I came across this piece on Facebook tonight, shared quietly under the title, “Voice in the Quiet.” It captures the inner world of a student sitting in the dorms of Matevulu College, reflecting on the walkout, the protest, and the heavy silence that followed.
“After everyone left, the quiet morning felt long and empty. Gossip filled the air. Only a few girls remained in the dorm. Some were staring at their laptops, their minds clearly filled with confusion and questions.”
“One of them said, ‘I didn’t go because I’m scared of losing my chance at education. We all know good things come with struggle.’”
These words carry the raw honesty many of us overlook when we talk about protests, discipline, and education.
We All Have Our Own Rights
In that quiet dorm, this student realized something important: we all have different experiences, fears, and understandings.
Some students walked out to fight for what they believe is right. Others stayed behind because they fear losing their chance at education, even if conditions are tough.
“We are lucky to be students today, but sometimes we forget what real struggle means.”
Struggle, Protest, and Understanding
The writer reflects on how standing up for others is a good thing, but how it has also affected everyone – the school, the principal, and even those who just want a chance to learn.
“It hurts losing friends who once made us smile, because of the discipline handed out for their mistakes. We’re tired of eating noodles, but maybe that’s because we never fully understood what struggle really is.”
They admit:
“We fought for others because we believed it was the right thing to do. But right now, some of us are still trying to understand what really happened.”
A Call to Adults and Leaders
The post ends with a direct call to parents, leaders, and the community:
“If you think we don’t understand, help us understand.”
“If it’s about how we teenagers act, then why not stop the protest?”
“You keep talking, but why can’t you act?”
“If you think we made the wrong decision, then help guide us to the right one.”
“Once, You Were Our Future. Now, We Are the Future.”
These words are a reminder that while older generations shaped the path, it is now the young people walking it, with all its challenges and hopes.
“Matevulu College is everyone’s future. So please, help us find peace for everyone’s future.”
Final Reflection
This piece, quietly written from a dorm room in Matevulu, is more than a personal reflection. It is a call for understanding, action, and partnership.
The students are not claiming to have all the answers. They are asking for guidance, clarity, and meaningful solutions, not just lectures about struggle.
If we want to build a future for Vanuatu where education truly empowers our young people, we must listen, guide, and act. Because in the quiet moments after protest and confusion, the real questions begin, and that is where real change can start.
Mattdotvu 
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