Laugh and cry together: the Solomon way

From L to R - Simon, Francis, Jacob, Israel: community 

coming together. © UNICEF Pacific/2014/Thakkar

Jacob Togovi is a 17-year old boy living in Kwai village in central Guadalcanal province in the Solomon Islands. He has an identical twin named Isaac. In addition, he has three sisters and another brother. Like all children in this village, Jacob and Isaac have completed primary education. But they could not continue their education since the closest secondary school is a three hour walk from their village. Instead they work with their father, Simon, to make ends meet.

After the floods

© UNICEF Pacific/2014/ATahu

The Solomon Islands was hit by its worst ever flooding from 3-5 April, 2014. The flooding caused deaths and widespread damages to housing, food, water, educational facilities, and heath care that affected more than 50,000 people, of which about 24,000 are children. UNICEF is supporting the Government of Solomon Islands to respond to the pressing needs of the people affected and aims to help bring children back to school and normalcy as soon as possible.

Note : To view Photo captions enlarge Photo Story and click show info.

If you want to help the children and women of Solomon Islands, please click here

Solar power enhances learning

Photo of Ivory Kete, during her maths class at 1:10pm © UNICEF Pacific/2014/ATahu

Ivory Kete, 14, is a grade five student at the Titinge Primary School, located on a ridge along the southern outskirt of the capital, Honiara. I met her recently when I accompanied a UNICEF photographer capturing world class photos of children and children’s issues in the pacific.