Permanent Secretary Dr Cedrick Alependava (third right) with Executive members of the newly launched Youth Workers Association of Solomon Islands (YWASI).
Government committed to support youth stakeholders
The Government through the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs remains committed to work closely with all stakeholders to jointly address the challenges facing youth workers.
Permanent Secretary Dr Cedrick Alependava when launching the Youth Workers Association of Solomon Islands (YWASI) on Sunday said it is the Ministry’s priority to strengthen policy coherence and stronger cooperation between relevant sectors to collectively direct attention to the needs and aspirations of the youth workers and youth of Solomon Islands.
Dr Alependava noted that Youth and Social workers make an enormous contribution to national development, engaging, developing and empowering youth adults and adolescents.
He highlighted that Solomon Islands is one of the countries in the pacific to have youth work recognized in the National Youth Policy 20117 -2030 and is prominently featured in the Strategic Framework for Youth Development and Empowerment in Solomon Islands in line with the DCGA social policy redirection objectives to “strengthen and increase support for women and youth empowerment programs.
He said the launching gives a chance to reflect and redirect this emerging association to better support work on how best to rise above challenges to advance youth work in the country not only moving forward but strategically and meaningfully and productively into the future.
“You inspire and motivate these young [people, building their skills and confidence to succeed and it is now your part to play as an association to advocate for professionalization of youth work in the country,” he told the YWASI executive and members.
The Permanent Secretary said the Ministry has been supporting YWASI with grant assistance allocation towards its establishment and hopes to see it operate to be a standalone body of youth workers.
Youth Workers Association of Solomon Islands (YWASI) is a registered charitable organisation, a focal point for youth affairs stakeholders to consider and respond to particular issues affecting young people and those that work with them.
The launching concluded with a radio talk back show with a panel of various youth workers in the country.
Registration forms can be collected from the Youth Development Officer at the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs, Level 4, Anthony Saru Building, Point Cruz
-MWYCFA Press