[SIV Global:] The power of communication: listening to young people

                      SMALL ISLANDS VOICE 

                 Do you live in a small island? 
                    Tell us what you think. 

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Many people have sent in their views on crime and violence among young people 
in small islands. Here are some responses stressing the importance of 
education and communication in reducing this problem. 

John Maneniaru from the Solomon Islands (Pacific) summarises in a few words 
the main ideas: We can help reduce crime and violence through education. In 
the Solomon Islands, education which incorporates religious and cultural 
values may be the solution. Involve youth in community activities and give 
them full support within a family environment. 

Further developing these ideas, Alex Perrine from Rodrigues (Indian Ocean) 
writes: I’ve taken note of the comments on how to reduce crime among young 
people. I think that the best way to attain such an objective is through 
incorporating human values into education. Young people are part and parcel 
of 
the family, educating parents will also contribute to reducing crime. Harsher 
penalties will never reduce crime because harsher penalties are themselves a 
crime. Crime cannot reduce crime. 

Peter Kaitara William from the Cook Islands (Pacific) takes up the theme of 
the quality of parenting: Though violence it is not restricted to the Pacific 
region, it is still a concern for us grown-ups. I think one of the things to 
be addressed is for the overall population to be aware that there is a 
problem 
that needed to be addressed yesterday! I think one cause is the quality of 
parenthood. This problem unfortunately started a long, long time ago. Without 
being too judgmental, we now have children becoming parents at a very young 
age, when they have only limited worldly and parental values to bestow on 
their children. Then the process goes on and on leading to deterioration in 
values. 

Christian values, although a lot of people frown upon them, have their basis 
in ‘showing by example’. Therefore, everything that we do or say identifies 
who we are, where we come from and what beliefs we follow. 

The key to the problem of violence among our youth is education, based on 
spiritual and family values. Love and trust are not only words, but 
principles, that if followed and drummed into the young ones at early stages 
at home, at school, and as part of their daily activities will provide a 
foundation for the rest of their lives. A foundation, that even with the 
influence of videos and other forces can help turn out balanced individuals. 

Continuing along these lines and emphasising religious values and the 
importance of communication within the family, Maria Masayos from Palau 
(Pacific) writes: It seems that crime amongst young people is the main talk 
internationally. I know that if we look at human resource development at the 
community level we will be able to take small steps to secure our own fears. 
Families must work together to bridge whatever is missing in their children's 
life. They must pray together and learn how to forgive one another. Although, 
we come from the same parents, we are totally different people. God is 
waiting 
for all of us individually and as a family to come to Him with our concerns 
and needs. Please, don't blame TV shows, communities, friends or schools. 

Children are dying to listen to their parents. Communication skills are 
crucial factors in the family, in particular listening skills. Children and 
young people need us - their parents, guardians, uncles and aunties - to 
listen to them. We need to listen with an open heart and mind. Sometimes 
listening without saying anything is really what the children and young 
people 
need. 

Children need to know they are loved, respected, appreciated, and are very 
important to the family. I know if we all work very hard to develop our 
‘human 
resources’ our societies will be more secure. 

Title:   The power of communication: listening to young people 
Author:  J. Maneniaru, M. Masayos, A. Perrine, P. William 
Date:    Tuesday, 19 August 2003 

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