Coach Enoka encourages young Cook Islanders not to leave
Management and mental skills coach Gilbert Enoka has some down to earth advice for young Cook Islanders who want to stem the tide of emigration and live and work in their own country.
Though many struggle with limited educational resources, a restricted job market and low wages, he says none of those factors should be a barrier to achieving the best in life.
Enoka, a Cook Islander, has worked with top New Zealand sporting teams and still works with the All Blacks. And he says he has learned through life that people are a product of their own expectations.
“Many people influence our expectations – our parents, our teachers, our friends, the media, television and the like,” he said in an exclusive email interview with the Cook Islands Herald.
“Once we understand that the person who has the biggest influence over what we achieve is ourselves, then anything is possible. We can’t change our parents, our families and often the circumstances we find ourselves in – but we have total control over our attitude.
“If I find that educational opportunities are limited in my immediate environment, then I have a choice. I can sit and bleat to others about ‘nothing being available’ or I can go and do something about it.
“For example the internet has opened the world up to each and every one of us. Anything we want to know, do or learn can be accessed through this. All it takes is an open mind, a willingness to search and a persistence that ensures you will do what it takes to get what you want.
“It’s all about choice and attitude. In the end, the only person that stops you achieving something is yourself!
Enoka said it was good to hear that there were young Cook Islanders who still wanted to live and work in their own country.
“The world outside the island paradise is full of wannabees and corporate climbers who in reality lack the substance to make them real human beings.
“You can’t put a price on a beautiful view, the love of being in and around the extended family, watching the sun set over the ocean, watching the children play in the street till well after dark.
“The challenge for our young people moving forward, is to create greater opportunities within Raro so that people can earn a credible living while maintaining the essence of an island paradise.
“Whilst this presents the greatest challenge, with the right attitude it becomes the greatest opportunity.”

— Cameron Scott

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