BY IRWIN ANGIKI

Abel Wanesuia is leading the way with empowering youths in his rural community of Besi in the hinterlands of North Malaita, Malaita province.

Mr Wanesuia is the deputy chairman of the USP student association of the Solomon Islands (USPSASI).

Outside of studies, Wanesuia is heavily involved in youth work in the country and his community.

Wanesuia’s youth work at Besi community advocates for education and other activities that support sustainable livelihoods.

His work was awarded recognition and a boost by the Malaita Provincial Youth Council (MPYC) by way of $10,000 sub-grant to fund youth work in the Besi community on March 17.

Wanesuia, receiving the grant thanked the MPYC saying it will go directly to empowering Besi village.

“I extend my heartfelt thanks to you and the Malaita Province Youth Council for partnering with DFAT to unlock the potential of Besi Village, North Malaita.

“This initiative is a powerful step toward transforming the lives of my people and aligns directly with the vision for sustainable development in rural areas.

“This support is not only appreciated but will leave a lasting impact.”

Wanesuia’s work along with his team of dedicated community workers saw the establishment of a school in his village in 2003 called the Besi Accelerated Christian Education (ACE) Christian School.

This year the school witnessed its first tertiary scholars, a boy and a girl both receiving their admissions to start their degree programme with the University of the South Pacific.

Meanwhile, MPYC president Phillip Subu said in a statement that the funding is from the Australian government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

The fund, totalling SBD$135,250 is aimed at empowering young people in Malaita to lead positive change within their communities.

Wanesuia and his Besi community youth work are among 13 recipients of the fund.

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