Celebrating a silent Christmas

Me at Pohang, South Korea

Celebrating Christmas with family members and friends is extremely and is always full of vibration. There will be a chorus of voices yelled, singing melody songs, laughing and cracking of jokes and bonded with love, peace and joy as family members enjoying the company of one another. It's truly a joyous moment in life.

But celebrating Christmas without them is just a silent night, quiet Christmas. Even a single sound of a cracker will not even be heard. No greetings, no laughter, no smiles, nothing but it's just a peaceful time. Just a silent Christmas. 

Christmas was a time of happiness, sharing gifts, commemorating the birth of Christ, and the birth of a new beginning. That should be the essence of the Christmas season, but when family members are absent, it loses its value. The day becomes meaningless, it's just another day. Just another time.

I was in South Korea, waiting for my return flight home, on 27th Dec, when the Christmas day appears. I remember back in my Island nation - the Solomon Islands, the day brings explosion of noise. People will shout, sing, some even scream in joy, others beat drums, roofing irons, wooden drum, and bell to express their happiness as they receive Christmas. But while I was waiting for my flight, sitting quietly in my room, covered with the silence, I checked my watch and realized that it's already 2:30 am. That was when I noticed that Christmas day was just passed by.

So I turned on my Whats-app and called. Checked on my wife, kids, and other family members but the connection was failed. So I turned to IMO. This time round I checked through my contact list and start calling friends in Philippines, Peru, and others here in South Korea. All these attempts were just to greet and wish them Merry Christmas, as a way of expressing the joy of Christmas celebration. To others I cannot call but send them Christmas messages.

The only joy I have during this Christmas is, am going home. It’s always a pleasure to return home after spending some time overseas. Home is always home. Just like honey, it's sweet always. 

Time has come

Me at graduation

Handong, now it's time to leave. It was just like yesterday that took me here. 17 months was just like 17 days. Time flies. Yes, it flies so fast that I could not even reckon, but it does. And now it's time to depart. 

Although am leaving, yet Handong, You have made me new. Academically renewed. My life, my dream, my vision, has changed overnight. Handong, you have changed all of me. Thank you so much.

My days at Handong will be cherished forever. It will remain. The memories will linger on. I am so thankful for being at Handong Global University (HGU), the Gods university. It was an exciting and joyful experience, for being part of the KOICA 7 batch class of 2019. Learning with other students from other developing countries is not only challenging but interesting. We have shared great times together in and out of class. It was full of fun. Learning was just superb. 

The professors at HGU are so amazing. I still remember the first class for Python, not the snake but the programming language. The first greetings from the professor sound like a preacher from the pulpit. "God is good, and all the time God is good". That was the professor's usual greetings. And then follow up was the prayer. These ways of greetings are not new for church congregation but university class. Yes it's new.

HGU - The Gods University

I will miss the classroom. The place where we have all the fun stuff. Sometimes we see stars, other times the moon, yet we move on. We did it. 

The futsal games, yes I will missed so much. It's the fun part of the whole life at HGU. Fridays and sometimes on Saturdays we have 2 hours of non-stop games. It was tiring but I enjoyed so much. But after the fun comes the pain. I have knee and body pain that even irritate my sleep. But I loved it. That's the sport I enjoyed so much.

Just like everything has time, likewise, my time at HGU is over. I am going home. I will miss HGU so much but the changed it does for me will never be missed. It will always be there, right in me.

President's Speech

Lincoln - KOICA 7 batch class president

Good morning everyone

On behalf of the KOICA 7th Batch class of 2018, I would like to first and foremost thank the Almighty God for the far He has brought us, and to also thank all the people who made this program a success. To the university administration, led by the president of Handong Global University, for the wisdom you bring, and the vision that you layout for Handong Global University, we thank you. To our professors, who give your all, each and every day, laboring to provide us with tremendous education, and pushing us to do our best, even on the days we don’t want to learn, all the while taking the extra time to build relationships with us, that for some, will last a lifetime, we thank you. To the Graduate school of Global Development and Entrepreneurship staff, who work tirelessly, coordinating us and our events, while selflessly supporting us in every possible way, we thank you, and may God bless you all.

And to us graduates, we made it! Not by our might, but by the power of God. As a group, we indeed started from the very bottom. Think about how far we have come, individually and as a class. Looking back to our first semester, it seems like it was just yesterday. There was the first class, the first football game, the first kimchi, the second kimchi, the third kimchi, the figuring out that it was actually delicious. 

Yeah! Our 17 months at Handong Global University were no walk in the park.  We were presented with many challenges that we had to overcome. I cannot even begin to imagine how many families were torn apart because of deadlines. Things may not always go the way you planned, but I know we can all agree that this class is resilient. We survived numerous typhoons and a minor earthquake. The fact that we made it here, is just a testimony to our perseverance, commitment to excellence, and above all the grace of God. 

KOICA 7 Batch

My dear colleagues, we are all destined for greatness. Each and every one of us has the potential to change the world, and Handong Global University has given us the mantle. Handong has changed us and bestowed us with the huge responsibility of changing the world. But as you know, in order to change the world, we have to change our families first, change our communities, and then change our countries, and through this, our continents and the world at large will be changed. We have all grown into powerful, intellectual individuals who will make a massive footprint on this earth. 

Tables turn, bridges burn, you live and learn and oftentimes, it’s the journey that teaches you a lot about your destination. So, as we part ways, equipped with priceless knowledge, we are embarking on a mission to change the world. Colleagues lets strive to be the best version of ourselves, let's fly through the turbulence, and let’s live an exemplary life because we are victors. Be phenomenal or you’ll be forgotten! Congratulations class of 2018. God bless you all! Gamsahamnidaa!

2019 Graduation Ceremony

KOICA 7th Batch

Today 13th December 2019, marks another achievement I got in my educational journey. It was the 2019 Graduation ceremony for KOICA- Handong Global University Master Degree Program in Techno-Entrepreneurship Competency based on Electrical Engineering and ICT Convergence.

Many people achieved goals in life differently and they make it through various means. Some got it through sports like soccer, rugby, boxing or swimming. Others through business, for me it was through education. It was a great achievement, I received through a lot of commitment, dedication and with the help of my God. Without His profound guidance and wisdom, I cannot go this far. My God is good, He is Yahweh, and the alpha and omega. He is the beginning and the end. There is none like him. Praise be unto His name. 

Today's graduation was awesome, it's a dream come true for me. After I completed my undergrad in 2012, I thought my self that I must move on. I must get a master's degree. Today I got it. Yes, I did it.

The journey was not easy, as I left my wife and 3 kids back home. It's a new feeling unlike the times I went overseas to study as a single person. It's tough since I left part of me, my family was back home in Solomon Islands. 

But all in all, I thank my God for his grace and mercy throughout the course of my study. He is always there for me. He never leaves me. And I believed he will continue.

To God be the glory, great things he has done.  

Christmas Festival in the Islands

Solomon Islands is one of the island nations in the Pacific that honors Christmas celebrations across the entire country with excitement. Christmas is considered to be the greatest time of the year to experience joy and love and a time to exchange gifts in commemoration of what Christians believe is “the greatest gift” of all. In the happy isles, events such as parties, sports, church programs make Christmas the most enjoyable time of the year.

Scattered across the crystal white and beautiful black sandy beaches, the Islanders joyfully gathered with ethnic families, close friends, communities to enjoy Christmas festive under the bright sunlight nourished with the cool breeze. At lunchtime, the islanders will be served with a mixture of barbecue fish, chicken, pork, sausage, melon, cucumber, and other vegetables. It is a time of extreme fun with lovely celebrations.

Besides having great fun on the beaches with food and drinks, soccer fields are another place of hosting entertainment for athletes. Communities will organize soccer tournaments and knockouts with great and amazing prizes for grab. Usually, a 7-A-side soccer knockout tournament is common in the Islands. A team of 7 players playing for 14 minutes against the opponent on a knockout basis. The team who wins will progress on to the next stage, while the loser will be eliminated. The 7-a-side soccer tournament is always competitive due to the fact that only winner will move on. However, soccer is not the only organized sport during Christmas but others such as volleyball, futsal, beach soccer, basketball, and boxing are also organized to provide entertainment.

Kwai Island beach soccer court

Church programs are another form of celebration the Christians organized as they mark the Christmas festive. Crusades, open-air programs, campfire and rallies are types of programs the church host to mark the festival. Twenty-fifth (25) of December is Christmas day where all organized events will bloom into massive celebration. It is indeed a joyous celebration for island nation.

On the street corners, in front of shops, the beaches, people strolling happily in groups as they greet each other with smiles saying “happy Christmas” as they pass by. Even passengers on buses will wave to their loved ones across the streets. It is really a moment of happiness.

Christmas festive is truly the time everyone is looking forward to, prepare and hopeful to enjoy great fun throughout the month of December. 

Fataleka MP defeats court case

Map of Fataleka constituency

On December 9th, Fataleka MP hon. Rex Annex Ramofafia was constitutionally declared free from the petition levied against him by Allan Bae. The high court dismissed the court case due to the failure of the petitioner to comply with rule and lack of providing genuine evidence.

According to the Solomon Islands constitution, the petitioner must sign the petition, however, in this case, his lawyer has signed the petition on his behalf. This signing is not acceptable and violates the law.

Also, the evidence provided by the petitioner were not genuine. Following his careful consideration, the judge concluded that the charges were null and void, baseless and weightless. Based on the two reasons, the high court judge dismissed the court case and declared the MP a free person.

Supporters who turn up during the trial at high court

The high court decision was welcomed by many of the MP's supporters, who have stood with their MP over the two weeks of trial. Following the high court declaration, the supporters gladly jumped into a celebration to express their jubilation.

According to rumors, it was believed that the former Fataleka MP Mr. Steve Abana was behind the move. He was believed to have financed the petition cost in anticipation to disqualify the new MP.

Justice is always just, no matter what, it will remains just.

South Korea’s method of Organic Farming

Culturing IMO

Besides the advanced ICT developments in the country, the people of South Korea are blessed with abundant Agriculture produce which provides a healthy diet and healthy people. So what is the secret behind South Korea’s agriculture sector? What is the uniqueness, what did they do? It’s organic farming. 

South Korea’s Ministry of Agriculture imposed regulations on using fertilizers and encouraged farmers to practice organic farming. 

The organic farming system in Korea has utilized the advantages of micro-organisms to improve soil fertility, fruit and crop production, and livestock. The secret behind all these high yields in Agriculture is micro-organism. So what is micro-organism? Micro-organism has the following characteristics: are not visible to the naked eye, microscopic unicellular organisms, but Algae or fungi can be identified with the naked eye in some cases, Eukaryotic cell (protozoa, algae, fungi), Prokaryotic cell ( bacteria, rickettsia, chlamydia, mycoplasma, and virus. All these comprise of the micro-organism family.

The next is bacteria. Whenever the word bacteria is called, the first impression would be a disease. So what really is it? Bacteria refers to Escherichia coli (E-coli), Salmonella, Cholera, Plague, Tetanus, Tuberculosis, virus (AIDS, smallpox, herpes, influenza), Fungal (candida) and parasite (malaria). These are all species and types of bacteria.

The other form of micro-organism is Probiotics. These are the form of micro-organism that lives in the intestine of human beings. There are about 100 trillion cells, they form 2% of the body weight, and helps the immune system of the human body, and therefore, these Probiotics are important for the human body.   

There are numerous reasons for using micro-organism: (1) harmony with the soil, (2) rescues soil (3) can withstand almost all weather conditions, (4) easily adapt to various environments, and (5) it is cheap and easy to make. Research discovered that in Korea there are 1,837 species of micro-organisms, 26 species of bacteria, 3 actinomycetes, 1 yeast, and 4 species of nitrogen-fixed bacteria.

Indigenous micro-organisms (IMO) have special characteristics, these include: (1) decompose organic matter into simple compounds or atoms, (2) suppress disease, (3) catalysts of natural chemistry in the soil, and (4) activate the ecosystem.

The benefit of using IMO are numerous, these include: (1) there is an effect of improving the balance of intestinal micro-organisms and promoting health and reducing odor when feeding micro-organisms like pigs to pigs, (2) reported that immunity increases when fed to young pigs, (3) germination rate of soybean increased by 8.6 ~ 20.7%, (4) ammonia gas is reduced by 12 ~ 18% and hydrogen sulfide is decreased by 19 ~ 38% when composed is fermented, (5) reduce pesticides and heavy metals (copper, chromium, zinc, etc.), and (6) composting of food waste.

Although IMO cannot be seen with the naked eye, these micro-species can be created and collected for farming.  IMO can be collected at any time and from several sites. Different seasons have different length of days to culture. In this regard, during spring and autumn, it takes 7 – 10 days, 4 -5 days in the summer, and 10 or more in the winter. Do not collect IMO in the rainy season, avoid moist areas for collecting, where anaerobic micro-organisms (red mold, blue mold, etc.) can occur easily.

In summary, IMO is widely used across Korea, farmers are discouraged to use fertilizer but urged to use organic farming. Today, Korea’s agricultural sector produces varieties of products from the use of IMO.

August Birthday

August B-day celebration

On Thursday 22 August, members of KOICA 7 and 8 batch students gathered at a dinner at Yugkori, Pohang, to celebrate birthdays for those who have theirs on the month of August. 

Four (4) members were on the list, which their birthday falls on the month of August.

A birthday celebration is one of the important events that mark the birthday and a time to reflect on life. 

To many, the celebration reminds them of the fortune and success they went through in life. Others it means a time they will gather around a table, piled with foods and the birthday cake, and family members and friends gathered to convey their birthday greetings.

For me, it is just a reminder of how many birthdays I have celebrated so far. As far as I can recall, have a chance to celebrate 3 birthdays in a foreign country (1 in Taiwan & 2 in South Korea). I never celebrated birthday parties with my biological family members. I wish to but it is just impossible. Life just does not allow me to enjoy that party with them. But today, it was another new experience as we gathered and celebrate birthday with friends from other countries (Africa & Asia). It was just amazing, life is good and that is how it mends for me.  

You are everything

On 12th May this year 2019, was marked as the "Mother's day" . Family members, friends, organisation, and churches were gathered to celebrate the greatest person of all time - the Mothers. They are everything, from early morning till dawn, their duties get them busy. All the house chores were always in place, neatly and so tidy. Even at times, their strength as motherhood even greater than the natural laws. 

Mothers may complain but that will never ends their love for the family. Their hearts, dedication and devotion to family keeps them upright, still and unmoved. You are everything!

Hurts and frustration may comes but their nature as motherhood will drive them atop of such situations to become champions. They may fall but will never back-down. May weak but never weary. Mothers, you are everything.

Love is a feeling that only mothers can explain it better, in the family circle. They know the two sides of it. They know when love appears as happiness, as kindness and as peace. Also mothers know when love turns out to be hatred, brawl and fights in the family. They knew it better and better. Mothers, you are everything!

Today is just the day, the only time and moment that the world have to say it out loud. It cannot be hold back. It has to be declared by everyone. From the great to the least. Even dumb will shout it out loud that mothers, you are everything.

Happy mothers day.

  

   

Solomon Islands Government Ministerial Portfolios

The Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement (DCGA) has finally filled up all 24 ministerial portfolios. It was believed that DCGA has made the appointment based on expertise and experience of the honorable members. 

Minister	Ministry
1. Hon. Manasseh Sogavare	Prime Minister
2. Hon. John Moffat Fugui	Education and Human Resources Development
3. Hon. Makario Tagini	Justice and Legal Affairs
4. Hon. Christopher Laore	Home Affairs
5. Hon. Bradley Tovosia	Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification
6. Hon. Duddley Kopu	Rural Development
7. Hon. Augustine Auga	Agriculture and Livestock
8. Hon. Dickson Mua	Health and Medical Services
9. Hon. william Bradford Marau	Lands, Housing and Survey
10. Hon. Freda AB Tuki Soriacomua	Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs
11. Hon. Samuel Manetoali	Traditional Governance, Peace and Ecclesiastical Affairs
12. Hon. Dr. Culwick Togamana	Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology
13. Hon. Peter Shanel Agovaka	Communication and Aviation
14. Hon. Clezy Rore	Commerce, Industries, Labour and Immigration
15. Hon. Rex Annex Ramofafia	National Planning for Development Coordination
16. Hon. Bartholomew Parapolo	Culture and Tourism
17. Hon. Manasseh Maelanga	Infrastructure and Development
18. Hon. Ishmael Avui	Forestry and Research
19. Hon. Mewa Commins Aston	Provincial Government and Industrial Strengthening
20. Hon. Giro Nestor	Fisheries and Marine Resources
21. Hon. Harry Kuma	Finance and Treasury
22. Hon. Anthony Veke	Police, National Security and Correctional Services
23. Hon. Fredrick Kologeto	Public Service
24. Hon. Jeremiah Manele	Foreign Affairs and External Trade

Fataleka Election Statistics

Fataleka has a new MP

Steve Abana - Former MP

Today on April 6th, 2019, Fataleka constituency has a new member of parliament. He is Rex Annex Ramofafia who contested the national general election under Solomon Islands United Party. Rex defeated the 3 times member of Fataleka constituency Steve Abana who was a stronghold of the Democratic Alliance party with a margin of 851 votes. Mr. Rex scored 2,628 and Abana has 1,777.

Annex Rex Ramofafia - New MP

The constituency was formed in 1993 when the government has approved to expand the national parliament from 38 to 47 seats. Currently, Fataleka (located on the Island of Malaita) is a single-member constituency of the National Parliament of Solomon Islands.


Late John Musuota was the first member elected for the constituency, 1993 - 1997.  The second member was late Ronnie Mannie from 1997 to 2001. The third member of Fataleka was late Casper Cassidy Luiramo who served a single term from 2001 to 2006. The fourth member of Fataleka is Steve Abana who was the longest served member for the constituency, for a period of 3 terms - 2006 to 2010, 2010 to 2014 and 2014 to 2018. The fifth member was the newly elected Mr. Rex Annex Ramofafia for 2019 to 2022 official term.

Fataleka constituency was believed to be one of the undeveloped constituency in Malaita Province. Over the 12 years period under Steve Abana's leadership, there was no evidence of development, there was no road, water, and sanitation, clinics or even schools development in the constituency. These basic infrastructures are the necessary requirements for improving the standard of living for a constituency.
Personally, I believed the election of the new member was the wish of the constituency for a change of leadership. People had suffered enough and the result was a joy to many. 

The majority of Fataleka people are suffering as they sit and watch the fame of their Honorable member soared in success. The constituency witnessed not even a tangible development over the 12 years. What was visible was the expansion of his own business.     

Rex will take on the role from the former member, to a place where the people wish to be. The general desire of the people was a change of leadership. Now the change has arrived, what will happen next? This question will be answered by the new member as time comes. 

I prayed that God will grant wisdom to the young and new member of Fataleka constituency to bless the people with a genuine leadership that will bring happiness and satisfaction to the children, youths, mothers, and fathers across the constituency.

God bless Fataleka.

Season is a time

Ole, Pro. Kim, Peter & Emman

Spring is a season God designed to take place right after the winter. For countries with the 4 common seasons, springtime is a period when trees will blossom and beautify the environment with rainbow-colored flowers. White, yellow, pink, red and orange flowers blooming everywhere, making the scene so amazing and alive after the winter. Everything was just magnificent. So wonderful. 

During springtime, people love to take pictures of flowers, taking photos in the park and along the gardens. While others, they enjoy the sunlight by laying along the beaches, the lawns, and parks. Yesterday (March 27), at our campus, Handong Global University, the temperature was just right for the students to gather along the aisle to get pictures around the campus. All the students really enjoyed the cherry blossoms.

When I saw the beauty, I thought to myself, God is Great. He made the seasons. When I read about the creation in the Bible, I did not even think about the 4 seasons, not even spring or winter. It never came to mind. But when I realized how appealing the springtime was, it reminds me of God's greatness and His wisdom. He made the seasons and sets a time for them.       

Peter, Emman & Ole at Handong Global University campus

In the city of Busan, South Korea, my friends from Africa and I, attended a workshop in the second largest city in South Korea. I have heard of the city - Busan but have never visited. This is my second time to visit this beautiful country, the first visit was way back in 2016 and the second was two years later in 2018. The first visitation was short -only for a period of 28 days during the month of May, basically, to attend a KOICA funded workshop. The second visitation was a bit longer, 17 months, again the trip was funded by KOICA. This time around it’s not for workshop but study.

This is where I meet my friends from Africa (Ghana, Rwanda and Nigeria), they are so kind and friendly. Everywhere they go, I always follow them, to enjoy the great company they offer. It was really a great friends of people to be with. The good thing I like about them was, all of them are Christians, and this makes me blend in well with them.

Every Sunday morning, at 9:00 am, I always receive a knock on my door or sometimes, entries into my room to wake me up. That was the usual role of our leader, to makes sure, we prepare early for the Sunday services at Jongbu church. The church was great because it's only us with few Koreans who can speak English.   

Life was good. I have my friends who can make me smile and we laugh a lot. Several occasions, Korean students were disappointed for the noise was too loud. But one of my friends said, if he cannot talk for a day, he will die. He gets used to talking, laughing and giggling but the Koreans prefer silence. They like to be with their phones on their palms and smile. That’s all they do. It’s different. A new experience but we manage to sort things out and become friends.  

National General Election 2019: Ring the Bell

In the Solomon Islands, the National General Election was held after every four years to elect the members of the parliament. Across the country, registered voters will queue up to the respected polling station to willingly cast their ballots in favor of their selected candidates. According to the constitution, the polling station will open at 8:00 am and close at 5:30 pm just before the dawn, under the guidance of the polling agent, assistance and of course a watchful police officer.

Every year during the election period, people are reminded and strictly reassured with the same old phrase, vote wisely, your vote is your voice. But is this statement real or is it just an illusion or another year to just ring the bell?

The context of an election for Solomon Islanders is viewed differently from the western world with different perception and attitudes. For many, the election is another opportunity to elect a new, energetic, and visionary leader as their representative in the parliament. To others, it’s their privilege to simply sell their vote for an income as a reward for their ballot paper. For some community leaders, the election is a season for a bribe, begging, and requesting for assistance towards the community as a whole or for themselves in the name of the community. All these are the reactions of many Solomon Islanders towards the intending candidates who contest the national election.

This year the bell will ring hopefully during the month of April. The governor general will make the declaration of the exact date soon. May this election bear fruit of genuine leaders who have the burning desire to serve faithfully and loyal to the nation of Solomon Islands.

God bless the Solomon Islands.