STAFF of the Commonwealth Youth Programme (CYP) Pacific Centre in Honiara, were farewelled Thursday, as the office comes to its closure.
THE Ministry of Women, Youth, and Children Affairs organised the farewell ceremony.
The ministry’s director of youth Edward Anisitolo commended the CYP staff for their service to the organisation during its operations here.
He said CYP’s presence was a driving force behind youth movements in the country.
Mr Anisitolo added through the work of CYP, many youths were able to rise to their potentials.
General Secretary of the National Youth Congress Charles Fox also paid tribute to the CYP staff for their service to the nation.
“You have brought pride to our nation through the work you’ve done here,” Mr Fox said.
A youth representative acknowledged the work CYP had done here and within the region.
He said a lot of young people benefitted through the work CYP had done here and called on the government to turn the CYP centre at Panatina into a national youth development centre.
“We believe it will continue to deliver youth programs and activities to empower our young people to be responsible and active to contribute to the development of this nation,” he said.
While the Pacific Centre closes down, the CYP will continue to work in the region with Youth Ministries of Pacific Commonwealth countries and with its regional partners such as the SPC, the UN Agencies and the Pacific Youth Council.
The CYP’s continuation of work will be through a regional focal point which will be established as soon as a ‘home’ for it is decided on by the Commonwealth Secretariat.
By JOY BUAOKA
