By Fr. Ambrose Pereira, SDB

Honiara, Solomon Islands - The ‘Share and Inspire’ program for Youth@Work participants held its second full day workshop day on 13th July 2015 at the Commonwealth Youth Program Pacific Initiative Hall, Solomon Islands. The program commenced at 9am and concluded at 4.30pm and was attended by 28 Youth@Work participants.

The ‘Problem Tree’ and ‘Photo Story’ exercises gave the participants an opportunity to interact with each other and share reflections and issues connected with their everyday life and activity.

After the initial warm-up, the participants through a brainstorming session ranked the following youth issues as their priorities - drugs, child abuse, unemployment, change in education, fear and alcohol. In small groups the ‘Problem Tree’ exercise gave the participants an ability to map out the interconnected cause and effect of the issue they had selected. The process of analysis built up a sense of shared understanding, purpose, ideas and action. In their presentations they were able to share their feelings and concerns and come up with possible solutions. A Problem Tree can then be turned around to be a Solution Tree.

“We have clearly identified the causes and effects of the issues of youth,” said Walasi George Kiriau. “The Problem Tree exercise has given us the ability to understand the problem and look at a possible solution”, said 27-year-old Marictus Hagu.

Animator Regina Lepping was amazed at the insights and the sharing of the group. “They are a group of youngsters with a lot of potential, who are able to dwell and reflect on the issues that matter to them”, she said.

“I realize that there needs to be communication and participation at all the levels of planning, implementation and evaluation to build up on greater social change,” said David Tarai.

The second part of the ‘Mission to Love’ film, highlighted Don Bosco, Father and Friend of Youth on his visit to meet the boys in prison. He received a cold reception as the youngsters taunted and shouted at him. This scene enabled the youngsters realize the issues of fear they face today.

The afternoon session dwelt on a ‘Photo Story’ to convey a clear message through photographs. The three well-composed and evocative photographs highlighting ‘Unemployment’ generated a lot of interaction and discussion.

The sessions gave the youth an opportunity to reflect, share and share their issues. “I learnt a lot from my other colleagues as they shared their views. I have also felt comfortable to share my point of view,” said Raywin Taroaniara.

“I have learnt that communication and participation are essential at all levels. The Problem Tree brings several issues to the surface and we are able to diagnose the problems easily,” said Alphonse Ganea, aged 26. “Similar programs need to be organized in our communities as well,” he said.

“Sharing our ideas furthers our understanding”, said Eddie Wagiro. Other participants echoed the same sentiments as well.

“We had a great time at our session and thank our dynamic animators Fr. Ambrose Pereira sdb, Christina Peroili and Regina Lepping. We look forward to enjoyable sessions ahead,” said 25-year-old Tyson Nare.

The second part of the program will be a Participatory Video workshop to be held from 20th to 23rd July, 2015 at the Commonwealth Program Initiative Hall, Solomon Islands. The 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 held in collaboration with the Salesians of Don Bosco, Solomon Islands and the School of Communication for Social Change, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.