Marianville girls speak on Refugees
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Fr Ambrose Pereira sdb
Port Moresby:
The second Chat Room session held on 20th March, 2019, broadcast live on Tribe FM had five ladies from Marianville Catholic Secondary School, Bomana discussing on refugees and migrants.
Panellists Annabelle Morea, Sheryna Tarura, Bethany Tapoli, Soniya Kombeo and Alabas Nathan shared their views on a topic seldom spoken of by young people. The panellists were able to discuss the topic from different angles and present their different viewpoints.
“In our conversations we normally speak on music, movies, relationships and the like. Refugees is not something we speak about”, said Soniya.
“The more we discuss these issues, the more we are aware of them, the better we can think positively and search for ways to be productive”, said Annabelle.
“We need to learn a lot about refugees and migration in Papua New Guinea and share with the nations on how we can welcome them and make them feel at home,” said Sheryna.
“We have helped our neighbours, the West Papuans. It is now up to the people in power, our government leaders and above all the Australia government to ensure that their human rights are respected”, said Alabas.
“The session has given us the possibility to speak on issues that are affecting us”, said Bethany.
Maria and Joyce were two callers that rang during the show. They shared their views on the presence of the refugees and their effect on the social fabric of society.
International Organization for Migration (IOM) Chief of Mission Lance Bonneau, applauded the ability of the ladies to think critically and share on a difficult issue. He invited them to reflect on how fortunate there were to have their freedom not taken away from them. He reminded them that the refugees are not criminals and that we need to work together and seek pathways for the good of all.
At the end of the session, the ladies were delighted to have this space to share their views. It has been an opportunity for them to raise their self-confidence and self-worth. “In a male dominated country, this platform has given a voice to the voiceless”, said Fr Ambrose Pereira sdb.
Anastasia Wiau Hasola, media animator; Vinna Wingur, Tribe FM presenter and Hazel Parpa, herself an ex Marianville student were delighted at the confidence displayed by the young ladies.
We look forward to the next Chat Room with students from Limana Technical School. Interested schools and youth groups are welcome to choose a relevant topic and share that with the nation.