BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Patrick Kekea, hailing from Guadalcanal province, is a distinguished theatre scriptwriter and performer.

After completing his education, he joined the Solomon Islands Development Trust (SIDT).

Following several years of successful administrative duties and community involvement, the 65-year-old founded the Isi Akson Theatre.

Established in 1990, this organization has focused on promoting educational awareness through theatre drama.

Kekea plays a crucial role in administration and outreach, seeking potential funding to support the initiatives of the Akson Theatre.

The Isi Akson Theatre comprises a team of eight volunteer dramas who are available as needed, depending upon funding.

“This is a youth-led organization, and I was a youth when I started the group,” Kekea recalled.

 He has been at the helm of the group for nearly 45 years.

“Our activities involve educational awareness through drama activities, and we also conduct participatory workshop training,” he added.

Since its inception, the Isi Akson Theatre has collaborated with various organizations, including SIDT and World Vision Solomon Islands, to implement programs in local villages.

“We collaborate with the Solomon Island Development Trust, which serves as the umbrella organization for various NGOs, including World Vision and others that require support in disseminating information within rural communities through the use of Drama. Our efforts extend beyond the Guadalcanal province to other regions such as Malaita, Isabel, and Choiseul, reaching as far as Temotu province,’’ said Passionate Kekea.

“There are a select few individuals I rely on when assistance is needed, primarily youths, as we actively encourage young people to engage in this work,” Kekea said.

The messages conveyed through the theatre address a range of social issues, including health, environmental concerns, economic challenges, and spiritual matters.

“I typically conduct research to gather relevant information, draft scripts, prepare the Drama, and then proceed to educate the community,’’ he said.

One of the significant challenges faced by the organization, according to Kekea, is securing funding to support its initiatives.

As the founder, he has been diligently working to ensure the organization’s sustainability.

“A persistent challenge I encounter is accessing financial resources, as we are a village-based group lacking specialized personnel. We struggle to obtain funding for our activities. Currently, we do not have qualified individuals to assist with our efforts. Therefore, I manage this challenge to the best of my ability to ensure the organization continues to operate,” Kekea explained.

This year, the Isi Akson Theatre will not only continue its drama activities but will also advance the tree planting initiative that commenced in 2013, with the backing of UNDP.

The organization is eager to initiate several projects this year, focusing on tree planting, agriculture, and conservation efforts.

“We began our tree planting efforts in 2013 after obtaining funding from UNDP. Our goal is to plant additional trees; however, funding remains a significant challenge, as I have previously mentioned. We have worked diligently to reach this point,” he stated.

A notable achievement from the tree planting initiative was the transformation of grassland into a forest in Kolokisu at Aruligo.

“Historically, trees did not grow in that area, so we took the initiative to create a forest. What was once grassland has now become a thriving forest. Through our planting efforts, we have introduced over 6,000 trees, including Eclipta, mahogany, Malayan, and various other local species.”

“Women in the region faced considerable difficulties in sourcing firewood, but now they can easily obtain it from the trees or fallen branches,” Kekea said.

“Trees are vital for absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and providing us with the oxygen we need. They serve as a carbon sink, which is essential,” he said.

The Isi Akson Theater Group, with the support of Irelan, will embark on a project focused on biodiversity conservation, particularly about Weather costs this year 2025.

“We aim to protect two fish species that are on the brink of extinction. Our goal is to conserve the habitat where these species thrive in the river. The species are freshwater snapper and the mullet fish,” he stated.

The founder of Isi Akson also offered valuable guidance to the youth of today.

“You are shaped by your experiences. Pursue your passions. If you possess even a small skill, nurture it. Through this, you can achieve your desires. Continuous practice is essential. You have the potential to succeed. Any knowledge you acquire can be cultivated, serving as a means to generate income that can support you, your family, and your community,” he advised.

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