A MAGAZINE highlighting issues affecting local youths and to expose their talents will be released mid this year.
This magazine will act as an avenue to display youths’ talents in writing, photography and art. It would be called YOSI.
Youth@Work Program Manager Sandra Bartlett explained, the purpose of the quarterly magazine is to empower and inspire youth, display local youth’s creative talents and raise awareness of youth issues.
“The Solomon Islands has never had a magazine quite like YOSI. It will be written by youths for youths,” said Ms Bartlett.
“YOSI will feature articles about youths’ issues, including music, health, careers and much more. We encourage all youths to be involved in this exciting project.
“There will also be opportunities for local businesses to support this not for profit project through advertising and sponsorship.”
In preparation for the launch about 100 youths have taken part in free journalism, creative writing and photography workshops hosted by the Youth@Work Communications team.
Youth@Work Communications officer and facilitator of the workshops Joseph Manemaka said, it was an opportunity for the youths to learn important new skills.
“The workshops are to help prepare and encourage young people who are interested in writing and photography not just to contribute to YOSI but also to kick start their career paths,” said Mr Manemaka.
As part of then training participants completed exercises on finding stories for feature articles, heard tips on how to write creatively and were taught a number of techniques to help them to take quality pictures that will suit the magazine.
Mr Manemaka also stated that any youth can submit their stories to YOSI.
“YOSI’s submissions are open to all youth of Solomon Islands, not only those who have attended the workshops.
“We will hold more workshops throughout the year for those who are unable to attend the first round of training.”
Any youth interested in contributing to the magazine must collect a submission form at the Youth@Work Office. Submissions for the first issue are now open and will close on the 30 April 2015.
For more information about YOSI Magazine call: +677 – 25278 or email [email protected], or visit https://www.facebook.com/youthatworksolomonislands.
Youth@Work is implemented by the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) in partnership with the Ministry of National Unity, Peace and Reconciliation; the Ministry of Commerce, Industries, Labour and Immigration; the Ministry or Culture and Tourism; and the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs.
Youth@Work is an initiative to tackle youth unemployment in Solomon Islands and is funded by the Australian Government’s bilateral programme with assistance from its partner ministries.
