Six ways to turn the Solomon Islands' youth into a long-term asset

While a soccer-led village development is unlikely, the potential for sports to play a constructive role in the life of youth is great. Soccer and basketball are popular but their development is held back by a lack of facilities and equipment at the village level. Lack of training and coaching was identified by respondents as major problems. Were this to be addressed through the aid program there may be much to gain in areas as diverse as health and self-esteem.

Sport forms part of the youth activities raised as an issue by participants in the research. At present, the churches, which are strong and influential in the Solomons, provide most youth activities but there were calls for a more inclusive approach as well as access to musical instruments. Training in leadership, a concern particularly of young women, would be of great benefit according to participants.

Useful in project development

Scales' report appears to have great potential as the basis for project development and the delivery of a comprehensive aid programme designed to head-off future political unrest. It may also contain clues about the focus of aid in other Melanesian countries.

Acted upon intelligently, there is a chance to counter growing problems with alcohol abuse (including home-distilling), marijuana, poverty and lack of opportunity and self-esteem that feeds people into militias.