Hosanna: One in a million

Every once in a while, somebody emerges with such an amazing mix of intelligence, drive, attractiveness and character that you can tell immediately they are on their way to greater things.

Hosanna Noelle-Leilani Kabakoro is one such teenager, with roots in Fiji, who is carving out a niche for herself in the United States. At the same time, she is waving Fiji’s flag high with every opportunity she gets. (Page 22)

“That girl will one day be prime minister,” Josua remarked while reading her story.

In late July, 18-year-old Hosanna found herself competing in the Miss Teen USA, having being crowned her state’s teenage queen – Miss Idaho Teen – in October 2009.

She walked away from the Miss Teen USA competition in the Bahamas with the Miss Congeniality crown, but Hosanna is smart enough to know that there are more important things in life than beauty pageants.

The important things – like community work, family life, education – are what propelled Hosanna to fame in the first place. In the past two or so years Hosanna has been in the spotlight, she has continued to astound, gaining awards, recognition and plaudits from the highest levels of American society.

But what is even more amazing is the strength of character she possesses to be able to move past the trauma of having witnessed her family chased off their property in Vanua Levu as a young girl during the political upheavals of 2000. When the family moved to the state of Idaho in the United States, she could easily have forgotten about this country, some 10,000 kilometres away.

Hosanna, whose mother is originally from Hawaii, could easily have turned her back on Fiji as the country that treated her badly 10 years ago. But she couldn’t and didn’t.

Instead, from half the world away, she wholeheartedly embraced this country, and her people of Naweni, Cakaudrove in Vanua Levu.

This also says a lot about the values and ideals instilled in her. Her father is a pastor and it is apparent that his teaching Hosanna has taken to heart. She was homeschooled by her mum and her achievements so far are an indication that when children are given proper attention and care, they have the potential to soar.

Hosanna will be chief guest at the inaugural Fiji Children’s Award in November to coincide with UN International Children’s Day. She will bring a message of hope for those of Fiji’s children who have selflessly served their communities or families without recognition – and to their own disadvantage.

This month, on August 12 the International Year of the Youth begins. For the first time in history, Fiji’s disparate youth groups have united as a single force for change. Jacque Koroi (Page 56) highlights the case for youth. She points out that some 60 per cent of Fiji’s population is under the age of 29. Young people dominate the prison population, and they are most vulnerable to health issues, violence, unemployment, poverty and crime, to name a few.

Here’s hoping that in the year ahead, the profile for youth – and children – will be raised. Here’s hoping that no longer will young people be expected to accept the status quo in silence. Here’s hoping that young people will be able to step up and take their rightful place in decision-making circles not only in their homes, but in the community and country at large.

This issue is dedicated to children and young people everywhere.