3671(I)_The change begins with me

July 14, 2015

By Fr. Ambrose Pereira, SDB

45 Youth@Work members gathered at the Commonwealth of Learning Complex, on the 9th July 2015 for the ‘Share and Inspire’ program. The participatory communication program enabled the participants look critically and reflect on their lives. Using communication tools they were able to share their issues with their companions.

The program commenced at 9am with a round of icebreakers. Inspired by motivational speaker Ian Humphrey, ‘It’s not about the knock down,’ the participants reflected on the struggles they have gone through and the fact that they are capable of arising and turning their situation around.

Animator of the program Fr. Ambrose Pereira sdb, led them to the realization that they are the ones responsible for change in their lives. “The change begins with me,” is what they were made to understand. “Personal changes as well as changes in my community will strengthen ourselves, build relationships and strong bonds and help us overcome our difficulties”, reflected Hilda Tolini, a Form 5 participant. “I wish to share with my community what I have heard and learnt at CYP today”, said Emmy Foroasi, a Form 6 participant. “I will encourage the members of my community to change themselves and thus change their communities”, said David Tarai, a SINU graduate.

In their groups the participants shared issues connected with their lives and that they are concerned about. Then the participants portrayed them through posters. ‘Education’ emerged as the first priority, with one poster stating ‘Education is the key’. They expressed the need for education that developed in them the values of discipline, responsibility, motivation and commitment.

Gender Equality was the second priority. Youth@Work animator Rose Maebiru Martin, led the 200 youth present for ‘Training Seven’ at the National Auditorium on 8th July to understand the need and relevance of gender equality in the Solomon Islands. Honesty, Leadership, Family, Responsibility, etc., were other issues that were presented. “I like the session on preparing posters and learnt that a slogan can convey a positive message”, said Alphonse Ganea, aged 26.

The participants learnt much from the session on photography. They were able to practically demonstrate what they learnt of composition, light and balance and convey a message through their photographs. They were also able to critically evaluate photographs of their companions.

A much loved part of the day was the ‘Mission to Love’ film, based on the life of St. John Bosco, celebrating this year the 200th birth anniversary. Don Bosco, Father and Friend of Youth struggled through his life as he went about his mission to empower the young. “His life was no easy way to the top”, said Marktus Haqu, aged 27 years. “We can learn from his example and work as a team to overcome our struggles”, he said.

Christina Peroili and Regina Lepping assisted through the program and were pleased with the response of the participants. The program continues on 13th July, 2015.

This program has been coordinated by the Secretariat of the Pacific Community for members of the Youth@Work project. It is participatory in nature and is based on principles of the Communication for Social Change. The Youth@Work looks forward to the Youth Festival to be celebrated from the 14th to the 18th July. It will also release the vibrant YOSI Youth Newsletter at the Festival. All youth are invited for the program to be held at Rove.