The
REAP Report - Community Concerns
Over
the past few months, Cook Islands Small Islands Voice conducted
a survey of children, youth and adults on Rarotonga, Aitutaki,
Mauke, Mitiaro, Manihiki and Pukapuka.
The
survey questions focused on environment, development and tourism
issues from the perspective of the different age groupings.
Children were from ages of 5 -14; youth ages 15-21; adults 21
and over. Results to date show that amongst children there was
a high degree of environmental awareness and that a clean environment
was very important to them. They did not like the way many older
people were always throwing litter, especially beer bottles
on the beach areas.
When
it came to youth the most important issues were alcohol, lack
of quality education, and job opportunities. Community (adult)
concerns were underage drinking, political interference from
Rarotonga, loss of culture and respect, too many houses (leaving
children unattended/unfed).
It
was interesting to note that outer island youth felt that they
had opportunities to express their concerns at the community
level while youth on Rarotonga felt no one cared or was interested
in listening.
Community
Concerns
Development
Issues:
Note:
There was not a noticeable difference in attitude whether one
lived on Rarotonga or the outer islands as to major concerns
and needs.
The
general feeling though was that things were probably worse,
especially education, then it was 10 years ago and that the
people were losing control over their future. Also that government
was not really interested in what people thought.
Outer
islanders indicated that they wanted to remain on their islands
but need help (education and training) and realistic projects
that are sustainable and within their resource capability to
maintain. There was also a general feeling that Rarotonga gets
everything.
Cook
Islands New, 4 February 2003
