Young Solomon Islands student urges youth to save money, conserve resources and protect the environment for a better future.

By Steven Kamoa

A young Solomon Islands student has encouraged his peers to develop good saving habits and take greater responsibility for protecting the country’s natural resources.

Dennis Solomon Waeta, a student at Burnscreek Primary School, delivered the message during a speech competition held as part of the Solomon Islands National Provident Fund (SINPF) 50th anniversary celebrations.

Speaking on the topic “Saving Today for a Better Tomorrow,” Waeta said saving should not only be about setting money aside, but also about making choices that consider future needs.

“Saving means thinking ahead, avoiding waste, and preparing ourselves for the future,” Waeta said.

He said the same principle could be applied to everyday resources such as water, electricity and food, as well as the natural environment.

Waeta encouraged students to switch off unused lights and electrical appliances, avoid wasting food and water, and take steps to protect forests, oceans and rivers.

He also raised concerns about the impact of environmental damage on future generations.

“But if we destroy our environment today, what will we leave for our children tomorrow? The answer is simple: nothing,” he said.

Waeta also linked personal saving habits to financial preparedness, encouraging young people to start developing those habits from an early age.

Using a $10 example, he said young people could choose to spend the money or set some aside for future needs.

He acknowledged the role of SINPF in providing a savings system for Solomon Islanders, while encouraging young people to recognise that they can also contribute to the country while they are still in school.

“We may be young, but we are the leaders of tomorrow. The future of our country is sitting in our classrooms,” he said.

Waeta encouraged students to begin with small actions, including saving a dollar, conserving water, switching off unused lights and planting trees.

He said individual actions, when adopted more widely, could contribute to broader changes in communities.

He ended his speech with a message encouraging young people to think about their future choices.

“Save today, prepare tomorrow, and build a future.”

The speech competition was part of SINPF’s 50th anniversary programme and provided a platform for young people to discuss saving, responsible resource use and the future of Solomon Islands.