BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Peace is not the absence of war, it is something that everyone lives every day, said Anika Malie, a form-3 student at St John High School.
She highlighted the sentiment when she spoke on the topic, ‘How can young people in the Solomon Islands act now for a peaceful Solomon Islands?’ at this year’s International Day of Peace in Honiara.
“Peace is not the absence of war; it is something that we live every day. It is the way we treat each other in school, at home and in our communities,” she told participants.
She said that peace means showing respect to teachers, kindness to classmates and helping those who are struggling.
“It means listening instead of shouting, sharing instead of fighting and working together instead of blaming each other,” she said.
She said that this is a reminder that peace is built together through unity, respect and shared effort.
“In my school I have seen how small actions can make a big difference. When we greet each other with a smile, when we help someone who is being bullied or when we include others in group activities, we are building peace. These actions may seem small but they create a safe and happy environment where everyone feels valued,” young Malie said.
“As young people in the Solomon Islands, we have the power to save the future. We are the leaders of tomorrow, but we must begin today. Let us be peacemakers in our schools, homes and in our communities.
“Let us choose cooperation over conflict, love over fear. Let us be the generation that chooses peace, not just in words but in action. Together, we can build a peaceful Solomon Islands, one kind at a time,” she said.
