BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
YOUTHS of Rarumana community in Western Province have acknowledged donor partners for their support in building income-generating facilities that aim to strengthen livelihoods for community youth groups.
Speaking during the handover ceremony yesterday, youth representative Hezilyn Boso said the project plays a vital role in empowering young people, particularly young women and girls through the Girls Tekem Akson lo Climate Change (GTACC) initiative led by Plan International Solomon Islands.
She said four zones have successfully completed the programme, reflecting strong commitment, cooperation and resilience among youths and project partners.
“Through this initiative, young people in Rarumana are better supported to build leadership and life skills, engage meaningfully in climate action, access opportunities for development and contribute positively to their communities and the nation,” Ms Boso said.
She acknowledged partners for their collaboration, technical support and groundwork that enabled the project to succeed, including the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs, the Solomon Islands National Youth Congress and the Western Provincial Government.
Boso also thanked donor partners for funding the project since its inception in 2023 and encouraged youths to take ownership of the facilities.
“Together, we are building resilient, empowered and climate-aware young leaders for tomorrow,” she said.
In his keynote address, Permanent Secretary Aaron Bara Pitaqae described the projects as strategic investments in young people of Rarumana and Western Province.
He said the GTACC initiative reflects the country’s national youth policy and signals a shift in how youths are viewed.
“The National Government’s mandate is clear — the country must move beyond treating youths as vulnerable groups and instead recognise them as drivers of economic growth,” Pitaqae said.
He said the new facilities will provide formal bases of operation, allowing youth-led businesses to expand and thrive.
Plan International People and Culture Officer, Glenda Peninah Iso said the achievement demonstrates the shared commitment of donor partners, government, the provincial administration and communities.
She said the handover symbolises partnership, shared responsibility and confidence in youth leadership.
Iso said the facilities will serve as safe and active spaces for learning, coordination, innovation and community engagement.
She is confident that youths of Rarumana are ready to take leading roles with knowledge and skills gained through GTACC workshops and trainings over the past years.
She acknowledged the Western Provincial Government for its strong leadership and support, describing it as instrumental to the project’s success, and calls on youth groups to strengthen their associations to ensure the facilities remain active, organised and sustainable for the benefit of their communities.
Photo credit: Ben Bilua
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