Dear Editor – It is indeed a great appreciation towards the efforts of government and NGOs to foster participation and engagement of young people in workshops and forums that potentially aimed at youth empowerment, and safeguarding the long-term stability of our nation.
This intervention isn’t just about an important step towards an era of building resilient youth leadership and governance, but a progress in youth aspiration.
However, it has come to my concern that these programs always present with its eligibility criteria that consistently biased and excluded a significant cohort of young people, especially those of no credentials and lack formal education.
A majority of these youths were often resided in rural communities, where they face real challenges that determines their access to essential services. Yet, they still remained marginalized within national discourse.
Limiting the opportunities and voices of these young people because of no formal education exemplifies and perpetuate structural inequality, and breaches the rights that should be universally upheld.
Most of these youths retain essential local knowledge and operational abilities that usually undervalued.
Thus, it weakens the moral impact of youth engagement efforts, suppressing our collective ability to address pressing issues like, unemployment, escalation of offences against the laws and criminal conduct, political instability and many more.
As an abiding citizen of Solomon Islands, I urge institutions who are responsible to design these programs to ensure it is inclusive and extended its access to all youth cohorts, despite their educational background.
Therefore, this could involve generating flexible and accessible learning environment rooted in vernacular languages and focusing on practical knowledges.
These youths are the foundation to build a stronger Solomon Islands, the resources to reconstruct a better Solomon Islands.
Real leadership and change come from all united voices and experiences, thus, I believe the moment has come to ensure that all youths are empowered to shape the future of Solomon Islands.
Thank you.
Yours sincerely.
Everlizah Hiru
USP, Solomon Islands Campus
East Honiara
