PAYA Holds First Workshop in Nauru
On Saturday, 18th May 2024, the Pacific-Australia Youth Association Inc. (PAYA) proudly hosted its first workshop in Nauru, focusing on Youth Development, held at the University of South Pacific Nauru Campus. The event brought together 15 passionate young leaders from across the island, marking a significant step toward fostering youth empowerment and community engagement.
Led and facilitated by the inspiring Ankemwi Jason Garoa, the workshop created a vibrant space for open dialogue and collaboration. Participants engaged in meaningful discussions and activities designed to address the unique challenges faced by Nauru's youth.
The event began with a special video message from Dominic de Moura McCarthy, encouraging the young leaders to embrace their potential and drive positive change. This was followed by a youth empowerment address from Miss Nauru, Rosita Rokobuli.
The centrepiece of the workshop was a series of brainstorming sessions, where participants identified and analysed key challenges impacting youth development in Nauru. From access to education and employment opportunities to mental health and community engagement, these sessions encouraged critical thinking and innovative problem-solving.
At the conclusion of the workshop, the youth presented their ideas and proposed actionable solutions to address these challenges. Their enthusiasm and commitment to making a difference were evident, sparking a collective eagerness to continue the conversation and take concrete steps toward implementing their vision.
PAYA is thrilled with the success of this workshop and the dedication shown by Nauru’s young leaders. We are committed to supporting their efforts and fostering a network that empowers Pacific youth to be agents of change. This workshop marks the beginning of an exciting journey for PAYA in Nauru, and we look forward to collaborating with these incredible young minds in the future. This year’s Youth Leadership Summit will be held in Nauru in November 2024 and this program was an ideal way to build momentum to our flagship annual event.
To everyone who participated—thank you for making this event a memorable and impactful experience. Thank you to the University of South Pacific Nauru Campus Student Association for providing the venue. Together, we are shaping a brighter future for Nauru and the Pacific region.
