STUDENTS of St Mary Tanagai Community High School in Northwest Guadalcanal Constituency have been reminded to embrace their cultures because of the values it promotes such as respect, unity, and resilience – principles that can guide individuals and communities in fostering peace and understanding.
Deputy Director of Culture and Tourism at the Ministry of Culture and Tourism Steven Pukari highlighted this on Friday during the school’s annual cultural day show.
During the day most of the students from the various cultures and provinces came together to display their cultures.
He told the students, staff and all those who gathered at the event that culture is the “soul of who we are”.
In his address, Paukari emphasized the significance of culture saying, the diverse backgrounds of students at St. Mary Tanagai serve as a bridge connecting them to each other and to their shared past and future.
He highlighted the Solomon Islands’ remarkable diversity, which encompasses over 90 distinct languages and hundreds of unique traditions.
From the warrior heritage of Isabel to the crafts of Temotu, he underscored the importance of cultural values such as respect, unity, and resilience—principles that can guide individuals and communities in fostering peace and understanding.
Paukari encouraged the students to embrace their cultural traditions while also navigating modernity.
He urged them to learn their languages, explore their customs, and act as cultural ambassadors, sharing their heritage with pride.
He commended the school for creating an inclusive environment where differences are celebrated, stating that the cultural day serves as a powerful reminder of the strength found in unity.
“This cultural day is more than an event; it is a reminder that we are stronger together. Let us continue to preserve, protect, and promote our cultures—not only for tourism but for identity, peace, and unity,” Paukari concluded.
The event was attended by Chairman of the School Board Daniel Donua and School Principal James Mepobu and other top officials.
The daylong event offered the students, staff, parents, guardians and supporters an opportunity to witness the diverse cultures we have in the country.
By John Chrisma
Solomon Star, Honiara
