[Published on Tuesday, 5 May 2026]
BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
TWENTY youths in Western Province have completed training to become Digital Safety Trainers and ambassadors, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to promote online safety across their communities.
The training is funded by ChildFund Australia through its Swipe Safe Program and co-implemented by Homes of Peace and Empowerment (HOPE) Trust.
Swipe Safe Program Coordinator Helen Ribako told Island Sun that the participants will undergo an intensive five-day training focused on digital safety, including how to effectively deliver awareness programs in schools.
She said the youths will be trained to identify online risks, respond to issues such as cyberbullying, and understand reporting mechanisms and support systems available for victims.
“This is a five-day training where we try to equip youths with relevant knowledge on digital or online safety.
“We understand that digital transformation has reached our homes, and with it comes risks such as online bullying or cyberbullying. This training is designed to address those challenges,” Ribako said
She said the initiative aims to ensure sustainability after the project ends, with trained youths expected to continue advocacy and awareness efforts in their communities.
“These youths will become trainers and facilitators after completing the training.
“They will soon be deployed to schools to conduct awareness and training programs,” Ribako said.
She said the participants were selected through the Western Province Youth Association and the Youth Division of the Western Provincial Government.
Ribako said the geographical challenges of Western Province, noting that its scattered islands make outreach difficult, but training local youths provides an effective solution.
“Western Province is one of the biggest provinces with scattered islands. With the support of the Youth Association and the Youth Division, we identified youths from Gizo, Noro and Munda and trained them to become trainers.
“In doing so, we are confident the delivery of this project will reach many people, especially youths and children in rural communities,” she said.
Ribako acknowledged the Western Provincial Government and the Western Province Youth Association for supporting and embracing the program.
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