National Youth Council expands influence in youth development and governance

Feb 10, 2025 | News | 0

The Vanuatu National Youth Council (VNYC) is a mandated body representing young people across the country through its structured membership at various levels, including area councils, provinces, and municipalities. Youth representatives are elected through a democratic process that begins at the grassroots level and progresses to the national council.

Principal Administrator of VNYC, Joe Kalo, explained that Vanuatu comprises six provinces and two municipalities, all of which contribute to the formation of the VNYC. The elected representatives from these eight regions convene to vote for their executive committee, ensuring that the council is inclusive of all young people in both municipal and provincial areas. The council’s structure mirrors that of the local authorities, allowing youth representatives to actively participate in council meetings at all levels of governance.

“At the area council level, youth representatives are included in council meetings. At the provincial level, the elected provincial youth president participates in discussions and decision-making processes alongside other provincial leaders,” Kalo said. “These representatives bring forward youth-related issues, which are then tabled at local government meetings.”

At the national level, the youth council president works closely with the government, the Ministry of Youth, and various stakeholders to advocate for youth development and address emerging challenges across different sectors.

Impact of recent events on youth council activities

The recent dissolution of Parliament and subsequent snap election created an opportunity for the VNYC to engage young voters. Prior to the earthquake in Port Vila, the council had planned to facilitate a dialogue between youth representatives and election candidates. However, the disaster disrupted these preparations, limiting engagement to the final day of campaigning. Despite these challenges, the council successfully gathered candidates for interviews to discuss their plans if elected to Parliament.

In the aftermath of the earthquake, the VNYC worked with the Prime Minister’s Office and the Security Council to assess the well-being of young people affected by the disaster. They conducted community outreach, interviews, and collaborated with the Family Health Association to provide medical assistance. Recognising that many young people suffered injuries but remained at home without proper care, the council partnered with mobile clinics to ensure access to healthcare services. Additionally, with the support of the Department of Youth and UNICEF, temporary shelters were set up in evacuation centres.

Youth engagement in elections and governance

Apart from disaster response efforts, the VNYC played an active role in voter education campaigns, encouraging young people to participate in the electoral process. Kalo noted a significant turnout of youth voters this year despite the disruptions caused by the disaster. The council also supported young people in engaging with campaign events to better understand candidates’ platforms before casting their votes.

Furthermore, young people were actively involved in the election process itself, working as polling station staff and election observers. Kalo said this level of engagement is promising for the future of democracy in Vanuatu, as it reflects a growing interest among youth in governance and national development.

Challenges and policy developments

Since assuming office in 2012, Kalo has observed that government funding for youth initiatives remains limited, with an annual allocation of approximately VT2 million. Despite financial constraints, the council has worked closely with youth leaders across different wards in Port Vila to improve access to employment, training, and essential services.

Before the re-establishment of the youth council, many youth programmes were managed by Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), often without centralised accountability. To address this, the VNYC has advocated for greater authority in coordinating youth initiatives. By lobbying with government agencies, NGOs, and youth representatives, the council has successfully influenced policy changes, including the passage of new laws and the integration of youth development strategies into the national corporate plan of the Ministry of Youth.

Additionally, Kalo said that the VNYC has contributed to policy frameworks across multiple sectors, including health, agriculture, education, and social welfare. One of its key achievements has been its involvement in developing the Family Life Education curriculum, which is now implemented both in schools and community-based learning programs. The council is currently working on a policy to support family education initiatives for out-of-school youth, ensuring they have access to resources and services tailored to their needs.

Through its continued efforts, the VNYC remains committed to empowering young people and ensuring their voices are heard in national development discussions.

SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST

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