Malaita Provincial Youth Council Engages with Japan Embassy to Discuss Youth Empowerment Opportunities

Honiara, Solomon Islands – In a significant move aimed at empowering the youth of Malaita Province, the Malaita Provincial Youth Council (MPYC) held a key meeting with Hudson Kalaeda, Advisor to the Embassy of Japan, on Tuesday morning. The primary focus of the discussion was to explore opportunities to energize and support the young people of Malaita, with a particular emphasis on education, health, and community development.

The MPYC delegation, led by President Phillip Subu and Vice President Jason Oihanua, included executive members Noel Elota (Malaita Outer Islands Representative), Christina Qwaina, and Communications Support Maverick Peter Seda. During the meeting, the MPYC executives raised several critical issues impacting youth in the province, including ongoing and upcoming projects aimed at enhancing youth welfare and long-term plans to ensure sustainable development for young people in the region.

Among the issues raised, Noel Elota highlighted the urgent challenges posed by climate change, especially in the Malaita Outer Islands, where rising sea levels and extreme weather events are already affecting the livelihoods and future prospects of young people. Christina Qwaina also brought attention to rising health concerns, particularly the increasing incidence of cervical cancer among young girls in the province.

In response, President Phillip Subu and Vice President Jason Oihanua expressed their appreciation for Japan's ongoing support in areas such as education, sustainable forestry, and infrastructure development in Malaita. Both leaders noted that young people are and will continue to be the primary beneficiaries of these initiatives, which will significantly contribute to the region's future prosperity.

Hudson Kalaeda, Advisor at the Japan Embassy, provided valuable insight into the potential for scholarships and grassroots programs that could directly benefit youth in Malaita. He emphasized Japan’s commitment to supporting youth through various livelihood, education, health, and community initiatives, underscoring Japan's long-standing relationship with the Solomon Islands and its dedication to fostering opportunities for young people in the Pacific region.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to further collaboration between the Malaita Provincial Youth Council and the Japan Embassy, ensuring that youth development remains at the forefront of both local and international efforts in the Solomon Islands.

~Malaita Youth Hub Press