Hard Work: Youth Employment Programming in Honiara, Solomon Islands

Abstract

Across the Pacific, youth unemployment is regarded by governments, donors and citizens as one of the region’s key concerns, not only because of its effect on economic advancement, but also because of a perceived association between joblessness and insecurity, including the prospect of youth-driven crime and violence. Over the last two decades, increased scholarly attention has been paid to the link between youth unemployment and issues of social instability, most famously heralded by Henrik Urdal and his ‘youth bulge’ theory (2004). While issues of causation can be difficult to assess, the Pacific, particularly Melanesia, has seen this narrative take place in tandem with, or because of, rapid urbanisation which has been characterised by a growing cohort of unemployed or underemployed, urban youth. This scenario has been particularly true for Honiara, the capital of Solomon Islands.