Koromakawa Village is a testament to the power of community dialogue, demonstrating that when people come together to address their concerns, they can forge a path toward a more equitable and harmonious future. - Photo:Ioane Nawaikula
In a heartfelt gathering straight after Sunday Mass, the Catholic community of Koromakawa Village in Cakaudrove came together to openly discuss the challenges they face. Men, women, youths, and children all participated in this important dialogue, demonstrating a collective commitment to fostering a better future for their community.
A Safe Space for Honest Conversations
The atmosphere in the village hall was charged with emotion as community members shared their experiences and concerns. The meeting aimed to identify pressing issues affecting their lives and to explore ways to improve their community dynamics.
“Today, we wanted to create a safe space where everyone could speak freely,” explained Ioane, who led the session. “Each group—men, women, youths, and children—had the opportunity to voice their perspectives, and it was powerful to witness.”
Voices of the Women
The women’s segment of the discussion was particularly poignant. Many expressed their thoughts and feelings with tears in their eyes, sharing the struggles they face in their roles as caregivers and family members. Topics included the importance of equality in family values and the need for mutual respect within homes.
“Every woman here has a story,” whispered the old woman to her group members. “We want our families to thrive, and that starts with equal treatment and understanding. We need our voices to be heard.”
As the women spoke, the men listened attentively, creating an environment of respect and empathy. This open dialogue marked a significant step toward fostering understanding between genders in the village.
Youth and Children Speak Out
The youth of Koromakawa also took this opportunity to share their perspectives. The children focused on a crucial issue: anger management among parents. They emphasized how conflicts at home affect their well-being and suggested that professional counselors come to the village to provide support for parents. “Having counselors available for appointments would help our parents learn to manage their emotions better,” one child noted. “We believe this would create a more peaceful home for everyone.”
The youth of Koromakawa took this opportunity to share their perspectives, raising several pressing issues. Among these were substance abuse, peer pressure, teenage pregnancy, and the lack of electricity, as the internet is most needed for their studies. However, the most critical concern was school dropout rates, which topped their list of worries.
“Too many of our friends are leaving school early,” one youth leader explained. “We need to find ways to encourage them to stay and support them in their education.”
Men’s Call for Action
The men of the village voiced a pressing concern that requires immediate action for the benefit of the entire community: access to electricity. They emphasized that installing solar power systems in the village would be transformative, providing a sustainable energy source and improving the quality of life for all residents. “Bringing solar energy to our village would be a dream come true,” one man stated. “It would empower us to enhance our daily lives and foster economic growth.”
A Path Forward
As the gathering concluded, the community expressed a collective commitment to take actionable steps toward addressing the issues raised. Ideas for workshops on family dynamics, youth engagement activities, and community-building projects began to emerge.
“It’s clear that we need to work together,” Vakavuvuli emphasized. “The strength of Koromakawa Village lies in its unity. By supporting one another and addressing these issues as a community, we can create a better environment for all.”
The meeting concluded with prayers and a renewed sense of purpose. The attendees left the hall feeling empowered, with the understanding that their voices mattered and that change was possible through collaboration and shared vision.
Koromakawa Village is a testament to the power of community dialogue, demonstrating that when people come together to address their concerns, they can forge a path toward a more equitable and harmonious future.
Ioane Nawaikula
Columban Justice, Peace & Integrity of Creation Coordinator, Fiji, Region of Oceania
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