The China Police Liaison Team (CPLT) sponsored a crime prevention speech competition at Chung Wah School in Honiara on 21 August, bringing together students from schools across the capital to promote safer schools and communities.
The competition was organised by the CPLT and the National Crime Prevention Department (NCPD), with support from the Chinese Association for Schools in Honiara.
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Commissioner attended the event, which focused on crime prevention, positive values, responsible citizenship and the role young people can play in building safer communities.
Students shared their views on issues affecting young people, schools, families and communities.
The competition also provided an opportunity for students to demonstrate their knowledge, express themselves and promote positive approaches to preventing crime.
It featured junior and senior categories, with first, second and third prizes awarded in each category.
A student from Selwyn College won the junior category, while a student from Betikama School won the senior category.
The event highlighted the importance of giving young people opportunities to speak openly about issues affecting their communities and encouraging them to become active participants in crime prevention.
Topics discussed included positive community values, youth mentorship, responsible citizenship, cyber safety, peer support and stronger police-community partnerships.
Students were encouraged to respect differences, reject bullying and cyberbullying, think carefully before posting online and protect their personal information.
They were also encouraged to make positive choices when faced with peer pressure involving drugs, alcohol, vandalism and other harmful behaviours.
Acting police commissioner James Aitorea said crime prevention is a shared responsibility involving police, schools, families, community organisations and young people.
The Commissioner commended the organisers, supporting partners, participating schools, teachers, parents and students for their commitment to the competition.
CPLT Commissioner Bai Haitao said the ideas shared by students would support future cooperation between the CPLT and RSIPF.
He said the discussions would help facilitate targeted community outreach and strengthen crime prevention efforts.
“We encourage all young people to engage in community activities, enhance safety awareness and join crime prevention initiatives,” Bai said.
He urged young people to reject drugs, violence, crime and anti-social behaviour.
“Every youth citizen should resist drugs, stay away from violence, crime and anti-social behaviour, and contribute to building a safer and more secure Solomon Islands,” he said.
Bai said the CPLT and RSIPF had visited more than 300 communities and 80 schools across all nine provinces.
The visits have included safety awareness activities, material donations, safety lectures, youth education campaigns and crime prevention advocacy.
The event reinforced the message that safer communities depend on positive choices and strong partnerships.
It also highlighted the importance of empowering young people with knowledge, positive values and opportunities to take leadership roles in their communities.
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