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'Celebrating Youth' by Andrew Gegeu

22 September 2005

Keynote Speech written and presented by Andrew Gegeu on the International World Youth day - 12 August- Honiara, Solomon Islands.

"Good Morning Solomon Islands , My name is Youths, I come from Solomon Islands , I am 12-29 years of age, and my father's name is called the Government and my mother is the private sector. My mother is too busy looking after my little sister profit, so Iam left with my father to listen to my call and sometimes my cry I' am so fortunate to have a guiding angel called the non governmental organization (NGO for short)"

Guest of Honor, Honorable Minster for Home affairs Honorable Nelson Kile, Distinguish Guest, Stakeholders, Organizing Committee, fellow young Solomon Islanders, Ladies and Gentlemen

Today I stand here not for my personnel aspiration, but because of our reasons for the common purposes or goals, that we want to be heard. I (youths) as emphasized by certain authorities, Iam (youth) not leader of tomorrow rather Iam a leader of Today. Iam (we) not a problems but a solution, Iam (we) not a liabilities rather an asset of this great nation Solomon Islands .

I must say that I really acknowledge the government of the day on youth development so far in this country and today especially for making it possible to come out today and celebrate this day (international world youth day)

And also I must thank those youths whom so far have been contributed one way or the other in rebuilding our nation Solomon Islands .

Iam very grateful for such activity in which I can come out and share some of my ideas. For so long I have not been given the space to make decisions on issues affecting my lives.

Today we come together to share and hear my views on my grievances in development of our country, this day is celebrated throughout the world. Who knows I might share a view of concern which other youths around the globe are also concerning with, or they might have different view because of different life experiences.

Remember daddy government, you know me well because I am your son for these three remarkable characteristics, Iam energetic, Iam enthusiastic and adventurous in my livelihood. There are proving evidence that I'm bad boy and can be a bad boy if not guided well and was a good boy and I can play an important role in development of this nation.

Remember my fellow comrades, why do we celebrate this day when more than three quarter of the youths throughout the world are suffering in different ways, due to non representation in decisions in relation to our lives.

Rather let me rephrase the theme…"voice of the youth's"

Daddy government this day should be a day that you should start thinking of lending your ears to my call and cries and allow me to make decisions, now that Iam a grown up.

There are times in the past when I ask for food when Iam hungry you gave me toys to play with instead of food. When Iam thirsty you give something that makes me go dizzy or unconscious or even would not listen to me.

But today Daddy government you should start thinking of feeding me with the kind of food I need. By allowing me to be heard in every way possible, so that I can have a reason to set a day in my lives in celebrating youths.

To all my fellow comrades throughout this nation, Solomon Islands and throughout the globe, do bear in mind that we are here for purpose in the eyes of the almighty. So as we venture into future endeavors remember that we are gifted in many ways in which we need to realize.

But to utilize those potential you and I need a key to unlock this door and we must be prepared and willing to receive this key called knowledge In order to be successful in everyway possible. Isn't it the very reason why we need to receive formal and informal (both indoor and outdoor) mode of learning?

Well that should be the compass we need to navigate our boat into the harbor of success.

Knowledge, wisdom and understanding will help us make better decisions in life.

Take for instance a life of child as he/she grows up after few years on this earth he/she will be eager to learn how to hold a spoon and feed himself/herself from the plate either of the parents brings in front of him/her.

This plate should signify the opportunity we are calling for today from daddy government and we must be prepared to hold our spoon and feed ourselves, therefore we must also play our part.

Before I take my seat may I take this time opportunity to voice a call as a man called youth, first to my father the government, my mother private sector, to my guardian angel the Non Government Organizations (NGO) and lastly to my brothers and sisters throughout this country and throughout the globe, that we all can play an important role in shaping our lives and be a big happy family, if we treat each other with the true meaning of life.

Once again Guest of Honor, Honorable Minster for Home affairs Honorable Nelson Kile, Distinguish Guest, stakeholders, Organizing Committee, fellow young of Solomon Islanders, Ladies and Gentlemen

Thank you one and all for listening.

August 2005

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