Kennedy Folasi

Human Rights - Solomon Islands (Oceania)

Case Study: Acting for Change

Kennedy is based in Honiara, Solomon Islands and volunteers with Save the Children.  He is starting to spend more time on the Drama Project which works with unemployed and marginalised youth in the Solomon Islands. 

Kennedy has found awareness-raising strategies to be effective in creating change within the community.  Groups for young women, young men and some mixed groups focus on issues such as drug abuse, unsafe sex, domestic violence, child abuse, political violence, unemployment etc.  Kennedy believes that through his work, changes in people’s attitudes are occurring.  This is evident, for example, in that young people have started asking questions about social issues and for advice.  Young people have started asking for condoms and young couples are showing greater awareness about safe sex practices.  Women’s rights are becoming more widely acknowledged and Kennedy has started directing young women to the Family Centre and the Women’s Institute when appropriate.

Kennedy has seen the positive impact of awareness raising strategies.  Youth have moved into jobs after previously being unemployed and some students have made decisions to study.  Kennedy believes that drama is so effective at achieving change and raising awareness in the community as it actively involves youth and forces them to practically make use of and absorb the information they are given.  The exposure to public speaking also reduces the feelings of low self-esteem and vulnerability that the young people feel.

Kennedy receives support from OIYP, many NGOs in the area including UNESCO via Youth for a Sustainable Future, and private organisations but no support from the government.  There is large support from the community and Kennedy is often bombarded by youth wanting to know when the drama is starting or how they can be involved, telling them to “be patient!”  Currently, volunteers have begun to organise a venue and facilities for drama training which will take place in July 2005.