Country Programs - Vanuatu

PLP began developing its Vanuatu country program in February 2009. Through support to regional partner programs, PLP has also contributed to other Vanuatu activities. These include the establishment of the Gender Equality and Political Governance Program in Vanuatu with UNIFEM as well as the Local Elected Leadership Training with CLGF and the Department of Internal Affairs in 2009.
However, the main areas of the program thus far have focused on youth leadership development through partnerships with the Vanuatu Department of Youth, Training and Sports and subsequently with the Vanuatu National Youth Council. PLP worked closely with the Department of Youth throughout 2009 to support consultations and formation of the provincial and national youth councils. This history has kept PLP informed of youth development issues as well as involved in youth events in Vanuatu.

The Vanuatu program was supported and advised by Nikenike Vurobaravu former political advisor to the Prime Minister’s Office. PLP is looking forward to the development of the NLDF in 2011

 Vanuatu National Youth Forum 

In 2007, the first National Youth Forum in Vanuatu brought together youth representatives from all provinces. This gathering recognised a need for establishing a National Youth Council and an appropriate youth strategy. There was an endorsement by youth representatives that the Department of Youth would be the lead agency tasked setting up the National Youth Council by 2009. From 2007 to 2009, the Department of Youth held area and provincial consultations with youth stakeholders which included youth, women, church, chiefs and provincial government councils. The objective was to set up Area Youth Councils and Provincial Youth Councils, which would identify priorities for the development of a national youth strategy.

PLP approached the Department of Youth to support the establishment of the VNYC in early 2009. This included support for the area and provincial consultations and the national gathering to elect and establish the Vanuatu National Youth Council (VNYC). The VNYC was established in October 2009. This council was voted in by representatives of the provincial councils. Since 2009, the Department of Youth and PLP have agreed that PLP will engage directly with VNYC to support and strengthen this newly established National youth body.

In early 2010, the PLP supported the VNYC in bringing together the council members to identify their priorities, capacity needs, review their constitution and develop a work plan. These were activities that would assist the VNYC in clarifying their form and function and put them in a position to partner with PLP. It was envisioned that once the VNYC had a clear vision and identified set of priorities, the PLP would enter into a partnership to help achieve this vision and ultimately, support their leadership role with youth in Vanuatu. In 2010, the VNYC constitution was endorsed and signed by all council members. The National Youth Strategy has also been accepted and launched by the Minister of Youth. Since the completion of these activities, VNYC and PLP have formalised their relationship with a Partnership Agreement.