By FFWPU Papua New Guinea
The 3-Day Youth Leadership and Character Education Workshop was a resounding success. It was held from September 25 to 27, 2023, with 28 youths and students from Port Moresby and nearby villages participating. The International Association of Youth and Students for Peace hosted the workshop. It was held at the National Library Hall in Papua New Guinea(PNG) and had the theme “The Role of Youth and Students in Nation-Building.”
During the event, Mr. David Aoneka Lawrence of the National Youth Development Authority (NYDA) shared his valuable insights on youth development and international relations. His extensive experience and knowledge in the field of Youth and Leadership in PNG made his presence significant, providing the host and the organizers with a great opportunity to learn.
The workshop featured an inspirational message by Rev. Man Soo (Alex) Han, National President of FFWPU Papua New Guinea, and lectures by Mr. Ronnie Sodusta, President of IAYSP Asia Pacific. The audience also participated actively in Peace Designers’ Training and presented their solutions to the Challenges of PNG Youth.
Rev. Han then spoke about the importance of leadership and character education. He said that young people are the future of Papua New Guinea and must be equipped with the skills and values necessary to lead their country into a brighter future.
Mr. Sodusta gave a series of lectures on various topics related to youth leadership, Peace Designers’ Training, and character education. He spoke about the importance of setting goals, developing leadership skills, and working together to achieve common goals.
Mr. Sodusta also spoke about the importance of character education. He said that young people need to make an effort to develop strong moral values in order to become responsible and productive members of society. His core message is “Youth, Find your purpose, Change your life.”
Peace Designers’ Training
During the workshop, participants were divided into groups. They then worked together to develop and present their Peace Project Idea, a solution to a problem with the group.
The Peace Designers’ Training was a valuable experience for the participants, and it helped them to develop the skills they need to make a difference in their communities.
Appointment and Oath-Taking Ceremony
One of the workshop’s highlights was the Appointment and Oath-taking Ceremony for the new YSP Officers and YSP Support Group Members. This ceremony was a significant moment for the youth and students involved, as it marked their formal commitment to serving their communities and working towards a better future for Papua New Guinea. The YSP Officers and YSP Support Group Members are responsible for leading the YSP movement in Papua New Guinea. Additionally, the YSP Papua New Guinea launching ceremony and the establishment of three new suburb chapters made the gathering even more significant.
3-Day Youth Leadership and Character Education Workshop found its success with the heartfelt reflections from the participants. The inspiring messages, informative lectures, and active participation of the youth and students made it a truly memorable experience. The host organization and the working group are genuinely grateful for the support and attention given to this workshop, especially the National Youth Development Authority of Papua New Guinea. The youth and students who participated in the workshop were inspired and empowered to make a difference in their communities. They are the leaders of tomorrow, and the workshop gave them the tools and knowledge they need to build a brighter future for Papua New Guinea.