Disfala lut Grup hem Blong Mi: The Potential for Economic, Personal and Socio-Relational Empowerment in Urban Youth Groups
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TextProducer: Montreal : Concordia University 2010Abstract: This thesis, entitled Disfala Iut Grnp hem Blong Mi: the Potential for Economic, Personal and Relational Empowerment in Urban Youth Groups, Solomon Islands , is an exploration of the particularities of youth experience. Specifically, it addresses the struggles of young people in a challenging urban environment and how youth group membership can help alleviate socioeconomic and emotional hardships. As an excluded demographic majority, youths in Honiara are relegated to the margins of society. While aware of the lack of social channels promoting youth empowerment, young individuals are resilient, trying to find ways to better their situations. Urban youth associations, whether faith-based or community organizations, can be platforms for socioeconomic, personal and relational development. They are flawed and oftentimes ill-equipped to cater to the empowerment projects of all young people. However, they are singular institutions which offer networks of people, resources, activities and information otherwise inaccessible to many youths. Young people in Honiara are living in a rapidly shifting space, where they often have conflicting identities, aspirations, and realities to manage. It is hoped that this thesis will shed some light on the ideas and practices of youths in an urban Pacific milieu, and on the ways in which they can empower themselves via youth group membership.
This thesis, entitled Disfala Iut Grnp hem Blong Mi: the Potential for Economic, Personal and Relational Empowerment in Urban Youth Groups, Solomon Islands , is an exploration of the particularities of youth experience. Specifically, it addresses the struggles of young people in a challenging urban environment and how youth group membership can help alleviate socioeconomic and emotional hardships. As an excluded demographic majority, youths in Honiara are relegated to the margins of society. While aware of the lack of social channels promoting youth empowerment, young individuals are resilient, trying to find ways to better their situations. Urban youth associations, whether faith-based or community organizations, can be platforms for socioeconomic, personal and relational development. They are flawed and oftentimes ill-equipped to cater to the empowerment projects of all young people. However, they are singular institutions which offer networks of people, resources, activities and information otherwise inaccessible to many youths. Young people in Honiara are living in a rapidly shifting space, where they often have conflicting identities, aspirations, and realities to manage. It is hoped that this thesis will shed some light on the ideas and practices of youths in an urban Pacific milieu, and on the ways in which they can empower themselves via youth group membership.