Nuku station came to live last week Friday (17th of November 2023) with great joy and celebrations amongst the youths, signifying the establishment of their youth voice mechanism – District Youth Development Council (DYDC).
The youths, community and government officials were present at the Nuku Central LLG Chambers to witness the youth leaders from the four (4) Local Youth Development Councils (Nuku Central, Palai, Yangkok and Maimai Wanwan), and the District Youth Development Council (DYDC) sworn into office by Magistrate-Mr Nasihing Bingtau.
It was a milestone event setting in motion a new impetus to empower the youths of Nuku Distrct to be productive citizens. This youth empowerment platform (DYDC) creates a leeway for disadvantaged youths to be recognized and integrated in the mainstream development process, an aspiration held by youths for too long. The formal swearing in was done by Magistrate Nasihing Bingtau, who then challenged the youth leaders to put God first in everything they plan and be God-fearing leaders when discharging roles/responsibilities.
The establishment of the DYDC provides the opportunity for youth voice to be heard in the mainstream decision-making forums such as LLG, DDA Board, Provincial Assembly. This indeed gives great hope to the youths that their plans and programs will gain the recognition and traction from the main development radar. Youth issues are crosscutting and multi-dimensional, hence there is no spot-on solution. The DYDC platform makes it easier for adults and youths to work together for positive youth development in the communities.
To officiate the swearing in was NYDA Deputy Director General, Mr Roby Duri, who officially declared and launched the newly established youth development councils. Mr Duri explained that they have signed declarations of oaths, which now confers them the leadership role consist with NYDA Act 2014. He encouraged the youth leaders to work alongside the District and LLG administrations and raise the youth profile in the district.
The District Administrator, Mr Paul Nengai, emphasized that, with the leadership role they are entrusted with now, they are placed in the position of trust, respect/leadership, hence must raise up to the expectations. He mentioned that the Chairperson of Nuku DYDC, Mr Junior Kipai, now has a great task ahead of him with his executives; he is also qualified now to be an appointed member in the DDA & LLG Level when required.
On behalf of local MP & Minister for Public Service, Hon. Joe Sungi Mr Nengai expressed sincere gratitude and thanked NYDA in taking the call from the District to partner and engage actively in the youths space, which now resulted on the establishment of 4 LLYDCs and Nuku DYDC with programs to follow suit.
The community leaders of Nuku present at the occasion spoke highly of the youth council establishment as they saw it as the right approach to keeping youths away from anti-social behaviors which are rampant in the society. Through this mechanism, it will instill fear and discipline amongst the youths as they will be the leaders of their own to help manage youth issues in their settings, a sense of ownership bestowed.
This was made possible by support from the Office of the Member for Nuku &Public Service Minister, Hon.Joe Sungi, We acknowledge his leadership and vision for his youths of Nuku District – “Leaving No Youth Behind”
