Western Provincial Youth Council (PYC) Stakeholder Consultation successful held in Gizo on Wednesday.
National Youth Congress has facilitated the consultation at the Women Resource Centre.
It brought together key stakeholders from government line ministries, non-government organizations (NGOs), church groups, youth representatives, and community leaders.
The aim was to discuss the role of the Provincial Youth Council and how stakeholders can collaborate more effectively to address youth development issues across the province.
Theresa Keninakua, Youth Affairs Officer of NYC, said the consultation was timely, especially with the growing concerns around unemployment, drug abuse, and lack of opportunities for rural youths.
“This meeting is crucial to ensure all partners are on the same page when it comes to youth development.
“Moreover it is the meaningful engagement of the youths that needs to be strengthened that falls in the proper structure within the Youth Development Structure from National level to grassroots level,” she said.
“We must work together to build strong networks and support systems that can empower young people,” she added.
Stakeholders expressed strong support for revitalizing the PYC structure, ensuring it becomes more inclusive, active, and responsive to the needs of youth in both urban and remote communities.
One of the stakeholder representative, Rendy Solomon, President of the Western Province Women’s Council said it will be more effective approach if all the key stakeholders and Youth Council starting from Ward level to youth groups like church based group, working together to address social issues affecting youths and all other genders.
Mrs Solomon said the only key to achieved a common goal and purpose is by integrate all the cross cutting sectors, key stakeholders including provincial government before reaching the national government.
She added that it is time to make an effort to strengthen our youths in every 26 Wards across Western province.
Discussions also touched on the need for better funding mechanisms, capacity-building programs, and sustainable youth-led initiatives. Participants agreed that youth voices must be central in the planning and implementation of community development programs.
A final report from the consultation will be submitted to the Western Province Youth Desk Office and relevant authorities to guide future policy and funding decisions.
Out of 26 Wards at the Ward Level, only Gizo Ward 11 has a Youth Executive Committee Members that is active that is funded by GTACC Project for its establishment.
Other Wards in the province did not have their Youth Committee or inactive due to Challenges of financial burdens.
By Ulutah Gina
Solomon Star, Gizo
