Subject: 'austraLasia' #347

Please note that there were, by mistake, two #345's (Tate and Coup Two...)

OUT OF CHAOS COMES AN ORATORY

Julian Fox

SUVA: 31st May -- There's always good news around even the darkest corners. Long-time readers of 'austraLasia' will recall an item last year about a roving Salesian Oratory around Suva. The coup has brought about what looks to be a more permanent one. Kids all last week were too scared to come out of their homes. But now, with the army on the streets and a semblance of law and order, young people are walking kilometres to get to Don Bosco House. Now, there's nothing here other than a Salesian residence and a once-grassed patch the size of a basket-ball court...and 15 welcoming Salesians. It's enough apparently. Young Fijians of any persuasion, for or against George Speight; indigenous, indo or other islander; Christian, Hindu, Moslem; of both ends of the extended period called youth here (12-35) have found fun, safety in a pleasantly-fenced area (no barbed wire!)and a bit of space, and people to talk to. No other structures are presently needed. There's shade under the trees for those who just want to sleep or sit, and they can put other things out of their head.

The place is getting crowded of course, and we have no further room to expand. Volleyball and rugby occupy the open space. If only....