The biggest Youth Market ever kicked off, Tuesday at Rove field, West Honiara with the launch of the new youth magazine YOSI.
The July Youth Market festival and concert, run by Youth@Work and sponsored by Rexona, is the biggest youth market yet, with a record number of stalls, a new gaming zone, and a huge line up of competitions and entertainment, including a concert headlined by 56 Hop Rod on Saturday.
The event opened with a performance by Midwest, followed by a speech from the Minister for Women, Youth, Children & Family Affairs the Hon. Jimson Fiau Tanaganda, who officially launched the magazine.
There was also a poem reading by YOSI contributor Ruth Amos, a performance by Backyard Boys and a closing performance by Midwest.
Youth@Work Program Manager Sandra Bartlett said, a huge crowd turned up to celebrate the launch of YOSI.
“This magazine is written by youth, for youth and is a place where youth can read and share inspiring and empowering stories, access important information and raise awareness of issues important to them.
“Today we’ve received great feedback about YOSI, youth are really excited to have their own magazine. Everywhere we look people around the Youth Market youth are reading and talking about YOSI. I think it will continue to grow to become a very popular part of youth culture here,” she said.
Issue 1 features stories on a variety of young Solomon Islanders, including an interview with Midwest, who won back to back dance competitions at youth markets earlier in the year.
There is also poetry, short stories, reviews, career tips, health advice, and much more. Copies of the magazine will be available at the event and afterwards at the Youth@Work office in the Art Gallery.
YOSI will come out four times per year.
The July Youth Market Festival and concert will continue today through to Saturday.
Youth@Work Youth Market Stall Manager Linda Rande confirmed the number of youth stalls at the festival was over 60, with the majority being new stall holders.
“The number has doubled since the last youth market, due to this being the first ever Youth Market Festival and concert,” said Ms Rande.
She added the festival is filled with new skills, products, services and other fun activities.
“There are many fun games for everyone with some great prizes to win,” she said.
“Other things to look out for from the young entrepreneurs are hair braiding, hair linings and new, delicious food.”
Adam Bartlett from Bulk Shop Business Development said, Rexona was proud to sponsor the event.
“We are really happy to be part of this exciting event and promote worldwide products to youth of Solomon Islands. Each day we will be featuring a different product including Rexona, Dove, Lux and Lifebuoy.”
The event starts at 10am and closes at 5pm with the theme “Together for a stronger nation”.
Youth@Work is implemented by SPC, in partnership with the Solomon Islands Ministry of National Unity, Peace and Reconciliation, the Ministry of Commerce, Industries, Labour and Immigration, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs. Youth@Work is an initiative to tackle youth unemployment in the Solomon Islands and is funded by the Australian Aid bilateral program, with assistance from its partner ministries.
PROGRAM
Wednesday July 15: 7th FLEET Performance from 3pm – 5pm (US NAVY BAND)
Thursday July 16: Song Competition, 3pm – 5pm. Band Yellow Ribbon to close competition.
Friday July 17: Modern Dance Competition, 3pm – 5pm. Band Red Star Unit to close competition.
Saturday 18th July, 2015: 10.30am – 5pm
Details: DJ Music from 10.30am. Stage Entertainment starts 11:30am
Supporting Acts: Winners of the Youth Market Festival Competitions, The Guest & Small Jam
Main Act: 56 Hop Rod
Entry Fee: $20 (4yrs and below FREE)
