My trip to Palau

By S. Marie, Youth Department

A delegation led by Mr. Alain De Comarmond, the project's coordinator, comprised of Mr. Matthew Servina representing the NGO sector, and myself, Ms. Sabrina Marie, as the youth representative. The five-day seminar took place in Palau, Micronesia from 18-22 November 2002.

My role as a youth representative was to promote direct interaction and linkages between the youth in the regions (Pacific, Indian Ocean and Caribbean). We held discussions with the aim of understanding young people from Small Island Developing States. As we all know, young people are presented with a lot of opportunities here in Seychelles. During my brief stay in Palau, I have come to understand that we in Seychelles have plenty of opportunities that are given to us by the Government, be it in education, sports or culture. We come first in all aspects of social and economic development.

We have clubs, committees, educational activities, sport activities etc., but we are lucky to have those because the youth from the other islands do not have these opportunities. Therefore they end up doing drugs, becoming alcoholics, pregnant, stealing and HIV positive.

Whilst in Palau, I've learnt that their traditions are the only thing they have which keeps them from sinking into the darkness.

I also had the chance to exchange information and experiences during group sessions and to be able to find out how the youths in different islands are given the opportunity to speak out.

In Seychelles, our Government spends a lot of money on education, health, tourism and our youth. The one thing I liked about the Palauan people was that despite their difficulties, they are a very friendly people ready to share what they have.

My trip to Palau was simply wonderful. I shall miss the people, their friendliness and their smile.

Palau see you next time.

Workshop participants at the Rock Islands, Palau, November 2002

Source: Youth in Action Newsletter, 24 January 2003