Building a Brighter Future for Vanuatu’s Youth
October 6, 2026
Name: Larisa Csiba Position: Program Manager, Youth Challenge Vanuatu (YCV) Island: Ambae & Malekula At 40 years old, Larisa Csiba stands as a shining example of what dedication, passion, and purpose can achieve. Originally from Ambae and Malekula, Larisa grew up on the island of Ambae, raised in a faith-based home that instilled in her a deep sense of compassion and responsibility. Today, she is the Program Manager at Youth Challenge Vanuatu (YCV), a role she has held for the past seven months, but her journey in the youth sector began nearly two decades ago. Larisa’s early education saw her complete Year 10 at Navuturiki Junior Secondary School in 2000. Determined to do more, she went on to earn a Certificate in Community Development and a Certificate IV in Youth Work; qualifications that would later support her growing impact in youth-focused development. Larisa’s professional journey started in 2005 as a volunteer with the Vanuatu Family Health Association (VFHA). “In this role I discovered the importance of investing in the next generation by empowering young people to reach their full potential, become responsible leaders and contribute positively to their communities,” she stated. She then took on various positions from Youth Educator to Hotline Operator, delivering life-saving information about adolescent sexual and reproductive health across the islands. Larisa’s dream of working with Youth Challenge Vanuatu (YCV) became a reality in 2016, when she joined the organisation as a Youth Centre Coordinator. Since then, she’s worn many hats from Training Coordinator, Ready for Work Coordinator, and now Program Manager. In this leadership role, Larisa oversees a team of project coordinators and volunteers, managing program planning, budgets, and implementation, all with one goal in mind — making youth success a national priority. “Teamwork, respect, inclusion, and honesty are the heart of our work,” she says. “We’re creating safe spaces where young people feel valued and supported.” Over the nine years with YCV, Larisa’s biggest reward has been witnessing transformation in young people’s lives. “Seeing a young person get their first job, take ownership of their life, and grow step by step, it’s incredibly fulfilling,” she says. Amongst the joys, there have been challenges. Larisa admits she has, at times, doubted herself and hesitated to take on new responsibilities. “Those were learning moments,” she says. “Now I know that fear is just part of growth.” Faith is a constant pillar in her life. Whether dealing with workplace stress or navigating personal hardships, Larisa leans on prayer, scripture, and self-reflection. Outside of work, she stays grounded through family and self-care. She finds calm in positive music, physical activity, and spending time with her four children—two boys and two girls. Asked about her proudest accomplishment, Larisa doesn’t hesitate: “It’s the impact I’ve had on others. Knowing I’ve played a role in someone’s journey is the most meaningful reward.” Larisa is deeply engaged in youth development networks and represents YCV in the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Working Group led by the Ministry of Health and UNICEF. She’s also driven to see YCV expand into other provinces. Larisa is also honest about the barriers that women face. But she believes change is possible through role models, collaboration, and persistence. “When women believe in themselves, that confidence will reflect in our communities,” she says. For the women of Vanuatu, she hopes for unity, self-belief, and a deeper understanding of their influence within families and society. “We were created for a purpose,” she insists. “And when we uplift each other, we all rise.” To young women stepping into leadership, her advice is: “You have control over your mindset. Stay teachable, be adaptable, and surround yourself with people who lift you up.” As she looks to the future, Larisa remains committed to her calling, developing the next generation of Ni-Vanuatu leaders. “Challenges will come,” she says. “But they’re also opportunities to rise. I believe I’m exactly where I’m meant to be and there’s still so much more ahead.” This feature story is part of a series presenting 26 Vanuatu women who serve on boards, profiled in Balance of Power’s (BoP) book Nation Builders III. The series is the outcome of a six-month partnership between BoP and the Vanuatu Daily Post to recognise women leaders, build awareness of women’s leadership in Vanuatu and encourage wider acknowledgement of their contributions across development and decision-making spaces. SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST
