By Fr. Ambrose Pereira, SDB

Honiara, Solomon Islands - Inspiring and reflective short films on youth issues were screened on the 23rd July at the Commonwealth Youth Program Campus, Panatina, Solomon Islands at 3pm. It brought the Youth@Work, ‘Share and Inspire’ intensive program to a grand climax as the participants presented films with powerful social change messages that they are passionate about.

The films were scripted, acted and shot by the youth on themes that they had arrived at after brainstorming and discussing their issues. “We need to infuse this aspect of Social Change in all our communication messages,” said Mia Ramon, Director of the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC).

The film, ‘Create change through friendship’ highlighted the need for a friend as one goes through the struggles and trials of ones life. The quest for a job was highlighted through punctuality and discipline in the two films entitled, ‘Yes Boss’ and ‘Discipline in Life’. The film ‘Responsibility changes a Life’ brought out how young lives can be changed when they are trusted and given a responsibility. All the films reflected the issues that the youth face. They were scripted, acted and shot by the participants with guidance from animator Christina Peroili and facilitator Fr. Ambrose Pereira sdb.

Invited specially for the presentation were persons connected in the training and mentoring of youth. Youth@Work Program Manager, Sandra Bartlett; Rector of Don Bosco Technical Institute, Fr. Dominic Kachira sdb and Director of Youth Development, Andre Tipoki.

Youth@Work Program Manager, Sandra Bartlett expressed her delight to be present for the presentation of the final short films. “You have the potential and the resources to make things happen”, she said. “You have put in a lot of effort to come for this program. You have paid your own bus fare, your own food and spent the full day at the Commonwealth Pacific Venue, Panatina, during the past few days, all because you are interested to learn something. You are taking the necessary steps and you will get somewhere because you are making great sacrifices to be part of the program”, said Sandra Bartlett. “I am so impressed with your productions and the presentation. The words you have said about Youth@Work have motivated me to help more young people like yourself, to get where you want to go. Thank you for sharing your films with me. I am honoured and blessed”, said Ms Bartlett.

“I believe that the messages you have portrayed so beautifully in the films have sunk into your hearts as you have reflected on them. I am sure it will change your lives. I wish you all success”, said Fr. Dominic Kachira sdb, Rector of Don Bosco Technical Institute, Henderson, Solomon Islands as he congratulated them for their films.

“Don’t become bystanders”, was the message of Andre Tipoki, Director of Youth Development as he spoke to the participants. He continued, “I have noticed a change in you over the past few days as you went about your program at CYP. I admire your skill in putting across social messages through images. This is most needed in our country. You have grabbed the opportunity and have done an excellent job. Congratulations!”

The Communication Team of Youth@Work plans to upload the films on to Youtube and on the Youth@Work Facebook page to share what they have learnt and enable others be inspired by them.

Earlier the participants were instructed on the essential element of participation and communication between the receiver and the sender as both are from different world views. Secondly, the relevance of stakeholders – primary, secondary and the intermediary stakeholders were highlighted giving the participants an opportunity to question as to why the intended primary stakeholders, the target groups are only seldom part of the planning, implementing and evaluation process. Thirdly, the different communication functions were highlighted. “While ‘telling’ is necessary and important, the aspect of ‘listening and sharing’ is essential to ensure social change”, stressed Fr. Ambrose Pereira sdb.

Comments from the participants:

• I have heard a lot about stakeholders on radio, newspaper and TV, but only today do I understand its meaning’ – Alphonse Ganea, SINU student.
• I was inspired watching the film of Don Bosco as we need our faith in God as well as a leader who is able to know and understand his people’ – Daavid Tarai
• We are grateful to SPC, for showing us a way to lead youth as we work together with the community and move forward’ – Hilda Tolini.
• I am grateful to Fr. Ambrose Pereira sdb, Christina Peroili and Regina Lepping our animators who have inspired us during the program’ – Stephen Farobo.
• The program of SPC has given us hope and strength to move forward’ – Kaylene Tigulu.
• The training has given us confidence to discuss and freely share on issues that are relevant to youth, and that is what is needed to bring about social change’ – Eddie Wagiro.

At a meeting on Friday 24th July together with Mia Ramon, Director of the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC), Youth@Work Program Manager, Sandra Bartlett, Communication team leader Ashleigh Bond, youth members Christina Piroili, Emmy Foroasi, Wilson Billy, Joseph Suiramo and Kaylene Tigulu and facilitator Fr. Ambrose Pereira sdb possible avenues to develop the communication for social change aspect of the program and spread it to other youth were discussed.

The ‘Share and Inspire’ program was coordinated by the Secretariat of the Pacific Community for members of the Youth@Work project in collaboration with the Salesians of Don Bosco, Solomon Islands and the School of Communication for Social Change, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.