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2 YOSI Issue 01 2015
II Mini
CONTENTS Issue 01 - 2015
Arts and Entertainment 6-7, 14-17 Custom blo mi
8
Youth faith Careers
9-10 11-12 13
Self improvement Health blo umi
18-19
Community care
20-21
Iu save tu?
22
Youth of Solomon Islands
23
Creative Corner
24-27
YOSI is brought to you by: YOSI is supported by The Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs. Contributors Thank you to the talented youth who contributed to the first edition of YOSI: Ruth Amos, Lindy Suiti, Janita Nginabule, Angelina Ha’ai, Lionel Taorao, Chrishapert Ha’arabe, Solomon Islands National Museum, JoJo Lepping, Roselyn Kaua, Ruth Tehe, Natalie Fiuta, Patricia Marau, Elizabeth Wale. Enquiries yosi@youth-at-work.org 25278 www.facebook.com/YOSIMagazine Cover photo: William Dagi of MIDWEST Photo credit: Regina Lepping
Editorial team Ashleigh Bond – Editor/Writer Joseph “Jokka” Manemaka – Designer/Writer Regina Lepping – Writer
Issue 01 2015 YOSI 3
We’re proud to bring you YOSI
H
EY youth! Welcome to the first edition of YOSI. The Youth@Work team is very proud to launch this exciting new magazine that is all about you, the youth of Solomon Islands (hence the name YOSI). We hope that you find this magazine everything we intended it to be – a place to get important information, to hear inspiring stories from fellow youth, to find out about issues that affect you, to express your creativity and talent and to let our country know youth are doing great things. I have been running the Youth@Work programme now for three years. It was designed to tackle youth unemployment and includes a number of components including job and life skills training, mentoring, internships, a resource centre and entrepreneurial training. We collaborate with many other organisations and NGOs to deliver our programme and assist with youth projects. And of course there is the very popular Youth Market, hosted by Youth@Work. This event started out as a space for youth businesses to sell their products and services and has now become the premier event where youth can meet, showcase their talent, find information on services in the community and be inspired by fellow youth achieving positive outcomes. Solomon Islands has a growing youth population and high rates of youth unem-
ployment. These are serious and complex problems. But the more I work with you, the youth of this country, the more hope I have that we will overcome this. I believe you will all steer the future of our country in the right direction. When you read YOSI, which features just a few of the many inspiring stories out there about our youth, I am sure you will agree. YOSI will come out four times per year, March, June, September and December. Remember this magazine is by the youth, for the youth, so get involved. If you are a journalist, creative writer, photographer, artist, music buff, movie expert, activist and more, get involved. If you are just starting your career, are already accomplished, or maybe you’ve just always wanted to try these things but didn’t know where to start, get involved. We can’t wait to hear from you and to work with you all to continue making YOSI the best youth magazine Solomon Islands has seen.
Sandra Bartlett Youth@Work Programme Manager
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ELKAM Young Pipol! I’m pleased to present to you all young people and stakeholders the Youth of Solomon Islands (YOSI) a special youth magazine produced by the Youth@Work (Y@W) programme proudly supported by the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs (MWYCFA). It is the goal of the Solomon Islands National Youth Policy to promote the development of Solomon Islands youth to achieve their full potential through a range of programmes and activities that offer choices and assist them to make informed decisions about their futures and their roles and responsibilities in the political, social and economic development of Solomon Islands. The DCC Government remains committed to address these issues through its key policy development priorities for youth which includes; • Establish and develop community engagement programmes that address the needs of women, youth and children. • Facilitate and strengthen women and youth livelihood empowerment programmes through direct funding of micro and small and medium enterprise (SME) projects. • Work in partnership with organisations, companies, business
4 YOSI Issue 01 2015
houses, traders, manufacturers and employers to increase access to labour market for women and youth and increase gender equality in the work place. For me, youth employment problems cannot be tackled through fragmented and isolated interventions. They require sustained and concerted action. Thus, the MWYCFA believes that there is a need to have an integrated and coherent approach to address youth employment and that’s why working with Y@W and other development partners on youth employment is crucial. On behalf of the MWYCFA staff, we sincerely hope you will enjoy reading and learning from this magazine and we look forward to hearing from you young people about what challenges you face, what changes you see in your involvement with Y@W and how you progress in your leadership roles in your respective communities in Solomon Islands. Tagio Tumas.
Hon. Jimson Fiau Tanaganda Minister for Women, Youth, Children & Family Affairs
haus of nails Heritage Park Hotel
We Are Oper Tuesday To Saturday 10;30am - 5;30pm
Sundays 10:30am - 4:00pm Other Times By Appointment
Tel +677 24007 / 7418218
arts & entertainment
THE MIDWEST STORY
MIDWEST is taking the Solomon Islands’ dance scene by storm. Regina Lepping talks to the group and finds out how discipline has taken them from the rough, grassy fields to the raised, smooth stage.
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IDWEST was one of the well-known break dancing groups back in 2010. However the group broke up when the original members stopped dancing as the boys settled down with their lives. It was brought back to life when a group of young, keen dancers approached Kelly Tamou and asked him to help them start a dance group earlier this year. Kelly, an original member of the former MIDWEST and a father of two as well as a passionate dancer, accepted to share his skills with the young dancers. “The boys wanted to join the Youth Market dance competition so we practiced every day. We don’t have a venue so we only use this side of the field,” Kelly says as he points to the rough, uneven ground on the Rove Police fields where they rehearse. MIDWEST entered their first Youth Market dance competition in March and took out first place. Then in April, they wowed judges and audiences again, and became the second dance group to win consecutive dance titles. Dance competition judge and member
of the top break dance crew Tia Dropz Chris David says MIDWEST’s performances are creative and active. “The boys follow everything in the judging criteria and interpret the themes strikingly,” Chris says. “I’m very impressed and am looking forward to see what they will come up with for the next dance competitions.” “These boys are to look out for in the future.” There are many factors that contribute to the group’s success. “We never have fights. If we have different ideas we try them and see what fits and then we all agree what is the best outcome and everyone respects that decision,” Kelly explains. The boys get their inspiration from watching dance movies and clips like Step Up, American Break Dancing Competition shows and Jabbawockeez. The team throw in their ideas and Kelly’s brother mixes the music. “We pick songs which are fast. Sometimes we pick a song to fit a dance and sometimes we pick a song and then make the dance to suit the song.”
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“Kelly is our leader, he is the main choreographer but he lets us put in our ideas and we make up our dance moves together,” 21 year old Brian Suri says. “Our goal is to win every youth market and be the best dance group in Solomon Islands.” With this one aim in mind, the soul dancers commit themselves to their passion and staying out of trouble. “Dancing is good for keeping young people out of criminal activity,” 21 year old, Albert Ratu says. The crew has their different dance skills that they are training themselves to master; like the dougi dance, windmill spin, head spin and side flip. “We just love to dance and want to do better in the art,” Frazer Vaikawi, 19, says with a giggle. “At first when you go on stage you feel a lot of pressure, as you keep dancing the pressure goes away and you just enjoy it,” William ‘Weezy’ Dagi, 21, reflects. “I feel nervous, happy, afraid and excited at the same time,” Stanton Kieni, 19, adds with a laugh, “it’s a great feeling!”
arts & entertainment Most of the boys are still in school and only two are working. Despite their other commitments, the crew always works together. “I love the way we work together as a team, you don’t see this often in some dance crews,” Junior Samani says. “We’re like a family,” Allen Samani adds. Being a former break dancer and leader of the new MIDWEST dance group, Kelly has a lot to be proud of. “I enjoy managing the group. Sometimes it’s hard not to be up on stage with them but I also like leading them,” he says. “When I see them achieving things I am very proud.” Kelly adds that discipline is important to achieve anything in life. “You must practice a lot, you have to be disciplined. And as a coach, you have to treat everyone equally and with respect.” MIDWEST consists of 12 dancers, most of whom reside at West Honiara, Rove. They are still competing in the Youth Market Dance Competitions this year. Left: MIDWEST crew: (Back row) Junior Samani, William Dagi, Kelly Tamou, Brian Suri, Judd Tome, Amos Aplali, Duddley Ratu, (front row) Allen Samani, Albert Ratu, Stanton Kieni, Frazer Vaikawi and Clement Dagi.
Daily training sessions at the Rove Police grounds are part of MIDWEST’s success.
MIDWEST during their winning performance at the April Youth Market.
Issue 01 2015 YOSI 7
CULTURE
CUSTOM BLO MI
In this issue we look at marriage customs in Solomon Islands
Santa Ana, Makira
Langalanga, Malaita
In Santa Ana, it’s just like Malaita, the boy pays the dowry for the girl with custom shell money and at the same time goods are exchanged from the girl’s side. After that, the boy’s family goes to the girl’s house to take the girl to their house to stay. The girl has to dress in traditional costume when this happens. However, because of Christianity, we now have the marriage ceremony in the church before the traditional ceremony takes place later, usually on the same day or the day after.
In Langalanga, the boy will have to pay a dowry for the girl. The Dowry is called ‘Tafuliae’. The girl will wear a traditional costume and is covered in shell money (Tafuliae), and then she will carry a young coconut that represents the family they will make together.
Ruth Tehe, 25
Elizabeth Wale, 19
forth and wait for the boys family to come and recieve her. The boy’s side in turn give food to the girl’s side and they shout and sing and leave with the girl. The food is a combination of pudding, pig, bunches of bananas, yams (if the ceremony is held
Ulawa, Makira/Ulawa Patricia Marau, 26
Baegu, North Malaita Natalie Fiuta
In my village, the boy who’s getting married pays a dowry, it is called ‘Rau’. The Marriage ceremony is called Fue. I know, in the olden days they use ‘Ti ko bi Malefo’ (10 shell money) to pay the girl, nowadays, the girl’s family can put any price for their daughter’s dowry and the boy’s family will have to meet it with other extra goods to top it off. After that, we have a big feast.
The Makira custom does not involve shell money or economic exchange. Ours is bringing of food between the boy and girl’s relatives to exchange and the boy’s side takes the girl away. As such, this ceremony is different and is according to Ulawa custom where the boy’s family/relatives come and hang
shell money up followed by exchanges of words by the chief of each side before the girl’s side takes the shell money down. After that, the girl’s family bring her-
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during the yam period) and betel nut. Once this exchange is completed, that’s it. The girl leaves with her in-laws to meet her fiancé and it will be up to them to organise a wedding ceremony later to which both sides are again invited to meet and exchange food or just eat together in a feast celebrating the union.
Images copyright: Julian Maáka
youth faith
Forgiveness gives Sipi peace Only forgiveness, given and received, can lay lasting foundations for reconciliation and universal peace. Pope Benedict XVI
W
HILE many would agree with these words, sometimes, achieving forgiveness can be an incredibly difficult task. One person who knows this too well is twenty year old Cyprian Kokoqe, nicknamed Sipi. On October 5, 2001, Sipi’s father was fatally shot following an argument with men from a neighbouring village in Choiseul. It took Sipi 13 years to find forgiveness and reconcile with the men who shot his father. “Before I forgave, I wanted revenge. That was all I could think about,” Sipi explains. “These thoughts took me to bad places in my mind.” “My family kept encouraging me to forgive, but I couldn’t.” Following the death of his father, Sipi continued school in Choiseul. His family attempted reconciliation a number of times but were unsuccessful. As the years went by the loss of his father continued to have a dramatic impact on Sipi’s life. Combined with the influence of peers, he began to struggle at school. Despite being a bright student, Sipi failed his form six exams so began working for a logging company in Isabel, hoping that he could save money and one day return to school. At the end of last year, Sipi was still working in Isabel when he decided to try and begin the reconciliation process again. He contacted Pastor Nacanieli Seru from Bibleway Centre who was known for his work helping people, particularly youth, achieve reconciliation. In October Sipi came to Honiara to stay with Pastor Seru, and together, they began the reconciliation process. Even though he had taken this first step, Sipi was still a long way from achieving forgiveness. When he first arrived, Sipi was still struggling to overcome his anger and resentment. “He was very hard to communicate with,” Pastor Seru reflects. “I could see a lot of bitterness in him. He wasn’t functioning normally.”
Before I forgave, I wanted revenge. That was all I could think about. Sipi agrees and admits this anger was affecting his relationships with family and friends. “I didn’t want to see them, didn’t want to socialise, I just wanted to be alone,” Sipi says. There was another man staying with Pastor Seru at the time and he and Sipi became friends. This man had recently been released on parole, and told Sipi about what a difficult time prison had been. He also revealed to Sipi that he had decided to forgive the men who had killed his brother. This was one of the key things that helped Sipi begin to walk down the path of forgiveness. It’s difficult for Sipi to explain exactly how he changed, letting go of the anger, and allowing forgiveness into his heart, but he says it was like a miracle. “After forgiving you experience freedom. Now I can think clearly about the future. I have peace of mind.” “You can’t change what has happened, so it’s better to forgive,” he says.
On December 10 last year Sipi, his family, his family’s village, and the village of the men who were responsible for his father’s death, came together and were officially reconciled. In January this year Sipi visited the prison where the men were being held. In a highly emotional encounter, the men apologised to Sipi and he gave them his forgiveness. Six months on, Sipi is now attending form six at Naha School. He still lives with Pastor Seru and is like a member of the family. “I want to finish school, get a job and support my younger brother and sister to finish school,” Sipi says. Talking about what happened isn’t easy for Sipi, even now. But he is keen to share his story to help other youth who may have gone through something similar. “Just forgive and you will see God’s blessing.” “I am sure my father is happy with my decision to forgive.”
Issue 01 2015 YOSI 9
Youth faith
The pastor with a passion for youth
H
ELPING youth like Sipi (story on page 9) with reconciliation is one of Pastor Nacanieli Seru’s passions. “I want to see all young people reach their full potential,” Pastor Seru explains. “Not forgiving can stop this from happening. It can be like a deadly poison, or a cancer. It can spoil and destroy your entire being.” “Bitterness is the result of anger that settles in a person after a long period of time. The goal of bitterness is to go down to the depth of your soul and corrupt your whole being. Bitterness affects everything.” Pastor Seru, from Bibleway Centre, has worked with many youth during his career. He started as a youth leader and Sunday School teacher in Fiji, before moving to the Solomon Islands and becoming youth pastor at Bibleway Centre. Having had a difficult upbringing himself, Pastor Seru says he can understand how and why youth may make
poor decisions in life. “I came from a broken family. I fell into drugs and other nasty situations. For many years I moved houses and didn’t have a proper home. I wasn’t able to complete my secondary education. It was a rough journey.” Pastor Seru’s life turned around rapidly when one day, he decided to attend a Church seminar. At that moment he made a wise decision that he would never regret, to make Christ the Lord of his life. He returned to his village a
It’s not a natural thing. It’s a supernatural power. With God’s help, we can forgive. changed man and since then has dedicated his life to church and God. Forgiveness has also played a key role in his life. Before his father passed away, Pastor Seru travelled to Fiji and forgave his father for the pain he had caused Pastor Seru in his childhood. “It’s hard to forgive those who have
hurt us,” he says. “It’s not a natural thing. It’s a supernatural power. With God’s help, we can forgive.” Pastor Seru welcomes young people to Bibleway Centre at any time if they are seeking any advice or counselling.
At Christian Superstore we have many books, CDs, cards and teaching letters to help you. Some of our books include 3
Remedy for Rejection, God’s Plan for Your Money, If You Want God’s Best and many more.
10 YOSI Issue 01 2015
careers
Look who’s laughing now Single mother of five Eileen Wini proves that dropping out of school in grade 5 doesn’t mean you can’t go on to have a rewarding and challenging career.
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HEN Eileen Wini laughs, it’s hard not to laugh with her. Her large eyes sparkle, and her face lights up. The bubbly 28 year old is chatting to Youth@Work from one of the offices at her workplace, the Frangipani Ice factory in Ranadi. Of course the first thing we discuss is how nice it must be to work with ice cream. “Yeah at first you always want to eat the ice cream but after a while you get used to it,” Eileen laughs. Today Eileen is working in the ice cream cone production area, and is having a quick break to speak to us about her career at Frangipani Ice. During our interview her manager Mary stops by and sings Eileen’s praises. “She knows how to do so many different things here at the factory, she is like my right hand man,” Mary says. Eileen seems comfortable and happy at her workplace and her colleagues speak highly of her. Two years ago, Eileen was in a very different situation. Eileen was born and grew up in Honiara. She left Panatina Primary School after grade 5 and at the age of 14 married a man from Papua New Guinea. They
moved to his home country where she had five children with him. Ten years later, in 2011, Eileen decided to return to Honiara where she could give her children a better life. Her husband stayed in Papua New Guinea. “Papua New Guinea wasn’t working out well for us,” Eileen explains. However, things didn’t immediately improve for her family. Eileen wasn’t working, was drinking and smoking a lot and going out with friends until late. Her lifestyle choices were stopping her from being the mother she had hoped to be. In 2013, she decided it was time to make a change for the good. “I realised life will always be hard if you do nothing... you won’t go anywhere.” Eileen saw the Youth@Work programme featured in the newspaper. She and her sister joined the second phase of the internship programme. They completed community service and training, which Eileen said she found very interesting. After that, it was time for Eileen to get her first full-time job and she began her internship as a cleaner at Frangipani Ice. “I was really scared, I found it so hard,” she said. “In particular I found it really hard to communicate with my boss.” As part of the programme, Eileen was able to spend time with a mentor. “My mentor really inspired me and helped me when things got difficult. She encouraged me to work hard and made me believe I could look after myself, that I didn’t need anyone else.” Soon Eileen grew more confident at work and was able to ask for help when she needed it. After only one month Eileen was promoted from a cleaner to working in ice cream production. Throughout her time at Frangipani Ice she has held a number of roles and is now trained in the production of ice cream, yoghurt,
toppings and pasteurisation. During this process, Eileen began to feel a change in herself. “Work was keeping me from going back to my old life,” she says. “I was enjoying work and I didn’t feel like I needed to do those things anymore.” Finally Eileen felt like she was going to be able to give her pikininis a better life. Her two girls and three boys now aged between six and eleven, all currently attend Naha Primary School. “I am so happy, I never expected to reach where I am now.” “I hope I can support my children to finish school.” Eileen says it’s important not to look down on yourself, no matter what your education level is. “Just because you haven’t finished school doesn’t mean you can’t achieve something great. You need to trust yourself, be honest and have faith. “If you believe you can do it then you can.”
Issue 01 2015 YOSI 11
careers
Not sure what career path to follow? Here’s some quick tips...
Think about who you are. The better you know yourself the easier it will be to find a job or career that matches you.
Values What is most important to you and what choices match your values?
Learning new skills
My values
My choices
Time with my family
Get a Monday-Friday job.
I want to make more money
Find a job with opportunities for career advancement.
I want to stay healthy
Find a job with health benefits.
I want to help the environment
Other values you might have:
Find a ‘green job’ that helps the environment.
Having no job stress Being able to support my family Working with/supervising others Job security Career advancement Helping others
Interests What interests you and which careers suit those interests? Artistic/Creative activities Architect, graphic designer, fashion designer, artist, photographer, chef, hairdresser, carver, musician.
Interacting with people Lawyer, psychologist, counsellor, human resource officer, hotel worker, receptionist, social worker, bar attendant, waiter.
Engineering/ technical work Engineer, air traffic controller, motor mechanic, carpenter, plasterer, blacksmith, welder.
Clerical and administrative work Accountant, administration officer, finance officer, receptionist, secretary.
Outdoor activities Farmer, driver, fish farmer, Community sailor, marine biologist, services diver. Social worker, nurse, Manual/Practical teacher, prison officer, work police officer, fire fighter, Builder, furniture maker, taxi driver. kitchen hand, fish farmer, farmer, electrician, mechanic.
Reading and writing Librarian, teacher, journalist, editor, writer.
Agricultural work Farmer, fish farmer, veterinarian.
Medical work Doctor, dietician, pharmacist, nutritionist, ambulance officer, psychologist, nurse. Scientific work Biologist, geologist, pharmacist, lab attendant, chemist, inventor.
This article is an excerpt from My Guide to Employment: For young people in the Pacific published by the International Labour Organization (ILO). It is available for young people to access at the Youth@Work office at the Art Gallery. For more information on ILO visit www.ilo.org. 12 YOSI Issue 01 2015
self improvement
The FIGHT to stay on the right path 32 year old Moses Steva Sefa tells journalist and friend Chrishapert Ha’arabe his story in the hope of stopping others from making the same mistakes he did. BY CHRISHAPERT HA’ARABE
O
VER the years, Moses, now the father of a one year old son, has struggled to avoid drugs, alcohol and crime. He has been to prison four times, the last time of which was for three months in 2014. Now, he is determined to turn his life around and help others do the same. “The life I was practicing is not a good life that will lead to a happy home,” Moses says. “It is really a miserable life that if you want to follow, you will be end up having nothing.” “If any youth attempts to become prey of bad influences, please turn away from that nasty life.” Moses is currently looking for work. He recently completed his first formal qualification, a Diploma in Youth Development. It took Moses many attempts to finish university studies but he wouldn’t give up. It was his last time spent in prison, which he describes as “hell”, as well as the birth of his son, that made Moses really want to finish his education, search for a respectable career and overall, change his life. “It was a great lesson for me. I found it very difficult to endure such a miserable life, so I decided to change,” he says. “I am still fighting every day to stay on this path.” Moses was an impressionable teenager in the late ‘90s when the ethnic
Without drugs and alcohol I don’t think my friends and I would have done the things we did. tensions began to erupt. He says the militants influenced him and this was when his failings began. He says he believes drugs and alcohol have been one of the main problems over the years. “Without drugs and alcohol I don’t think my friends and I would have done the things we did.”
Moses feels regretful for wasting his youth and the educational opportunities he had. “This realisation pushes me to do my very best to achieve what I’m purposely here on earth for,” he continues. When Moses graduated from his Diploma in April this year, it was one of his most proud moments. “The graduation was held at Maranatha Hall on April 10 2015, in which my family were really excited of my achievement and also I am too proud of myself with the kind of fighting spirit that I have.” “Nothing is impossible if we have a mind of fighting for the best. Always believe that we can do it no matter how hard our education and life goes.” “You must be serious and passionate with your education. Because I believe tomorrow’s world will not be the same as where we are now.” It is Moses’ hope and dream to keep his promise to become once again, a good citizen for his family, community and nation as a whole. Chrishapert is a 28 year old Journalism student from Makira and Malaita. He loves writing articles on successful youth and community development.
arts & entertainment
The rise o
Jeeno and his former band Distodes broke the airwaves back in 2007 whe single ‘Confuse baka’. Now Jeeno is beating a musical path of his own, one talks to Joseph “Jokka” Manemaka about his journey and where he is go
When did you decide that you wanted to be a musician? What influences did you have? For me, the journey started when I was like seven or something. I was pretty young, my mum would pick me up after school and drop me off at my uncle’s who was part of a rock band, so I grew up around musicians and listening to music on a regular basis. I guess that was partly what influenced me to be a musician myself and partly because I wasn’t that kid you see running around with other kids in the soccer field or neighbourhood. Music was the only thing I was interested in and the only thing I was good at. When was Jeeno the artist born? What was the defining moment of your transformation into Jeeno, the rapper? It was a process that spanned a couple of years. It took me a while to really decide that I wanted to be Jeeno and what I wanted to sound like. There were factors other than time that contributed to the making of Jeeno not to mention the people who inspired me. But I would say the defining moment was when I heard Onetox
coming out with a new type of style, which was when I knew that people were ready for my kind of music. You were part of the band Distodes for a while, what was the reason behind Distodes break up? Were you still a student at that time? I was part of a band for a while, we did a few songs together and they became hits so I started to realise that people actually responded to our songs, however the band grew apart, members started doing their own stuff, so I decided to go solo. Only problem was, I was still in school and taking the time out for my music was taking a toll on my education seeing that I was young, both as a musician and as an individual. Eventually I dropped out of school and started working in a radio station, Wantok FM. After Distodes broke up, what was the journey back into the studio like? I was lonely, but working in the radio station I got to listen to a lot of local songs that stimulated my creative side and pushed me to work hard on my own songs.
14 YOSI Issue 01 2015
At the time I had some of my own material on air and every time someone requested my songs it felt a bit corny playing my own songs on air but I also felt that I needed to give more to that particular caller. I wrote songs with those people in mind, they were also part of the inspiration for Jeeno. It was after leaving the radio station that I actually had time for myself, to sit and write serious songs. It was then that I finally decided to get back on the horse for real. I started re-evaluating myself and developing my style to what I wanted to sound like. Creatively speaking, it was then that I actually had control over every aspect of the songs I was recording. I delved deeper into my interest which was hip-hop music and had the freedom that I never felt being part of a band. Where do you see Jeeno in five years time? Every artist in Solomon Islands has the same answer to that question, I want to be overseas. I want to be recognised for my music and I want to actually put food on the table for my family while doing that.
of
JEENO
arts & entertainment
en they released their hit e single at a time. Jeeno oing.
If you had the chance to feature an overseas artist, who would that be? Tyga. People say that I sound like him, so I guess it would be cool to do a song with him. What is it like to be a young father and a rising artist? How do you balance that? Yes I am married and have a beautiful baby daughter. I am a family man and Jeeno. I try to keep them separate but sometimes they collide, but that’s a story for another time. Ok that’s cool, so what does Jeeno have planned for the fans? Well, I have an album coming out sometime this year, and it is a hip-hop album. Creating this album has allowed me to work with other artists on songs that are just being released via social media, to get the hype up for the album. All I can say is that it’s the real Jeeno. Thanks man, can you describe YOSI in one word. New? (laughs) Awesome.
Issue 01 2015 YOSI 15
16 YOSI Issue 01 2015
arts & entertainment
Movie Reviews By Jojo and Regina Lepping - Creators of Movies with a Message
Director: Joss Whedon Writers: Jos Whedon, based on the Marvel comics by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby Stars: Robert Downing Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Scarlet Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Chris Hemsworth Running Time: 141 mins
Avengers - Age of Ultron (2015) When Tony Stark and Bruce Banner try to jump-start a dormant peacekeeping program, things go awry and it’s up to the Avengers to stop the villainous Ultron from enacting his terrible plans.
The Theory of Everything (2014) A look at the relationship between the famous physicist Stephen Hawking and his wife. Director: James Marsh Writers: Anthony McCarten (screenplay), Jane Hawking (book) Stars: Eddie Redmayne, Felicity Jones, Tom Prior. Running time: 123 minutes
Review There’s lot of psychological stress in this film with the Avengers having to re-visit their past. There’s so little time to delve into the details, it would be helpful if you understand the background of the characters. The twisted ending leaves the story even more gripping with the knowledge that no hero is safe. The storyline is packed but there’s the right amount of Review When it comes to the renowned scientist’s biography it doesn’t get more accurate than this. Based on a book written by his ex-wife Jane, be ready to be amazed by the stamina of one of the world’s greatest thinkers. With its perfect cast, any glitches the flick contains is a matter of the script or filming technique. The talented Eddie Redmayne is an actor with no boundaries depicting his character’s determination on screen in a way that is so close to the truth one might wonder if he really is Hawking. Redmayne deserves all the awards he gets. While the performances are superb, the story is a little shallow for a person who achieved so much in his life. It leaves the audience in the dark as to why he is famous and acknowledges so little of
humour and destruction. Though the strength of Ultron is restrained and Vision’s limited screen appearance is questionable, Avengers does not lose its spark. With many individual movie spinoffs, it’s easy to say the actors fit their roles, although we are yet to see more antics from Elizabeth Olsen as Scarlet Witch. The visual effects are mind blowing, there are a few instances when the CGI is overloaded, especially with the team fight scenes in the beginning and towards the end of the film, however, it has been the franchise’s trademark and it does build the adrenaline. For youngsters, reading the comics is one thing but to his work. While this film may be more of a love story than a biopic of a great thinker it is, after all, based on his wife’s writing and if you’re hoping to see him age you might be upset to see mostly the brown haired scientist on screen. I recommend the audience know a fair bit of information about the physicist before watching the movie. All in all the film is saved by the astounding performance of Eddie Redmayne, who won several awards including a Golden Globe, BAFTA and an Oscar so hats off to the leading man. An inspiring film for all youths. By the way, if you’re wondering why Dr Hawking is paralysed, I don’t think falling off a skateboard will explain it. He is definitely not related to Tony Hawk.
actually see it on screen is another. It might be too violent and depressing but there are a few heroic scenes to lighten up the mood. This film also has a colourful element as it crosses sci-fi, action and adventure genres. It’s another Marvel flick you definitely don’t want to miss. Don’t watch it with the elders. I mean c’mon, how do you explain a god with a hammer, a man turning green, a man with a shield, people fighting robots and in the middle, a man with a bow and arrow? ...Just saying.
July Terminator: Genisys Ant-Man August Fantastic Four Hitman: Agent 47 September The Transporter: Refueled Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials October Pan Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension November Spectre The Hunger Games: Mockingjay pt 2 December Star Wars: The Force Awakens Alvin and the Chipmunks 4 List according to most anticipated films of 2015. Waiting for a film not listed here? Well, you can tell us about it on the official YOSI page on Facebook.
Issue 01 2015 YOSI 17
Health blo umi
What are NCDs?
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are diseases like cancer, diabetes and heart disease. They cannot be ‘caught’ from our friends and family like a cold or flu, we get them by not living a healthy life. An unhealthy life means not eating healthy food, not being active, smoking, drinking and chewing too much betel nut. The four main NCDs in Solomon Islands are heart disease, diabetes, cancer and chronic respiratory diseases like asthma. These four diseases kill 60 per cent of people in the country.
Improve your diet, make sure you eat these three kinds of food every day:
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Protective food: Eat 2 serves of fruit and 3 serves of vegetables per day
Protein food: Eat a small amount every day (meat, seafood, eggs)
Energy food: Eat a small amount every day (taro, cassava, cooked banana, rice)
Avoid junk food: Soft drinks, chips, noodles, biscuits, lollies
Do 60 minutes (children) or 30 minutes (adults) of exercise every day:
2
When you exercise you should be huffing and puffing to get the benefits. Some examples of exercise include walking, swimming, running, playing sports, gardening.
Be strong and focussed – Don’t drink, smoke or chew betel nut
3
Mouth/Throat Cancer
Smoking kills up to half its users. It’s one of the biggest health threats to Pacific Islanders. Here are some tips to quit:
Poverty as money goes on buying betel nut
Ask your doctor about nicotine replacements.
Malnutrition as we spend money on betel nut rather than food
Let people know you’re quitting so they can encourage you.
Ugly spit marks in town Rotten teeth
Find new ways to relax such as walking, reading, listening to music.
Hard to get a job with red teeth because employers don’t like chewers.
Make a Smoke Save Jar and put money you would spend on cigarettes in it.
Here are some of the dangers and problems associated with betel nut:
Drink no more than two standard drinks per day. (One SolBrew is 1.2 standard drinks). Drinking excessive alcohol can lead to these problems: Short term – violence, accidents and fights, memory loss, exaggerated emotions, impaired judgement, death, suicide attempt. Long term – heart disease, cancer, reproductive problems.
Only 2 per day
For more information you can visit your nearest health centre or hospital, ask one of the NCD Warriors at the Youth@Work office at the Art Gallery, visit www.PacificDiets.com, or follow Pacific Diets on Facebook.
18 YOSI Issue 01 2015
Health blo umi
Join the battle against NCDs NCD Warriors call on youth to help stop non-communicable diseases
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HIS group of youths call themselves ‘Warriors’ and they have a good reason for it. Every day they are fighting a battle against a big, dangerous opponent and they want all youth in Solomon Islands to join them. The NCD Warriors have been tasked with helping to fight non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Solomon Islands. NCDs are spreading through the Pacific at an alarming rate. The Warriors’ key battle strategy is to fight NCDs through education. The team have partnered with a number of schools who they
regularly visit, engaging students through fun activities and demonstrations. They also work with students to form health clubs where participants monitor their diet and exercise, and help students grow vegetable gardens on the school grounds. Donline Mamu is one of the proud warriors. “I feel so lucky to have this job,” he said. “I am proud to inform our communities about NCDs.” “As one of the young NCD Warriors I get to help fight a huge problem in our country by spreading the word to the next generations, the future
of our country.” “Anyone can be an NCD Warrior in their communities.” “It’s about raising awareness and helping everyone to make positive choices about diet, exercise and overall lifestyle.” “There is so much research and information on this issue.“ “We can no longer pretend not to know how bad things like cigarettes and alcohol are for our health. As young people it is our responsibility to help spread this information throughout our communities.” “Together we can stop the
spread of NCDs and live a healthy, happy future.” The NCD Warriors are a part of the Youth@Work programme and supported by SPC, WHO, Ministry of Health and the Taiwan Technical Mission.
Issue 01 2015 YOSI 19
community care
Giving back to community
There are lots of youth throughout Solomon Islands who are willing to volunteer their time and energy to give something back to the community.
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NE example is the youth who take part in the Youth@Work internship programme. Community service is a compulsory part of the programme. But many youth who complete it find they enjoy it much more than they expected. It’s a chance to make friends, work as a team, gain confidence and new skills, all while doing something good for the community. Here are a few stories from youths who have completed community service recently.
Wilson Billy, 20 and Wilmah Mamangon Eke,18 Wilson and Wilmah completed two weeks of community service at Florence Young Christian School. Working in a team of five, they helped build and distribute nine tables and chairs around the school grounds. They also constructed a new garden bed with two large poles in the centre to place the school sign on. “This has helped me to learn more about how to take initiative and work hard,” Wilson said. “I have learnt new techniques, we all
learn from one another.” “Every youth should do community service.” “If we all help then we can bring about change in our communities.” Wilmah said it was important to keep youth busy and community service was a great way to do this. “When you make people happy you also feel happy,” she said. “It’s good to build something lasting. It will always stay there and future children can use it.”
Rose Auna, 23 Rose and her group of 29 workers cleaned the entire cemetery grounds for their community service. Rose said it was interesting and challenging leading a large group to complete such a big project. “It has given me confidence and I have learnt a lot. This is the beginning of
Maxwell Bizu, 24 and Andy Ratu, 27 Andy and Maxwell were part of a group of 50 workers that faced the massive task of cleaning the hospital grounds, both inside and out. Andy said it was the first time she had ever done something like this before. “It’s hard work but I enjoy it. It’s good to see the changes we have made improving the hospital envi-
ronment.” Maxwell agreed. “I have also really enjoyed this. I feel more confident. It’s my first time managing such a big project with a large group. This is a great experience for my future, managing my own work and managing the work of my group.”
20 YOSI Issue 01 2015
preparation for me to move on to another field of work,” she said. Rose said she had seen a lot of positive changes in the group. “The group are very cooperative, responsible, have a caring attitude and accept the responsibility given to them.”
community care Beverley Mani, 20 and Joseph Walemola, 23 Cleaning up the children’s park across from Rove Police Station was an uplifting experience for Beverley and Joseph. “Members of the public see us and say ‘Wow it is so good to see how willing you are to work.’ They say normally when they go there it’s messy and it’s so nice to see
it clean,” Beverley said. “Young people have a responsibility, if you see other people drop rubbish you should pick it up and put it in the bin so we can be a clean, healthy, developed country.” Joseph said he felt privileged to work with such a dedicated group of young people.
Tuvaruhu youth pitch in to clean up community BY ROSELYN KAUA
When 18-year-old Roselyn isn’t busy with her 6th form studies, she likes to write imaginary adventure stories and essays about people in Solomon Islands. When she finishes her studies she’d like to be a high school teacher. Rosalyn would like to see Solomon Islands become free from corruption.
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UVARUHU is a small community in Central Honiara. The community contains many ethnic groups of people with different cultures, languages and behaviours. In the community, youth make up the majority of the population which makes it easy for people to organise clean ups, as youth are always willing to help. In the past, leaders have organised activities like clean ups but with the passing years it has died out. As you
walk around Tuvaruhu now there are rubbish dumps everywhere, people throwing waste like plastic, bottles, cans, tins, beside their houses and mainly in the drains. This has become an issue in the community and also for neighbouring communities. Because of this, in the last few weeks, our good friends from Australia who are also residing in Tuvaruhu came up with a plan and donated six drums to put rubbish in. They brought the drums and painted them with the help of some of our children and youth. These drums are now distributed along the main areas where there is lots of rubbish and in just days after the painting and distributing of the drums, people are now willing to throw rubbish in the bins. The main idea behind the donation is to keep the community clean, to reduce diseases, particularly malaria, and to encourage youths and children to have a mentality of reducing pollution. In each of our communities, leaders should strongly advise youths to get involved in cleaning up. If we have to burn rubbish every day, within just an hour we can be breathing poisonous gas.
Israeline Kaua, Frances Konare, Janet Kaua, Clare Sipala, Angela Koilo and Frank Konare. So in order to reduce pollution we have to make some strategies like putting drums or bins around the community, doing daily clean ups, throwing rubbish in its right place, and finally, allowing collection of rubbish by the truck. We kindly urge the Honiara City Council to help every
community by raising awareness and other means. That way we can keep our country clean and live in a healthy environment. If we willingly follow these strategies or any other strategies that are made in our communities, I believe we will be happy with our clean and healthy environment.
Issue 01 2015 YOSI 21
culture
IU SAVE TU? ...On the occasion of the independence of Solomon Islands, July 7 1978, President Jimmy Carter, on behalf of the people of the United States of America, presented a fragment of a rock from the Taurus Littrow Valley of the Moon.
By the 1880’s, most coastal people of Solomon Islands had discarded stone and shell tools for iron ones. On Guadalcanal, stone adzes were once considered treasured possessions, handed down from father to son. (Adze: A stone or shell used in the olden days as a cutting tool.)
Charles Woodford was appointed as the first resident Commissioner of the British Protectorate of the Solomon Islands in 1896. He was a naturalist who had come to the Solomon Islands in 1886 to study plants and animals. Woodford International School was named after him. Photo credit: www.press.anu.edu.au
The Yellow-bibbed Lory can only be found in the Solomon Islands. (http://lntreasures.com/solomons.html)
Spanish Explorer Alvero De Mendana named Guadalcanal Island after a village in the province of Seville, in Andalusia, Spain. Photo credit: Discover History
Lake Tenggano in Rennell Island is the largest lake in the Pacific Ocean and Rennell Island is the world’s largest raised coral island.
Richmond Cavill, the first swimmer to use the Front Crawl (freestyle category) in a competition, developed the stroke by observing a young boy from the Solomon Islands; Alick Wickham. Photos and information provided by the Solomon Islands National Museum
22 YOSI Issue 01 2015
arts & entertainment
YOUTH OF SOLOMON ISLANDS The Youth of Solomon Islands Facebook page is a photoblog and was initially inspired by the Humans of New York photoblog. The page features young Solomon Islanders talking about their lives and the challenges they face from day to day. It has a faithful following and is the primary inspiration behind the YOSI magazine name. Here are a few of our favourite entries:
Unemployment. Mentally it destroys you, it makes you think low of yourself, makes you feel insignificant.
I personally believe that knowledge and education are the most powerful tools I have. There are no other events that are meant exclusively for youths to showcase their skills and talent and at the same time make a little money on the side.
I believe that in life, things are not easy, we all have to fight to achieve our goals.
I pray that my brother’s years in secondary school will be a lot smoother than mine.
I hope that the education system will stop having problems, it’s affecting students too much.
To read the full stories and many more, visit Youth of Solomon Islands on Facebook and don’t forget to click Like. Photos by Joseph ‘Jokka’ Manemaka.
Issue 01 2015 YOSI 23
CORNER Creative corner is all about showcasing the creativity and talent of Solomon Islands youth. We welcome original submissions of poetry, short stories, photography, artwork and more from all youth.
Always allow LOVE to remove HATE
Janita comes from Western Province and Malaita Province. She attends Bishop Epalle Catholic School in Form Six. She writes every day and hopes to publish a book in the future.
A
fter a long and tiresome afternoon waiting for a bus to take her home, Emma finally arrived near her home at the SDA bus stop. She hopped out of the bus, breathing the dusty air and wrinkling her nose. She crossed the road quickly before the vehicles could catch up on her. Late students and pedestrians walked passed her. Some might be catching a late bus home. Others were heading home with bags of rice, plastic cabbage and other supplies. Arriving home she saw her father’s car parked outside the house. Her heart started to speed up . She hated her Father. She hated to see his face. Always, he came home drunk and abusive. Emma rounded the house to the back door and slipped in. She entered her room and found her father lying on her bed, snoring resonantly. Emma quickly turned away
banging her big toe on the door and making a loud sound. Fortunately her father slept through the noise. Emma let out a sigh and went to the kitchen. That’s when she gasped with surprise. “Mummy!” Emma shouted. Her mother sat at the kitchen table and held a bloodied hand to her head. “What happened?” Emma looked at her mother and felt a stab of anger. “Dad did this to you?,” she cried. Her mother protested. “No I fell.” “You’re a liar, that monster did this to you. What the hell! Mummy, I’m calling the ambulance.” Emma reached for the phone but her mother grabbed it from her. “Emma, I want you to calm down. I’m ok,” she said. “Hell mother, look at you. It’s a big cut. You need to stich it up.” Emma dialed the ambulance and told them to send someone immediately. She slammed the phone down hard on the table. She swore on her father’s name. Emma sat her mother back on the stool and wiped the blood from her head with a wet cloth, revealing a big cut. Her mother winced in pain and started crying. “He punched me and tried to kill me,” sobbed her mother. Emma saw bruises on her arms and legs. There were horrible cuts on her face and blood oozing from her nose and from a cut on her lips. “I feel giddy,” her mother said. “You need to lie down,”
Emma replied and helped her mother to the lounge room and onto the old couch. Emma felt furious that her father did this to her mother. How dare he? The sound of an ambulance could be heard down the road. Moments later, two men carried in a stretcher and helped Emma’s mother onto it. Emma drove with her mother to the hospital begging to god that her mother was going to be okay. She asked a nurse who was washing her mother’s head. “Is my mother going to be okay?” Tears started to fall down Emma’s face. “She’s going to be okay. She has lost a lot of blood but she’ll be okay,” the nurse said kindly and took Emma’s hand. “Don’t worry. She just needs to rest and be stiched up.” Emma nodded and looked at her mother’s closed eyes. Only hope mattered. At the hospital Emma stayed with her mother overnight. The hospital discharged her the following day and they went home to find her father was gone. Emma laughed foolishly to herself. “Serves him right,” Emma said. “Jail is the place you should be.” Slowly her mother recovered day by day, with the help of Emma. Her mother had to have 22 stiches and each day would wake up in the mornings and wince in pain. Emma willingly cleaned her wounds, removing the old bandage and applying a fresh one.
24 YOSI Issue 01 2015
BY JANITA NGINABULE One morning they were sitting down eating breakfast when Emma said “Mummy, I hate dad.” Her mother put down her cup on the table and looked into her daughter’s strong, firm eyes. “Dear, I know how much you hate your father but it’s good to let out hate and invite in love. Hate cannot make you feel better and only makes you feel worse. Hate will eat you up inside,” her mother said slowly and carefully. Emma felt guilty and realised her mother was right. “But I hate him Mummy for ruining our lives.” Her mother remained still and looked down to her empty cup. She looked up to her daughter’s angry face and stony lips. “Dear,” she spoke softly. “Maybe it’s hard for you to understand but I love your father so much but…” “But what Mummy,’ Emma shouted, “does love have to do with this problem?” Her mother sighed, her eyes glittered with sadness and tears. “He’s in jail now.” “Jail, oh yeah he’ll be out after eight years and he’ll come back here Mummy.” “No, we’re going to move out.” That silenced Emma. “It’s time we move on and forget about him. We continue our lives Emma. You may get that scholarship, have a job, get married to a decent man and have children. Forget about what has happened. It’s important
creative corner that you learn to love again. Please forgive your father. Throw away that hate, let love help you,” her mother said and reached over and took Emma’s hand. That night Emma lay in bed staring at the ceiling and trying to cope with the pain of losing her father in jail. She often thought about what he had done and sometimes she would wake up and could not go back to sleep. Emma
felt that she should forgive him and let go of the hate. She tried to wash away the feelings of hate, concentrate on being positive and think less about her father. A knock sounded at her door. Her mother peered in and asked to come in. Emma sat up and her mother sat down beside her. “Dear, it’s past 12,” her mother said. “I know.” “Come here,” her mother
said gently. Emma moved forward and cuddled her mother. They sat like that for a long moment before Emma looked up to her mother’s healed face and asked, “Can we pray?” Her mother smiled. “Yes, we can.” They got down on their knees on the floor and prayed. Emma would always remember this moment, her and her mother praying on her
bedroom floor asking God’s forgiveness and protection. Her mother asked Emma if they could pray for her father and Emma grimaced at the mention of his name, but agreed. “I forgive Dad, lord. Please help him to go through prison with your guidance,” she said. Emma opened an eye and looked at her mother. Her mother smiled.
Finding paradise on a rocky island BY LIONEL TAORAO
Lionel is a 26 year old Journalism student at Solomon Islands National University. He is from Makira Province. Lionel is interested in writing features for culture preservation and promotion.
I
T was a lovely, sunny Sunday morning on Ulawa Island. The usual church service was just over. It was a quiet prayer and a short sermon held for the members of the congregation. There were at least more than 20 members of a tiny hamlet of six houses who attended church that morning. In front of the church building, people are going back to their houses. An old man in his 70s sits down in front of a leafthatched kastom house. In his hands is a piece of wood, lit at its end and he keeps poking the tip of his pipe with the wood, puffing some smokes and hoping to have his home-made tobacco. His two grand-children are playing inside the kastom house. I sit down inside our old kitchen, beside the fireplace,
trying to put some sticks to the fire. I look around and notice that this kitchen might need some repairs soon. I remember the last time I helped my old man thatching the roof was when I was home for the holidays from high school. During the rains last month, I had to find some cut-out plastics to cover the leaking parts of the roof. Even the work benches are starting to loosen their strength. There are black charcoal marks on the table, a sign of years of cooking, dining and great family times. A few moments later, someone wearing a white, ragged, sleeveless T- shirt and red beach-wear trousers arrives. It’s Ray, a fair- skinned, young kid from the nearby village. “Hey,” I call out to him.
“Good morning my friend,” he says. “What are you doing, are you planning on going out somewhere?” he asks. I tell my friend that I am not thinking of going anywhere else but just want to spend the day at home. The sun was now high, brightly shining in the clear, blue sky. Ray tells me they are planning to go for a swim at a beach not far from our village. The beach is about 15 kilometers away. He asks if I am willing to go with them. I hesitate at first, but having never been to that particular beach before; I decide to go with Ray and the others. I have been told that this beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Pacific. Some say that it is even more beautiful than Hawaii’s Waikiki beach. It is called
Olu su’u, which means three passages. It got its name from the three passages that cover its three beaches, the longest one on the western end, the smallest in the middle and the second longest on the eastern end, which is closer to some villages. Being born and bred in this village, I have never set foot on that much talked about beach, despite the fact it is only about 15 kilometers from where I live. We leave our village at around eleven o’clock. With the sun up in the clear blue sky, the day gets hotter as it gets close to midday. There are six of us, Ray and myself and four other boys from the same village as Ray’s. It takes 90 minutes before we arrive at our destination. Seeing the white sandy
Issue 01 2015 YOSI 25
creative corner Continued from page 25 beach ahead, I can’t believe my eyes. I feel as if I am standing on the sandy beach at Hawaii, Waikiki beach, from the pictures I have seen of Waikiki beach. The beach in front of my eyes is so white that the reflection from the sun affects my eyes. The sea breaking on the shores and the cool breeze from the sea all make me feel as if I am standing in a paradise somewhere far from the Solomons. So fine and small the sand grain is, it can be blown away by wind like dust if you throw it in the air. What a beautiful
scene. Having settled down finally on the beach, with the cold breeze coming from the ocean blowing on my face I started to feel sleepy. Looking out into the ocean, I can’t express the magnificent view before my eyes. The sea stretching out before me looks very beautiful, very blue till it meets the clear bright blue sky in the horizon. The wind blowing through the leaves of the trees makes the sound of leaves rustling. Coconut palms sway following the direction of the wind. The waves breaking on the beach make the environment more comforting and
breathtaking. Out in the sea, kids are having fun, swimming and playing, others surfing on the waves using sago palm surf boards. Others play in the sand and men in their canoes fish not far from the beach. There are three beaches there. Two longer ones and one short one, all with the same whiteness and finest sand grains. It is said that nearly every Sunday, the beaches are flooded with people coming to spend their day there. Some have a picnic, while some just go for a walk and swim. We spend the afternoon at
the beach on the western end, the longest of the three beaches. After a couple of hours resting we finally go for a swim. Ulawa is known as the rocky island because it is surrounded by huge stone walls. This beach is an exception. People there are allegedly planning to make small home stays and are looking for any interested investors to build a resort there and make this hidden paradise a tourist destination in the near future. If my friend Ray didn’t ask me to go with him, I would not have enjoyed this day at the beach. A place which was once only a tale told to me.
POEMS Little did I know The sunset reminds me of the way you look at me. Your eyes shone like the moon for sure I thought they danced. Your hair sparkles, wavy and dark your skin like honey your mouth full sweet and ripe like a fruit, an apple. I saw you that day as the wind blew your dark hair and the sun touched your face then our eyes met. You were standing on the other side of the street, it was at the bus stop it seemed like everything stopped as our eyes locked. I couldn’t peel mine from yours, as you couldn’t take yours from mine then you easily smiled. Little did I know you were everything I dreamed of.
Free spirit My body is weak, it has failed me. I feel it coming undone. I long to feel the fresh breeze and the warmth of the sun. But this bed is my reality and my dream from which I can’t wake up. I can only imagine the freedom of walking while being pushed around in this chair, the thought of waking and running with the wind in my hair. I can only imagine. I can only imagine. But my imaginations turn to thin air. My reality is this bed this room this chair. When my time comes I will not be afraid, because for the first time in my life I will be a free spirit running with the wind in my hair. BY LATE ANGELINA HA’AI
BY JANITA NGINABULE
26 YOSI Issue 01 2015
Ruth Amos, 22 I am from East Kwiao and Vanuatu. I left school in 2013, yet writing and reading has always been my passion and this magazine has given me an opportunity to practice my passion.
Sinking in deep water Sinking in deep water... My feet can’t feel any surface, solid or loose. I keep a fight against the water. Breathing would do me no good. I’m not a fish, but can be an anchor if not careful. Stretching my hands and waving, not to make clear, not waving good byes and hoping to meet again, waving in surrender, and giving up on a second chance. Pull me out if you have the double strength for the both of us. I’m sinking in deep water. Drowning I’ll dare not do, spitting and hacking for breath, I’ll do my best. Pull me up if you have the double strength for the both of us.
creative corner Lindy Suiti, 19 I am from Malaita Province. I am in Year 12 at Bishop Epalle Catholic School. I like to read books and am interested in poetry. I hope to be a professional poet writer in the future.passion.
I am a storm My name is Mr Stormy. I am usually brought to life by low pressure systems. I become very violent when I get angry. I am heartless when I start swinging. When I start kicking off your properties I cannot be easily stopped so be prepared for my attack. Make your wishful wish that Mr Cyclone and Mrs Tsunami do not assist me.
We are humans and they are stars Are we humans? Is that why we gaze on stars? Or are the stars gazing on us because we are human? No one knows how much I’ve bent the rules just so to feel your love, and not wanting anything else in return except that you accept my heart. I fell for your love under the lights of countless stars, and pray that the moon remembers my name next to yours, because we are human and that’s all we can do. Gaze up upon them and be amazed on how they hang in suspense. This life may not accept that we should be together, and it breaks my heart to see that your lips part with utter delight as you kiss her. She smiles because she feels the same way I did. Yet I did not regret it because our first kiss brought an audience of stars, and through to the end the moon is my witness. When I say I love you, when you’re mine to the time when silence is not a crime, I say it clear, louder than the silver light of a moonlit sky.
Friendship Friendship is like a flower that grows and blooms. It starts off with a shy hello that leads to short chit chats. The short chit chats continue to become little laughter. The little laughter extends into long conversations. The long conversations slowly develop into phone calls. The phone calls make a road for weekend partners. The weekend partners turn into weekend shoppers. The weekend shoppers become weekend town riders. The weekend town riders spend more time together and are known as friends. These friends then grow to become best friends and there grows a bond of friendship. I am unique I may have the same face structure like my mother, have the same hair colour like my father, the same eyes as my sister, and even sound like my brother. I may have a similar attitude to my grandmother’s, skin colour of my grandfather’s, but I am never them and that’s what makes me unique.
The person inside Yes it may be dark and later you found out that I’m uglier than black. Lest ye forget...do not hurt the person that is inside, within my heart. It’s the last thing a man’s heart strong as steel could do. If so then all hope and humanity is dead inside, could.... can’t undo. You made me believe there’s a devil in an angel, a shadow unharmed, where light never falls on, a delicate stretch that marks the strength, a space in every curved wave. Squint it’ll take your breath. Requires a reason to understanding, which I don’t have. Respect to the doubt, a salute to the flag I’m aware that I’m nothing but a gap, keeping the distance for the “one”, in half. Hate the fact that reality had a glimpse on me. Your ego stands taller than me and your reputation is a giant I will accept that fact. But please; do not hurt the person that is inside of me.
Because we’re humans and they are stars.
Issue 01 2015 YOSI 27