violence against women arise? I believe that when we try to stop or push against violence against women it will increase the impact or make it worse. Pushing against something negative will reinforce that particular negative thing. Both men and women should be educated about violence. Having the knowledge about violence, what it is etc, and then it will be understood and applied in the society correctly. Source – Empower Pacific When you encounter or experience violence against women you can promptly contact Seif Ples on 26999 or Family Support Centre on 24677/23666 to provide support, assistance and counselling (both general and legal) to victims of abuse/violence; liaise and develop positive networks; raise public awareness on the issues of DV and inform the women of their rights; provide educational programmes to relevant and interested groups in all provinces. It is dedicated to raising the status of women and children through delivery of the services offered. Source: Family Care Centre/ Seif Ples
NAME: Esther Moses AGE: 25 years old
5. What are the ways I can stop insecurity in a relationship? People who are experiencing insecurities, they have fear of past experience or future experience. Acceptance is not an easy thing to do but this is one way someone experiencing insecurity in a relationship would be able to overcome his or her insecurity. Acceptance help someone to feel calm about their insecurity and that is by learning more of their fears, be more aware of how they feel, think, behave or respond or react. And knowing how they able to cope positively and even learning new ways of coping positively. When someone has insecurities don’t fight against or push against, it will reinforce the power or energy of it.
8 YOSI 9 November 2018
NAME: Flinda
AGE: 18 years old
Akir Menapi
Learn to accept the insecurity in a relationship because it is a normal way of body reaction. In counselling we help people, overcome their insecurity by learning about their fears, experiencing the fears with them and managing their fears in their own ways or educating people with new coping skills. Therefore, someone who has insecurities, seek counselling or talk to someone they can trust, who actually listens and shows empathy. Source – Empower Pacific
December 2018 YOSI 9 25
Duim seleva
alternative Do-it-yourself DUIM baskets; Eliminate the use of SELEV A single-used pastics The single-use plastics have posed a threat to our environment and we as individual can make personal choices to reduce our contributions to its accumulation.
Step One, turn the shirt, wrong side out.
Take note, it is not only the accumulation of plastics that is harmful to the environment but also the toxins released during Photo-decomposition that pollute our soil and water.
Step four, cut up slits at the base of the shirt to create its frill.
We would like to help you make something fun yet effective way of contributing to STOP using the single-plastic. Imagine carrying a cool bag especially for shopping and buying veggies at the market, here’s how you can Doim Seleva (DIY).
Step two, cut off the sleeves.
Make a No Sew T-shirt tote bag in just 10 minutes! If you have all this, you can start right now!
Step five, tie the frills in pairs, rom left to right and repeat twice.
1. An old T-shirt- The thicker the fabric, the sturdier the bag 2. marker washable or chalk 3. scissors 4. square board
Step three, cut off the neckline. 26  YOSI 9 December 2018
5. seashells or beads (optional)
Step six. when complete, turn the shirt, right side out. November 2018 YOSI 9 21
phototoks
Women in non-traditional roles
When our society offers equal opportunities, we will see more women and girls pursuing nontraditional careers: divrsifying and improving the local labour market, contributing to supporting our families, participate in activism and work to have policies and regulation that is more inclusive to all members of the society. In this piece, YOSI highlights these achievements through photography with Ruth Amos.
  December 2018 YOSI 9  27
28  YOSI 9 December 2018