Blanche Delaney Chute

Youth Culture and Empowerment - Fiji (Oceania)

Blanche Delaney Chute has been involved in the organisation “For the Children”, which promotes freedom of expression, free access to information and the right of all children to an education. In Fiji, an organisation established by children for children is a first. Blanche attended the 2nd sub-regional Save the Children Alliance and has been involved in scripting radio programs for Pacific Radio.

She is concerned by the breakdown of inter-generational bonds in the Fijian community, with youths embracing values and beliefs that clash with traditional social norms.

At Oxfam IYP2004, Blanche is keen to establish a framework for a major family camp where positive interaction can occur between the young and the old. She hopes to help the older generation to understand that young people are not being disrespectful in breaking with tradition by adopting modern trends in clothing and conduct. She is hopeful that this will help to re-forge inter-generational understanding.