Malaita Youth Council President Leads Successful Youth Training in Pipisu Community

President of the Malaita Youth Council, Mr. Philip Subu, is currently in the Pipisu community of Ward 24, West Are'Are, for a two-day youth training and ward youth council setup. The training, which concluded successfully today, brought together youth leaders from across the Mareho zone, spanning from Maka to Aarae.

Speaking to Malaita Issues this evening, Mr. Subu expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to participate in the initiative. “I was very honoured to be part of this two-day training, which ended successfully today,” he stated.

The first day of the training focused on educating participants about the structure and function of youth organizations, with an emphasis on how Mareho Ward youth can connect to the broader Malaita Provincial Youth Council (MPYC) and national frameworks. Key presentation topics included:

The Ward to Provincial Youth Structure

National, Pacific, and Commonwealth Youth Structures

The link between youth, Ward Development Committees, and Ward Support Officers

Good Governance and Entrepreneurship

Mr. Subu highlighted that youth leaders actively engaged in thoughtful discussions, raising important questions around sustainability and the long-term independence of youth groups. A notable theme that emerged was the formation of youth groups based on tribal affiliations. This approach is designed to help young people reconnect with their cultural roots, engage more closely with tribal elders, and participate in the sustainable management of their land and marine resources.

A segment of the training was facilitated by Mr. Martin Hoasihere from the West Are'Are Rokotanikeni Association (WARA), who delivered sessions on good governance and entrepreneurship, further empowering the youth with practical knowledge and leadership skills.

A significant outcome of the training was the formal establishment of the Ward 24 Youth Council, which will now work in collaboration with the Malaita Youth Council to advocate for and support youth development initiatives in the area.

After the training ended successfully today, sporting equipment was presented to youth leaders for their community sporting activities.

Mr. Subu extended his gratitude to the West Are'Are Rokotanikeni Association for their vital logistical support and coordination in making the training a success.

He also confirmed that this series of youth empowerment workshops will continue next week in Tai Ward 25, from Monday to Tuesday.

This initiative is part of an ongoing effort to strengthen youth leadership and participation in community youth development across Malaita Province.

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