THE Western Provincial Government (WPG) has a policy to empower youths within the province to become good leaders.
This was highlighted by Premier Billy Veo in his key note address to open a fair day for members of the Adventist Youth, Ambassador, Pathfinder and Adventurers (YAPA) on Sunday.
The fun day coincided with the country’s 46th Independence Anniversary.
Addressing the hundreds of YAPA members from around five Adventist churches across Gizo Island, Premier Veo said his government has a policy that aims to address youth empowerment.
“Under the current Western Provincial Government, we have a policy document that also captures initiatives that focus on youth empowerment.”
He then went on to highlight four key objectives of the youth empowerment policy.
- Create an enabling environment (infrastructures) to increase opportunities for youths including disabled and marginalized to participate in, lead, plan, make decisions, implement, monitor and evaluate development opportunities within and outside of government systems;
- Establish ‘social youth education and empowerment’ initiatives that focus on bringing the skills gaps of youths to actively participate in social-economic activities;
- Lead the review of the Western provincial youth policy; and
- Support implementation of Ward Youth profiling for the 26 Wards of Western Province.
Premier Veo also highlighted that all church institutions are important stakeholder in achieving some of these objectives.
“Together, we can help our youths where every young person can dream big and contribute to progress the development of our province,” he said.
On behalf of the Western Provincial Government, he also acknowledged the organizers of the event who have worked hard to organize it and make it a successful one.
Premier Veo said allowing young people to involve in such programs will help develop their skills and talents to become good leaders and God-fearing citizens.
The fun day on Sunday commenced with a parade through Gizo town, devotion, speeches, cutting of the Independence Day cake, refreshment and activities and games.
By MOFFAT MAMU
