Youth Challenge Vanuatu introduces new approach to support young people

Apr 16, 2025 | Initiatives and Projects | 0

Youth Challenge Vanuatu Programme Manager Larisa Csiba. Photo: Julia Charley

Youth Challenge Vanuatu (YCV) is adopting a new, more personalised approach in 2025 to better assist young people in their development journey.

Following this year’s registration, the organisation introduced one-on-one sessions with each youth participant to better understand their backgrounds and specific needs. This allows YCV to tailor training programmes that suit individual needs.

YCV Programme Manager Larisa Csiba said the shift in approach has already yielded positive results. “We’ve seen that young people come from very different backgrounds. Some are underprivileged, and some have access to more resources, but they still have different needs,” she said. “This new approach pushes us to think outside the box and design training programs that really meet these needs.”

One of the key changes YCV is implementing this year is categorising youth based on their age and education level. This helps in designing appropriate training for each group. Csiba added that YCV is also expanding its network by partnering with other service providers to deliver support they cannot offer directly.

Currently, YCV is running a project called Youth Rise Up, which focuses on working with adolescents to combat gender-based violence. Funded by Save the Children Vanuatu, the project targets youth aged 10 to 19 through workshops in communities and schools. The aim is to build life skills, promote healthy relationships, and encourage informed decision-making.

“The idea is to help young people develop self-respect and strong values,” said Csiba. “If they respect themselves, they are more likely to become successful in life.”

YCV is also preparing to launch a mentoring programme for girls aged 15 to 19, which will be part of the Youth Rise Up project. This will begin later this month.

In addition, YCV continues to work with the Department of Labour (DoL) on a hospital internship programme, which is expected to be finalised soon. This initiative supports young people interested in the tourism and hospitality sector by placing them in internships to gain practical experience in hotels.

YCV also operates Vanuatu Work, a business arm that connects employers with young job seekers, providing job opportunities and career support. The funds generated from job advertisements are used to support youth programs at the YCV Centre when donor funding is delayed.

“We encourage more employers to use Vanuatu Work because it’s one way they can give back to the community and help young people,” Csiba said. “We are looking forward to building more partnerships to strengthen our work.”

Although registration for this year has closed, Csiba encourages youths who missed out to stay connected, as there may be future opportunities to join. “Youth Challenge Vanuatu is here to support young people who may not have had the chance to continue their education. We offer a second chance, helping them become productive members of society.”

YCV offers registered youth access to a youth centre that provides basic computer training, administrative skills, resume writing, job application support, and interview preparation.

SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST

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Youth Challenge Vanuatu introduces new approach to support young people

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Youth Challenge Vanuatu introduces new approach to support young people

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