𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗽𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗠𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗶𝘁𝗮 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗦𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝗠𝗢𝗨 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗬𝗘𝗖𝗔 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁.

Last week, three community youth groups in Malaita Province signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to participate in the Youth Economic and Climate Action (YECA) project. The groups, Oibola Community Youth from Ward 30 Langalanga, Namosalabe Youths from Ward 29 in Central Kwara’ae, and Adakwa Youths from East Malaita, expressed their enthusiasm about the initiative.

The YECA project is funded by Plan International Ireland, with support from the EU Commission through Plan International Pacific Solomon Islands. It is being implemented by the Solomon Islands National Youth Congress (NYC). The collaboration aims to provide economic empowerment opportunities for local youth, including entrepreneurship training, vocational skills development, and access to financial resources.

During the MOU signing, Joseph Walenesia, Chairman of the Oibola YECA Youth Committee, expressed gratitude to Plan International and the Solomon Islands National Youth for selecting their group as a project recipient. "We feel fortunate to be part of the YECA project. It is import that our youth actively participate, as the outcomes will address pressing issues in our community, particularly the impacts of climate change that threaten our people," he stated.

Youth representatives from the Namosalabe community in Central Kwara’ae highlighted the significance of the project, noting that it is the first of its kind to reach their rural area. Sammy Rii, speaking at the MOU signing, remarked, "Our youth are eager to collaborate closely with the project for the betterment of our community over the next two years."

In Adakwa, East Malaita, the Member of Assembly for Ward 16, Hon. Preston Billy, welcomed the initiative during the MOU signing. He emphasized that the youth from Kwai, Ngonosila, and Adakwa are privileged to engage in a project that will enhance their skills and knowledge, motivating them in their home settings.

Harry James Olikwailafia, Chairman of the Solomon Islands National Youth Congress, thanked the selected communities for their warm reception and hospitality during the recent visits to project sites. He expressed anticipation for further collaboration in the coming months, reinforcing the commitment to empower youth in this areas through this important initiative.

Project coordinator Richard Olita told Malaita issues that specific trainings and activities for this communities will be roll out next months after its community has successfully signed MOU with the project.

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