The National Youth Development Authority (NYDA) has launched a pilot youth engagement program in Vanimo Green District to address rising numbers of out-of-school youth and link them to skills training and livelihood opportunities.

Implemented from 23rd-26th of February, in partnership with the West Sepik Provincial Administration and Vanimo Green District Administration, the initiative targets youths in Vanimo Urban Local Level Government (LLG).

Participants will be mobilized into pathways including TVET training, agriculture (oil palm, cocoa, livestock, fisheries), SME activities and town beautification.

Four District Community Development Advisors were trained and equipped with laptops to register youths through the NYDA’s online platform, enabling real-time data collection and referral to empowerment programs.

NYDA Director-General Joe Itaki, said coordinated action is vital to identify and support out-of-school youth and connect them to existing opportunities.

The program was launched by Vanimo Green MP and Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Belden Namah, who said the district will establish a Youth Resource Centre to support training and engagement.

He thanked NYDA for selecting Vanimo Green as the country’s first pilot district.

Furthermore, NYDA stated that the initiative places young people at the center of sustainable development through stronger partnerships and targeted engagement.