Some communities around Port Vila started celebrating International Youth Day yesterday. The theme this year is ‘Ol lokol yut Action blong pipol plan’. The celebration runs for three days, ending tomorrow.

The event brings together young people from Anamburu, Seven Star, Holen, Tebakor, Manples, Agathis, Wan Smol Bag, Bladiniere, and the end of the airport area.

Today, more than 100 youth gathered at the Agathis Sports Complex to take part in different activities. The main sports played were futsal and mixed volleyball (boys and girls).

Rio Jimmy from the Shefa Futsal League said the aim was to give youth a positive activity and change how they are seen.

“The main reason is to make parents proud and stop calling youth lazy. Activities like this also help them.”

Steve Banga from Vanuatu Beach Volleyball said the program is a great way to promote gender equality and social connection.

“I am glad to unite these youth. We have volleyball and football, and we mix boys and girls to promote equality. It gets them out of their comfort zone.”

Two participants, Lilly Isiah and Anthony Santy, also shared their thoughts.

Lilly: “We came to enjoy the games. We learned new skills we didn’t have before.”
Anthony: “Many youth should join events like this to stay away from trouble.”

The three-day program’s main goal is to keep young people engaged in positive activities, away from crime and bad behaviour, while meeting and socialising with youth from other areas.

Tomorrow will be the closing day, starting with a parade from Tagabe to Agathis Sports Complex, followed by speeches, more activities, and the final matches of the sports competitions.