Youth Advocate pushes for cleaner, more organised communities

May 19, 2025 | Initiatives and Projects | 0

George Worworbu, a Youth Civic Education Advocate with the Vanuatu National Youth Council (VNYC), is calling on communities to become more organised and actively involved in development initiatives, particularly in relation to youth empowerment and environmental responsibility.

Speaking on the Youth Focus Programme on Capital FM107, Worworbu pointed to the importance of collaboration with various youth service providers such as Wan Smol Bag and the Youth Association, among others. He noted that these groups play an important role in providing safe spaces and support for young people across the country.

“When we talk about youth development, it’s not limited to one sector,” Worworbu explained. “It is crosscutting — involving health, agriculture, and other areas. The National Youth Council exists as the voice of young people. When we identify weak areas, we don’t criticise, but instead work with partners to remind them of their responsibilities and help build their capacity.”

He added that the role of the VNYC is often misunderstood. “Many think the National Youth Council is supposed to build houses or buy trucks for youth, but it’s more than that. We are the platform through which young people express their concerns and frustrations. Our aim is to work in various ways to support and empower them.”

Worworbu also announced a multi-partner environmental project focused on addressing electronic waste (E-waste) in Port Vila communities. The initiative is a collaboration between the Department of Environment, Telecommunications and Radiocommunications Regulator (TRBR), Port Vila City Council, and the VNYC.

The project targets household items that operate using electricity or batteries, such as TVs, blenders, and mobile phones — many of which are often discarded improperly, causing environmental harm.

As part of the initiative, three containers have been placed in key locations: Bladinier, Ohlen, and Freshwater. These containers will be used to collect E-waste, and a prize will be awarded to the community that fills their container first. While there is a financial incentive, Worworbu said the real goal is to promote cleaner and healthier communities.

“It’s not about the money. It’s about protecting our environment,” he said.

To support this project, the VNYC is running awareness campaigns in various communities. They are encouraging residents to participate and to visit the VNYC office for more information. The actual container competition will take place in June, but preparation and mobilisation efforts are already underway.

Worworbu also encouraged communities to strengthen their organisational structures. “If your community is not organised, it will miss out on future development opportunities,” he warned. “Projects are more likely to be implemented in areas with active councils, committees, and effective organisers.”

The VNYC continues to play an important role in grassroots development, serving as a vital voice and vehicle for change for the youth of Vanuatu.

SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST

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Youth Advocate pushes for cleaner, more organised communities

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