I hereby clearly stated that this article is clearly from my neutral local way of thinking in relation to the above topic.
Brief History of Education in SI
Let me get us back on a summarised timeline of education in the Solomon Islands.
Education sets its foot in the Isles of Solomon Islands since the introduction of traders, whalers and of course, missionaries who came in with a new system of education to our indigenous Solomon Islanders – The Gospel of Christ Jesus, the Son of the Living God (found mainly in the Four Gospels: New Testament Bible).
Since the late 1800’s to the early 1900’s, there is valid evidence of Christian education being implanted and implemented in our people through Sunday school classes (for Roman Catholics, Anglican, Methodist and South Seas Evangelical Mission) and of course, Sabbath School (for Seventh Day Adventist).
This sort of education brings physical changes to how people behave towards other people in their various communities and ethnic groups.
If you take a look at those who get educated in the Christian Education system, there is trend that is visible; that is they get educated to educate others about our loving God and Savior- Jesus Christ.
Change of Education System in SI
Lately, in the 1950’s just after the World War II there is introduction of other formal education institutions which started to change the mindset and how people react to their surrounding and environment.
This education system which causes modernisation started getting children from their local education of custom stories, memorizing of genealogy, local skills of survival and many more to educating these younger children about foreign knowledge.
Don’t get me wrong! Even this modern education do has its pyramid structure of advancing to the upper limit, of reaching the highest status of getting a “Doctor of Philosophy” or getting the title of Associate Professor or Professor for the outstanding achievements you’ve been recognised for in contributing to the intellectual world in various works of life in the Global Village!
Good & Bad side of Modern Education in SI
This modern education does introduce good things and bad things.
An advantage about modern education is, it gives you a ticket (a priceless paper certificate of achievement) to work anywhere in the world, based on your merit, integrity and status.
Nevertheless one of the bad things is; it creates an imbalance on how well somebody is educated on the so-called formal system.
On the other hand, so many people today including the youths do think that traditional and community leadership is a downside or for this context, is not suitable for higher leadership like a councilor or Parliamentarian for this purpose.
But let me tell you this, even if you are lucky enough to go around the world 2 times a year, grab a couple of 2nd or 3rd degrees if you’d like to name it, but I guaranty you that the basic knowledge of a village ecosystem and functioning, would be as hard as climbing Mt. Everest (if you’re not literally brought up in a village setting)!
The past Developments in Central Kwara’ae
For the past 1st to 8th assembly, the Central Kwara’ae has had some modern elites who our beloved people do entrust them into the Parliament to be legislators.
These so-called elites do try their best as modern educated men to improve the whole constituency.
But as humans, we are limited by many factors which contribute to inefficiency in some ways and somehow play a role to what people see as “dis fala MP blo mefala no help tumas noma witim CDRF” or other notions as local people would like to call them.
A Change of Leadership
By considering this issue on a broader sense, I believe we should have somebody with at least our traditional form of leadership to get on board, as a Member of Parliament.
I do not say that we have to elect only traditional or local leaders, but we need people who can be suitable for traditional and national leadership.
So by assessing the voters in Central Kwara’ae, they have decided to see a change of leadership from a modern educated person to somebody who is a bit well vested with local and tradition ways of leadership.
This does not mean that I totally throw out the former MPs from being traditionally educated, but maybe the people of Central Kwara’ae want somebody who is easily get along with.
Friendly reminder to our Central Kwara’ae People
To those who usually put up articles going for or against our current MP.
Let me remind you that barking over the media cannot solve issues of self-interest, or maybe issues that you put up for your own agenda.
Let me kindly remind you, that our new MP is legally elected by voters to be a voice for the Central Kwara’ae People (both those who vote for and against him).
A teacher of mine during high school days told me, “Empty Drums Make A lot of Noise”, (Mr. Chris Asipara, 1999, King George VI School).
So it is a friendly reminder that, if you have an issue of conflict with your brother or neighbour, please pay him a visit and then sort it out in a real Kwara’ae traditional manner or on the other hand, the Christian Way of solving problems- Forgive & Forget!
As Noel Galasau stated in his article “Fiulaua You Can Do It “on Solomon Star issue no. 4346 ‘You cannot read a book by its cover’, it is more appropriate and sensible to let the new MP of Central Kwara’ae to lead our dear people for the next 4 years, later on, you can make your judgments based on your individual assessments on whether the new MP is really a voice of the people!
Don’t be like hypocrites who love to write sweet talk articles and be look good in the eyes of men but do not make a positive impact in your own village or communities.
Some suggestions & resolutions
Jackson Fiulaua, as one of the constituents of Central Kwara’ae Constituency, I would like to congratulate you for making it up to the highest house of the land- Parliament.
As I’ve seen already some of your practical works for the People of Central Kwara’ae, I believe you could continue on with your good work.
I believe that there are some prominent educated elites in your constituency who are willing to help you through advice and support.
Just a word of advice, put God first in everything, and He’ll direct your path!
Now I am making this call to the chairperson of your Central Kwara’ae Committee to try and indicate and gather modern educated resource persons to back you up, by advising you on issues concerning law, environment, conservation, development issues, and other works of life which are necessary for the livelihood of our dear beloved people.
I belief this would help a lot in your 4 years term, to really put an impact on the standard of living, creating a safer place for the people to live in.
Also, I suggest that you create a cultural education institution apart from vocational schools. This I belief even somebody with a doctorate degree would love to attend such an institute of high cultural education, furthermore, I know that a lot of cultural preservation organisations overseas would help.
Concluding remarks
To my beloved people of Central Kwara’ae, let’s just be real, humble ourselves, support and give a helping hand to our new MP.
Thus, I believe our constituency will be much developed compared to our other good MPs who’ve already help us this far.
One Love! One God! One People! God bless Central Kwara’ae Constituency! God bless Solomon Islands!
F. Maefa’asia
Radefasu Village
Central Kwara’ae
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
