The Regional Director of a Commonwealth NGO is urging the Solomon Islands government to involve young people in the planning of next year's Pacific Arts Festival.
Afu Billy of the Commonwealth Youth Programme Pacific Centre says the festival could be used to showcase the talents of the country's young people.But she says it's also a time when young people could engage in antisocial behaviour.
"There's many young people in Honiara and the problem of substance abuse is also high, and I think the organisers of this festival have to really think about young people when planning this festival."
Afu Billy says if young people are involved in planning the festival, they'll have an ownership of it and co-operate.
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