By RODRICK DESURI
Auki
An eight-week training programme for youths was successfully concluded at Talakali Adventist Community, Malaita Province, on Thursday, December 11, 2025.
The after-school programme aimed to help young people build confidence, learn new skills and understand the importance of becoming good role models in their families and communities.
The programme ended with a graduation ceremony where the participants had the opportunity to receive certificates of participation.
The event was attended by World Vision Malaita, mentors, community leaders, parents, children, and other supporters.
The Malaita Provincial Youth Coordinator, Frank Samo, was the guest of honour at the ceremony.
During the program, a total of eight mentors from the Malaita Youth Council took part in guided discussions, group activities, mentoring sessions, reflections, and social time with their peers.
Key focusing topics included;
1) Helping young people build strong and positive relationships with mentors.
2) Teaching youths how to become positive role models.
3) Supporting personal growth and confidence.
4) Encouraging safer, more peaceful, and united communities.
According to one youth mentor, David Wairi, the programme used a 4-to-1 mentee-to-mentor ratio, allowing youths to receive close support from trained mentors.
It also teaches young people how to move away from harmful behaviors by choosing positive actions that can inspire others in their community.
He stated that community leaders and parents praised the program during the graduation, saying they have already seen positive changes in the youths who took part.
“The guest of honor encouraged the graduates to continue using the skills they learned to build a better future for themselves and their communities,” he said.
The training was funded by UNICEF and implemented by World Vision Solomon Islands, with strong support from the Malaita Youth Council, which helped coordinate activities in both communities.
The Radefasu and Talakali communities took part in the programme.
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