Over 20 young people from the Freshwater-Tasariki Ward in Port Vila have completed a three-day Civic Education workshop, held last week at Malasi Tabu Presbyterian Church. The training aimed to prepare youth for active participation in the upcoming national elections on July 18.

The workshop was facilitated by the Vanuatu Electoral Office and supported by Transparency International Vanuatu and the Vanuatu National Youth Council.

The Electoral Office led sessions to help youth understand the importance of voting, how government institutions function, and the role young people can play in shaping national decisions. Transparency International delivered sessions on good governance, transparency, and what constitutes corruption.

The final day featured a mini town hall discussion where community leaders and youth representatives shared their vision for youth participation in the elections and discussed challenges and opportunities within the Freshwater-Tasariki Ward.

George Worworbu, Civic Education Advocate from the Vanuatu National Youth Council, said the program included interactive activities that kept the youth engaged and empowered.

Douglas Tamara, Civic Education Advocate from Transparency International Vanuatu, added:

“We support initiatives like this to ensure citizens become more proactive in decision-making processes, especially the youth.”

Participant Junior Serveux said he learned a lot from the workshop:

“It opened my mind to new things. I understand more now about voting and the role I can play as a young person.”

The event was funded by the Vanuatu Electoral Office and Transparency International, with calls from organisers for more government investment in civic education to strengthen youth knowledge and participation.