Malaita youths were not left out of the 2008 World Youth Day celebrations.
According to the Catholic Calendar, July 15th is a day dedicated to all the youths around the world.From Sunday 13th to Sunday 20th July 2008, Buma Centre in West Kwaio, experienced the biggest gathering, when over 2,000 youths around the Catholic Diocese of Auki get together there.
There were youth representatives from all the nine parishes; Takwa, Usu'usue, Kwalakwala, Dala, Auki, Buma, Rohinari, Rokera and Tarapaina parishes.
Youths from Kukum parish as well as seminarians from Holy Name of Mary from Honiara also attended.
These enthusiastic young people traveled for hours by ship, outboard powered canoes, trucks and by foot to the host venue, in Buma parish.
The one week celebrations included; sports - soccer for the boys, netball for girls and volleyball for both boys and girls.
There were night talks on health issues, policing, vocations, etc. Daily masses animated by different parishes were also part of the celebrations.
Feasting and the prize presentation closed the celebration on Sunday 20th July 2008.
Press Release (Catholic Communications, Honiara)