Youth leaders from the Northern Province are forming representative councils that will promote the interests of young people, giving them a voice and supporting greater involvement in decision making on issues affecting them.
In a trail-blazing initiative, more than 40 young women and men attended a five-day workshop, conducted by National Youth Development Authority, where they received leadership and organisational training. They were also supported to prepare action plans to establish Youth Development Councils at the Provincial, District and LLG level.
The initiative is the first of its kind taken under the National Youth Development Authority Act, 2014 and aims to empower young people, foster networks, and provide them with opportunities to promote their interests and aspirations.
Oro Governor Gary Juffa, who attended the workshop, said, “Empowering young people would be of enormous benefit for all in the community.”
Wayne Poruso, Chair of the Steering Committee for the establishment of the Provincial Youth Council, said that often young people were marginalized or blamed for law and order problems in Oro. “However, our young people will be the catalyst for change in their communities, in Oro and in the country,” Mr Poruso said.
Youth leader Nicky Kuvida was among three youth leaders living with disabilities who attended the workshop.
Mr Kuvida said their involvement will help ensure young people with disabilities are empowered and part of the decision making processes.
The workshop was supported by the Australian Government through the Justice Services and Stability for Development Program.
For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100
Oro Province Governor Gary Juffa receives a Youth Development Council action plan from Higatura LLG youth leader Fiona Edward at the conclusion of PNG’s first-ever Youth Development Council workshop in Popondetta, Oro Province..