Six-day YCV workshop builds youth confidence and parent support in Pango

Jul 15, 2025 | Initiatives and Projects, News | 0

Youth Challenge Vanuatu (YCV) held a six-day workshop at Pango School starting last Wednesday, involving more than 100 students from Year 7 to Year 9.

The workshop aimed to help students build self-respect, recognise their worth, and find motivation to contribute positively to their communities.

Parents participated in their own sessions alongside the students to learn more about positive parenting approaches within the home and the wider community.

YCV Programme Manager Larisa Csiba referred to the African proverb, “It takes a community to raise a child,” noting that it reflects the organisation’s belief in shared responsibility for the development of young people.

“As a result, we are committed to working closely with community leaders and parents through the Yut Rise Up Workshop. We believe these collective efforts can bring lasting change in the lives of our youth and help build a better future for Vanuatu,” said Csiba.

Yut Rise Up facilitator Carlos Tangarasi said many young people are facing challenges and engaging in harmful behaviours, which is why the programme targets both schools and communities to help young people discover their purpose.

“It’s more than just being part of a community; it’s about identity and the sense of belonging that comes with it,” Tangarasi said. “We also support them in understanding how their thoughts and emotions develop and how to manage these changes in a healthy way.”

Parents attending the workshop were encouraged to reinforce the messages given to students, and to help create a safe and supportive environment at home. The sessions focused on strengthening communication, trust, and emotional support between parents and their children.

YCV believes that youth development cannot be addressed in isolation. In light of the growing challenges faced by young people, the organisation continues to draw on the African proverb as a foundation for its community-based approach.

“Consequently, we are dedicated to working closely with community leaders and parents through the Yut Rise Up Workshop,” YCV noted. “We are confident that through united efforts, we can bring positive and lasting change in the lives of our youth and support a brighter future for Vanuatu.”

The workshop focused on several goals for both students and parents. These included raising awareness about adolescent rights and responsibilities, strengthening support systems within schools and communities, developing life skills to support decision-making and confidence, and promoting respectful relationships. Gender-based violence was also addressed through activities aimed at challenging harmful norms and encouraging resilience.

Parents were also guided to understand the content delivered to their children, while building practical skills to support open dialogue and equality at home. Their sessions encouraged alignment between families and the programme, and supported parenting strategies that build safe, respectful, and motivating environments for young people.

YCV is inviting community leaders and schools interested in hosting this programme to get in touch to explore future workshops.

The Pango workshop took place from July 9 to July 16 and is part of the Yut Rise Up Programme, which is funded by Save the Children.

SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST

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