Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1696588802598.pdf (Vanuatu)
VANUATU NATIONAL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT POLICY 2012-2022 AND STRATEGIC PLAN OF ACTION 2012-2015 Defining our future… Aspirations and potentials of young people towers in the fringes of tomorrow like a mountain whose waters nourishes the valleys or a volcano waiting to erupt... International Youth Day, 2012 Young people under the age of 30 years old make up 68% of the total population of Vanuatu.
If Vanuatu was a house of a family of 10 people, 7 of them would be considered a young person, while 2 will be considered an adult and 1 will be an old person.

How this house sustains, or family how this reproduces is positively correlated to the investment it puts in these young people.

itself 0 VANUATU NATIONAL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT POLICY 2012-2022 AND STRATEGIC PLAN OF ACTION 2012-2015 NOVEMBER 2012 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.

INTRODUCTION 1.1.

Background 1.2.

Definition of Youth 1.3.

Youth Profile 1.4.


Issues Impinging on the Vanuatu Youth 1.5.

Brief History of the Development of Youth Policy 1.6.

Overview of the National Youth Development Policy 2.

VISION, MISSION, VALUES, SCOPE AND OBJECTIVES 2.

Vision Statement 3.

Mission Statement 2.3 Values 2.4 Scope 2.5 Objective 3.

RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE VANUATU YOUTH 3.1 Rights of the Youth 3.2 Obligations of the Youth 3.3 Obligations of Government, Parents and Guardians towards the youth 4.
KEY AREAS FOR POLICY ON YOUTH 4.1 Introduction 4.2 Pathways 4.2.1 Education and Vocational Training 4.2.2 Gainful Employment and Entrepreneurial Development 4.3 Personal Development 4.3.1 Healthcare 4.3.2 Sports and Recreation 4.3.3 Arts and Culture 4.3.4 Environment and Climate Change 4.4 Public Participation Issues 4.4.1 Civics and Citizenship Training 4.4.2 Participation in Self-help and Community Development 5.
TARGET GROUPS 5.1 Introduction 5.2 Youth in Rural Area 5.3 Youth at Risk 5.4 Out-of-School and Unemployed Youth 5.5 Female Adolescent-Youth 5.6 Youth with Disabilities 5.7 Talented/Gifted Youth 1 MINISTRY OF YOUTH DEVELOPMENT, SPORT AND TRAINING| PROGRAMMES AND PLAN OF ACTION 6.1 Introduction 6.2 On Youth Rights and Empowerment 6.2.1 Programmes 6.2.2 Plan of Action 6.3 On Youth Socialization, Education and Training 6.3.1 Programme 6.3.2 Plan of Action 6.4 On Youth Sports, Recreation and Health 6.4.1 Programme 6.4.2 Plan of Action 6.5 On Youth Employment and Social Security 6.5.1 Programme 6.5.2 Plan of Action 6.6 On Youth Organizations 6.6.1 Programme 6.6.2 Plan of Action 6.7 On Youth Research and Data Base 6.7.1 Programme 6.7.2 Plan of Action 6.8 On Youth Development Centers 7.
MECHANISM FOR IMPLEMENTATION 7.1 Introduction 7.2 Broad Institutional Framework and Agencies 7.2.1 Ministry of Education, Youth Development, Sport and Training 7.2.2 National Youth Advisory Commission 7.2.3 Vanuatu National Youth Council 7.2.4 Youth Development Fund 7.2.5 The Youth Management Act 7.2.6 Ministries, Provincial Governments, Municipalities and Department of Youth 7.2.7 National Youth Volunteer Service (NYVS) 7.2.8 Youth Associations and NGOs 7.2.9 Student Unions 7.2.10 Private Sector Organizations 7.2.11 International Organizations 7.2.12 Mass Media 7.3 Resource Mobilization 7.4 Monitoring and Evaluation 7.5 Policy Review Process 8 CONCLUSIONS 21 22 23 24 24 25 25 26 26 26 27 27 27 28 28 28 28 28 29 29 29 29 29 30 2 MINISTRY OF YOUTH DEVELOPMENT, SPORT AND TRAINING| Foreword by the Minister of Youth Development, Sport and Training Youths are the foundation of a society.
Their energy, inventiveness, character and orientation define the pace of development and the security of a nation.

Through their creative talents and labour power, a nation makes giant strides in economic development and socio-political attainments.

In their dreams and hopes, a nation finds her motivation; on their energies, she builds her vitality and purpose.

And because of their dreams and aspirations, the future of a nation is assured.
It is for this reason that the formulation and implementation of a viable Youth Policy is not only a moral responsibility but also an imperative one for any well-meaning Administration.

Youth constitutes Vanuatu‘s only real hope for a great future.

This revised National Youth Policy is aimed at capturing the Spirit, the Essence, the Purpose and the Charisma of our new National Youth Agenda.
Government will muster the political will to implement the Policy and will remain committed to the strategic plan of implementation outlined in this Document.

All well- meaning Ni-Vanuatu and stakeholders in youth affairs are enjoined to support our effort to realize the laudable Policy objectives which are designed to address the needs, problems and aspirations of our youths and, in so doing, build for Vanuatu a lasting legacy of consistent development and ensure, for all, the great future of our dreams.
Hon.

Anthony Borgia WRIGHT Minister of Youth Development, Sport and Training 3 MINISTRY OF YOUTH DEVELOPMENT, SPORT AND TRAINING| CHAPTER ONE- INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background the Youth are one of the greatest assets that any nation can have.

Not only are they legitimately future regarded as leaders; they are, potentially and actually, the greatest investment for a country's development.

They serve as a good measure of the extent to which a country can reproduce as well as sustain their vitality, itself.
The extent of responsible conduct, and roles in society is positively the development of their country.

correlated with a purposeful, to youth the and found consideration of Vanuatu‘s population is predominantly young.
Therefore, the Ministry of Youth development, Sport and Training having the due given significance in political socioeconomic development, has it most desirable and necessary to initiate this National Youth policy so that there will be focused, well articulated and well directed effort the energy and tapping aimed at resourcefulness of youth and the harnessing them for the vitality, growth, and development of the country.
This the resolve and development of the youth has been reinforced by resolutions of various international and Regional organisations which draw attention to the need to concretely address the problems of the youth and empower them, (e.g.

The Commonwealth Plan of Action for Youth Empowerment, the Convention on the rights of the child and the Pacific Youth strategy.
commitment to to achieve the This policy aims government‘s Planning Long Acting Short (PLAS) priorities for 2009-2012 for Education and Youth under the Priorities and Actions Agenda (PAA) 2006-2015 thematic areas of Basic Services and Social Development and Education and Human Resource Development.

Vanuatu as part of the global community is bound by its international commitment towards ensuring that its priorities are geared towards achieving the targets of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015.
Thus, the government recognizes that young people are a key in decision making and partner development and have a high stake in the realization of the MDGs.

This policy recognizes too the efforts expended by non-governmental youth organizations, community based organizations, the National Youth Council or youth advisory boards and committees as well as programmes of line ministries that target alleviating poverty in all its forms.
The pivotal role of this policy will be in building the capacity of and creating young sustained partnerships with people and youth various these organizations as a crucial strategy to achieving the MDGs that have not been realized fully.
This policy aims to build on youth participation as it currently exists and to provide ‗Options for Action‘ that the governments, the United Nations system, donors and other actors can harness, support, and scale-up in order to support young people in making significant contributions to achieving the MDGs in Vanuatu as prioritised by the Government through the PAA and PLAS.

1.2 Definition of Youth This new policy, like the previous policy, defines ‗youth‘ as those between the ages of 12 and 30 years old.
While this policy recognizes that within this target group are the child youth, the core youth and adult youth, it is recognized that is no one specific nationally, there definition of youth.

Therefore this definition may accommodate people below the age of 12 years or over 30 years as well as depending on individual‘s needs and on cultural and traditional definitions of youth.
1.3 Youth Profile 4 MINISTRY OF YOUTH DEVELOPMENT, SPORT AND TRAINING| The population of Vanuatu increased by 47,345 people from 186,678 in 1999 to 234,023 in 2009, representing a growth rate of 2.3 per cent per annum.

The data shows that 0 -30 years old make up 68% of the total population of Vanuatu and 20 % of these are 12-25years old.

Most importantly, these figures show that the youth population is expected to continue to rise rapidly in the next 5-10 years.
The age group of 12-30 years old as referred to in this policy accounts for 80,132 young people or over one third of Vanuatu‘s total population.

increase recognizes this policy the overall While the development of rural communities and especially the need of rural youth, data in population shows an movement from rural to urban areas with rural population decreasing from 79% to 75 % in the 10 to 2009.
The years population of rural population is also young with 68% of rural population being under 30 years old.

This decrease in rural population has a lot to do with young people seeking better education, training and employment opportunities in Luganville and Port Vila.

from 1999 Most young people aged 12-30 years in Vanuatu have been to school (94%).

The main activity for most young people is producing goods for own consumption.

Most of this work for 0ne-in-20 young people is unpaid.
Most young people want paid work with around 7% of able- bodied youth (15-19years old) who are actively seeking employment or given up.

While 16% of young people aged 15-29 years in urban areas have some sort of access to internet, this number drops to 3% in the rural areas of the same age group.

Most Youth in rural areas have access to mobile phones and radio.
By age 17, 3% of young girls are legally married and by 30 years old, nearly two thirds are legally married with women in urban areas delaying marriage or entering into de-facto relationships and women in rural areas getting married at a younger age.

For men, 93% are still single at age 19 and by 30 years old over half (57%) are married.
Current Context of young people: in  Majority of young people Vanuatu live in the rural areas  An increasing number of young people migrate to the urban centres for study, employment, family or attracted by the ‗bright lights‘-Urban-explorers.

―Urban Pioneers‖ –‗children of people independence‘-young who are having to define their identities and exert themselves within an urban context as 1st ‗urbanites‘- Rural- generation explorers.
 1.4 Issues impinging on Vanuatu Youth Being a vulnerable group with peculiar but un-met needs and aspirations, a majority of the youth face pressing issues linked to:  Lack  Poverty of opportunity or access to basic services and facilities  Hardships relating to financial from difficulties, customary land and or traditional safety net of the family.
stigma  Traditional alienation and discrimination attached to being young or being a girl of ineffective or mechanisms for claim holders to demand duty bearers to respect or promote their rights to survival and development.

and general development (sustainable) linked to promotion of cultural values, training, education, wealth, health, environment and Climate Change.

 Personal To these can be added mounting health and social welfare problems.
For example, although between 43% and 53% of youths are sexually active, most lack adequate information and services 5 MINISTRY OF YOUTH DEVELOPMENT, SPORT AND TRAINING| promote to reproductive health.

and protect their There is also the rapid rate of increase of sexually transmitted diseases (STIs).

Youths are the most vulnerable to infection and to inadequate care and treatment.

Similarly, quite a number of the youth are afflicted by all kinds of disabilities.
These range from the deaf, the dumb, the blind, the crippled, to the mentally Rehabilitation and disordered.

vocational the training centers disabled are grossly inadequate and ill equipped.

for of terms formal exploitation In education, approximately 78% of all youths leave formal education by 20 years old.

Many of these youths without formal education are susceptible to unemployment and to underemployment as well as socioeconomic and deprivation.
About 50% of all those who are registered as unemployed are young people.

Most of those with some knowledge of gainful employment are low-level involved income earning meager commission or remuneration rather than a minimum wage.

Consequently, they are the pool from which youth labor is exploited, and they are susceptible to crime, delinquency, and other vices.
in activities informal sector, The range, extent and magnitude of the problems which face Vanuatu youth require a committed and determined effort on the part of all stakeholders in their order potentiality and make them appropriate partners task of national in development.
them achieve to help the the usual Some problems are due to young people living outside traditional settings perhaps in town working or living with busy studying and either parents or living with a guardian and do not have the traditional safety nets of the family or the chief.

The issue of gender and the plight of young girls facing violence, cultural and traditional survival blockages remain an area of concern.
Climate change and its effects on the Ni-Vanuatu life-style especially its re-location and weather effects of the rural population patterns which the planting and depend on harvesting seasons is fast becoming an issue.

for It is a matter of national interest and urgency to address these concerns now so that young people can be adequately empowered and enabled to play active roles as participants in the shaping of their own destiny as well as in the building and development of Vanuatu.
Investment the difference between a ‗failed state‘ and a prosperous one.

in youth could be 1.5 Brief History of the Development of Vanuatu Youth Policy This policy is a product of a wide and varied consultation between all major stakeholders in youth development and follows a review of the first National Youth and Sport Policies of 2007-2011.
The major focus areas of the first National Youth policy 2007-2011 included:  Mapping of youth and sports activities  Strengthening capacity institutional  Strengthening and establishing partnerships  Development of quality sport programming, development of rural communities, and, career and employment opportunities development In order to achieve outcomes of the first youth and sport policies, strategic alliances between our stakeholders were developed visible resulting achievements.
In terms of: in Mapping of youth and sport activities VASANOC and the National Youth council of have identifying registration of youth and developed mechanisms 6 MINISTRY OF YOUTH DEVELOPMENT, SPORT AND TRAINING| sport groups and setting up database for youth and sport activities Strengthening relationships and partnerships and establishing  Established the Area Youth Councils through support from the Provincial Youth NZAID, councils and revived the National Youth Council and provided an office space and funding  Recruited the Vanuatu National Sports Council CEO  Established partnership with Australian Sports Commission to develop Nabanga Community sport through programme support from AUSAID  Established partnership with the Pacific Leadership programme to develop and strengthen youth governance and participation  Established partnership with UNICEF to develop the National Youth Strategy  Develop partnership with ILO and stakeholders to develop the first draft of the Action Plan on Youth Employment  Developed partnership with the Ministry of Health to develop the Adolescent Reproductive health policy  Vanuatu became member of the Employment Network Youth (YEN)  Financial and technical Support the Commonwealth youth of programme Development of quality Sport, rural communities employment and opportunity initiatives: sport development-  Nabanga piloted in Aniwa, Tanna and Pentecost Secured funds for 2nd phase of Nabanga program 2010-2012  Coordinator of Nabanga sport recruited  Establishment of the National gymnasium  Sport as a subject included in school curriculum  The Government ratified the UNESCO Anti-Doping Convention  TVET Master Plan, TVET Policy and Implementation completed  National Action Plan on youth employment drafted /Finalised  Support Youth Challenge with ILO Referrals employment for  Support VRDTCA with RTCs, Support Foundation of the South Youth Pacific Peoples with Strengthening, supported Habitat For Humanity with Urban Youth Skills programmes, supported Young People‘s Project with youth research  Ministry of Youth assumed authority over TVET and TVET project Challenges  Achievements with improvements can be noted however, with no baseline data, it was quite difficult to measure the impacts on a broader level.
 There are still urban limited employment opportunities for young people, in particular those in formal education systems continue to fall effectively addressing the varied vocational needs of young people; centres; short in limited success  Current programmes are still having in improving the mental health of young people.

60% of young men age 25-29 smoke and almost 70 % of them drink kava.
 This scenario indicates that there is still a lot to be done, and more innovative solutions are needed to achieve success in addressing youth issues  There for more is a need dialogue sports about development and responsibility of different governing bodies.
 While it is clear that a lot of targets were achieved; youth 7 MINISTRY OF YOUTH DEVELOPMENT, SPORT AND TRAINING| implement there there remains a need to develop a sports action plan or strategy to implement the sports policy  There is also the lack of capacity policy.
the to Currently, is only one Senior Sport Officer, one Senior youth officer, one Senior Training officer, one monitoring officer, one Planning and Policy Officer and only 4 provincial youth development officers who look after training, sport and youth.
 Lack of understanding of the policy development processes by youth ministerial staff and other key youth stakeholders  Although the government increased the youth budget by 45 per cent in 2010, there is a need to recruit more officers and to support the implementation of the empowerment strategy.
youth  There is a great need to establish baseline data from youth –specific research and surveys collaborative What is important to highlight in the implementation of the previous policy is all the and local, stakeholders- international.

This new policy has this platform of good working relationship and partnership to build on.
of regional effort to leading up What is clear from the discussions and consultations the formulation of this new policy platform is the need for the Ministry of Youth, Development, Sport and Training to not only lead in terms of developing and establishing policy frameworks, but, to create an environment through initiating and strengthening partnerships and advocacy youth development.
This includes the active support of the National Training Council, the National Sport council, the National Youth Council, and links between VASANOC, the Vanuatu Youth Development Group, Inter-Agency partners, private houses and provincial conducive fostering to authorities to initiate and implement youth programmes.

the The Ministry of Youth Development, Sport and Training is a very new ministry.
Accordingly, youth policy concentrated on structural and systems establishment their and strengthening to deliver the outcomes of youth development.

first /or Recent census data shows a ‗youth bulge‘ in its population pyramid meaning that Vanuatu faces a challenge of a ‗youthful population‘.
This new policy direction will thus look at embarking on a number of interventions aimed at youth machineries, strengthening enhancing strategic alliances and fostering more effective partnerships amongst and between stakeholders with a genuine interest in shifting the youth agenda that of achieving real outcomes and benefits for Vanuatu youth.

the next level to 1.6 Overview of the National Youth Policy constitute the most they will bring Youths vital resources for national development.
If correctly guided, adequately mobilized and fully integrated into the fabric of society, to national development a great reservoir of energy, resourcefulness, and dynamism; they can also constitute a threat to national stability, even survival, if allowed to drift, remain unemployed, and misguided.
creativity, the legitimacy For youth to derive benefits from, and contribute to, national development depend essentially on the political will of and Government, credibility of the National Youth Policy, as well as the appropriateness and adequacy of the in Institutional arrangements place to administer the policy and programmes.
it puts Key factors in this policy‘s success are the administrators, non-governmental bodies, and other stakeholders nation- 8 MINISTRY OF YOUTH DEVELOPMENT, SPORT AND TRAINING| wide; government and parents, chiefs and churches need to work together.

Also stated are key strategic areas of thrust of the Policy, such as youth socialization empowerment, /education youth recreation/sports, youth employment, and youth organization.
training, youth / Priority target groups of youths are identified and appropriate priority programme areas firmly indicated.

this provides for Policy Finally, appropriate legislative, enabling institutional, budgetary/funding and monitoring and evaluation framework for its effective implementation.

CHAPTER TWO VALUES, SCOPE AND OBJECTIVES - VISION, MISSION, 2.1 Vision Statement The vision of this policy is one of the positive role of young people in national socio-economic development.
It is the Vision of the Ministry of Youth Development, Sport and Training to provide the development of strategic opportunities and actions to address adolescents, Sport and Training issues in Vanuatu.

leadership through It is the vision of empowered Vanuatu youths to fully realize their potentialities and positively contribute to the overall development of Vanuatu.
2.2 Principles This Vanuatu Youth Policy (2012-2015) is taken from the rights based approach and principles of youth development which include:  Gender perspectives, recognizing that development initiatives and considerations must be gender equal youth as approach  Building ‗fences on top of the cliff‘ versus ‗ambulance at the bottom of the cliff‘ whereby preventive measure or proactive measures of youth development are encouraged.
Rather than being reactive and responsive to youth need, we should be proactive and creative in developing strategies that curb youth concerns before they escalate into social problems.

 Community /partner participation between government, NGOs and CSOs must be developed and supported facilitate youth holistic development.

Capacity building and skills development call for the empowerment of not just youth but also youth workers access to opportunities for individual and community development.
participate and to 2.3 Values The National Youth Policy is guided by the following value systems stemming traditional from our Faith Melanesian values, democratic and Christian principles which are enshrined in the Constitution of Vanuatu.
in God,  Social Justice  Equality of Opportunity  Transparency and Accountability  Self-reliance and Selflessness  Hard-work and Entrepreneurship  Unity and Cooperation  Respect for Human Rights  Democracy Governance and Good 2.4 Scope of firm and objectives, formal A set of clear, statements targets, programmes and plans of action on the general status, role, well-being, growth and development of the youth as a distinct socio-economic category in contemporary Vanuatu society This policy encompasses the processes of the improvement continuous structures, institutions and programmes designed to create conditions for the of 9 MINISTRY OF YOUTH DEVELOPMENT, SPORT AND TRAINING| protection and propagation, advancement of the rights of the youth, the enhancement of their welfare, and the provision of opportunities for their self-actualizations.
2.5 Objectives  the mainstream Integrate into government policies, programmes youth development of and  Strengthen the capacity of key youth development institutions and ensure integration and coordination in the delivery of youth services  Strengthen the capacities of young people to participate in nation-building CHAPTER 3-RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF VANUATU YOUNG PEOPLE This policy recognizes that Vanuatu youth have rights as well as obligations, just as the government and parents have obligations towards the youth, all of which need together, nurtured and promoted in the overall interest of national development.
These rights and obligations are stipulated in the Vanuatu Constitution.

to be taken 3.1 Rights in rights, responsibilities The and obligations of the Vanuatu youth are contextualized the provisions of chapter four of the Constitution which itemize the fundamental Bill of human rights of Vanuatu citizens, as well as in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
This policy subscribes to all the rights guaranteed by the Vanuatu Constitution and by other international and/or Charters, Covenants, is a Conventions to which Vanuatu signatory relevantly, Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), Convention Against Torture (CAT) Forms All of and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).
Among the most important of these rights that the youth shall equally enjoy are the following:  Freedom opinion and of expression.

 Freedom of thought and religion.

 Freedom of association.

 Freedom of movement.

 Right of security of life and property.

 Right to proper education and training.

 Right to leisure, cultural and sporting activities.

 Right to equal opportunities in employment and access to social services.

 Right to adequate health-care, social and security.
shelter, food  Right to be protected from any form and degrading, cruel and inhuman treatment, and torture.

harassment of  Right to protection against the dangers of substance abuse, alcoholism, sexual harassment and exploitation, STIs, HIV/AIDS and gender discrimination.

 Right to participate in decision making in matters that affect them.

 Right to privacy, family life and in personal as non-interference matters correspondence.

such  Right to a good and clean environment.


 Right to equal protection under the law.

 Right to participate in National Development including matters that affect them.

 Right to be protected against harmful traditional practices.

 Right to survival and social, cultural economic development.
In the case of the disabled, the right to be provided with the and  10 MINISTRY OF YOUTH DEVELOPMENT, SPORT AND TRAINING| special treatment which his/her condition requires 3.2 Obligations of the Youth Every set of rights that a person has are corresponding set of obligations.
In order to make Vanuatu youths tolerant, caring, responsible, and productive citizens, the policy outlines the following set of obligations to active participation of the youth in the conditions of the Vanuatu people:  Promotion and defense of democracy and civility in the governance of the country and in relations with inter-personal fellow citizens.

 Eschewing all acts of violence and crimes, such as armed robbery, domestic violence, use and abuse of illegal substances, prostitution, and so on.
 Promotion of the principle of gender equality  Active in involvement the promotion of national unity, national reconciliation, peaceful good coexistence neighbourliness.

and  Promotion of self-help, self- respectability, cooperation and community development.

 Promotion of values of tolerance and responsible conduct.

 Conservation and promotion of against environment the pollution degradation and including promotion of resilient communities towards effects of Climate Change.
 Respect for and promotion-of all symbols of National unity, such as the flag, the national pledge and the national anthem.

a of  Promotion healthy, responsible and respectable lifestyle free from communicable diseases, alcohol and drugs.

 Strive to be law abiding and respectable and enlightened citizens, knowledgeable about their rights as well as duties and obligations.

 Active involvement the promotion of national unity and national development.
in  Strive to be actively involved in decision making on matters that affect them.

good of Vanuatu abroad, and promote regional and international peace and harmony.

ambassadors  Be 3.3 Obligations of Government, Parents and Guardians towards the Youth to discharge The government, parents and guardians have obligations to ensure that youth their are empowered obligations to society.
The policy accepts that they have a responsibility to create the enabling environment for the right kind of orientation, education and psychological conditioning for the youth.

Their obligations include the following:  Provide an atmosphere that is the mental, to physical young conducive emotional development of persons.
and the  Nurture the youth in warmth and affection in an atmosphere of peace and harmony  Constantly provide counseling, in support accordance with their specific and personal needs guidance and conduct  Provide shining role models for the youths through responsible and and ethical leadership by example.

 Create opportunities the youth to be involved in making decisions that affect them, the environment and society.

for  Teach human rights values, justice, equity, fairness social and gender equality.
 Recognise their capacities, their individualities, according to age allow and maturity, whenever possible their choice of and careers.

educational fields and  Provide adequate funding for equal education opportunities to be educated.

and 11 MINISTRY OF YOUTH DEVELOPMENT, SPORT AND TRAINING| and  Provide adequate funding for sustainable youth development projects.
 Provide allow where possible opportunities for young people to learn their culture including their mother tongue and good traditional customary practices  Provide and allow the opportunity for young people to learn the fundamentals of our national pledge of ― Long God the Yumi Stanap‖ knowledge own of traditional histories, our common national history and our national vision.
including their CHAPTER 4 -KEY AREAS FOR POLICY ON YOUTH 4.1 Introduction by The formulation of this National Youth Policy is predicated upon a proper identification of priority areas of the government and concerns by stakeholders through the review of the National Youth Policy 2007-2011.
Furthermore, it is the culmination of the discussions and priorities outlined in the National Youth Council Strategic Plan 2010-2015 Youth developed representatives of the six provinces and the two municipalities and the Vanuatu Youth Empowerment Strategy(Vanuatu YES) 2010-2019 which outlines the thematic areas of youth involvement and collaborative work and need measures and exploring opportunities to remedy the peculiar problems that the youth face, their needs as well as, satisfying empowering to achieve self realization to positively contribute to national development.
These areas of policy concern are categorized into three broad areas.

4.2 Pathways strengthening them for for 4.2.1 Education and Vocational Training of provision educational The opportunities for youth is a fundamental prerequisite for building a strong, just, equitable, stable, viable, and vibrant nation.

This is in respect of both formal and non-formal education, basic, as well as technical and vocational education, as learning takes place in and out of school environments.
A significant percentage of Vanuatu Youths is illiterate, and their education needs should be adequately and urgently catered for, particularly in the educationally less developed areas.

is there the need to Furthermore, expand enrollment and significantly increase the percentage of transition from the primary to secondary as well as the tertiary secondary education sector.
levels of to and accessibility Given the importance of education, the Policy places an emphasis on quality and relevance of education as well as, on in educational provision.

The Universal Education /Compulsory programme will actualize these and make it possible for education to be compulsory and free for all youth and up to secondary level.
equity Basic that training education, However, it has been noted through consultations with young people and the similar effort stakeholders expended by government into the formal sector should also be exerted into the non-formal sector to create the links and between employment as well as provide other avenues and options for parents and students to choose worthwhile learning that is not only limited to education for formal ―white collar‖ learning classrooms but also other opportunities provide also that opportunities for individual self-worth.
for The policy empowerment of young people in Vanuatu so they become productive members of society is education and training with the elimination of any opportunity for ―drop-out‖ or ―push out‖ jobs and option better the 12 MINISTRY OF YOUTH DEVELOPMENT, SPORT AND TRAINING| as this creates a ―2nd class‖ and ―3rd class systems in academic achievers in Vanuatu society which can lead to self- perceptions of demoralization, de - motivation, education backlog due to a quantity focus and not quality oriented.
of of areas important Other youth education, which the policy addresses, include the following:  Provision education institutions needs of those with disabilities of specialized and the programmes to cater qualitative  Provision education in schools, which should enhance creativity, self- development and prospects for self- and gainful employment for the youth.

for  Provision of vocational training to make for youth themselves-reliant and employable citizens.
the  Expansion of non-formal literacy programmes to capture young persons as well as adults.

 Guarantee of equitable access to opportunities educational ethnic sex, irrespective background, religious-belief, geographic location or social and economic circumstances.
of an  Reform of the curriculum of secondary schools and tertiary institutions with a view to appropriate establishing symmetry formal education and the requirements of the job market as well as establishing appropriate linkage between tertiary institutions and industries.

between  Promotion of health services and family sex planning and sport through the Family Life Education.

education and  Elimination of child-labour and early parenthood.
 Promotion of basic compulsory computer programmes at all levels and literacy  Development of youth leadership training kits for  Explore opportunities the development of Apprenticeship schemes to allow youth to work on voluntary basis to up skill  Development and support for Adult literacy to cater for those who finished in primary or never went to school  Linking youth in training centres and meaningful employment  Policy facilitation of re-entry into non-formal some form trainings for ‗‘push outs‖ of  Develop strategies to provide young the people opportunities to develop their potentials through other avenues such as music and arts with  Look at supporting business business and training institutions  Development of communication strategies relate positive to messages for healthier life-styles such as dietary information and physical exercises  Strengthen VNTC and Support Training providers to register  Establish policies and priorities that support partners and establish regular meeting with stakeholders  Utilize existing training structures to deliver programmes rather than create new ones  Need for more integration of resources  More support is needed to train trainers  TVET to be a separate division within the Ministry of Youth so as to implement and monitor the National TVET policy.
Increase support and resources for TVET and Skills training as well as TVET project in terms of direction and sustainability.

 4.2.2 Entrepreneurial Development Decent Employment and Empowering the capacity of youths for gainful employment is another area that 13 MINISTRY OF YOUTH DEVELOPMENT, SPORT AND TRAINING| to that transition to youth and is given priority by government Policy.
Gainful employment is one of the most important avenues through which the youth add value to the development of from their country.

The adolescence full adulthood will be circumscribed by the principle of creating job opportunities for they can become them, so productive and useful adults.

The provision of employment opportunities and work experience for the youth will, to a large extent, lessen dispositions to crime, armed robbery, and other youth- related vices in society.
Thus the Policy is anchored on the efficacy of preparing the youth for accessibility to gainful and sustainable self-employment and other employment the country.

opportunities in recognizes associated the societal The Policy problems with unemployment and underemployment, and strives to create conditions and opportunities for creatively addressing these problems.
Specifically, it will actualise the following with regard to the generation employment development of entrepreneurial skills through training: and  Strengthening the capacity of existing institutions that provide training and entrepreneurial development.

skills for and and complete  Develop a National Action Plan on Youth Employment allocate resources to its implementation  Empowering civil society groups government to institutions the area of training and skill development for gainful employment.
complement in view  Creating avenues for providing work experience for youths with a to promoting and developing desirable work ethics national culture and development.

for  Creating equipping and additional institutions that can for provide special youths with disabilities, as well as soft credit facilities for trained training ones to enable them start off on their own.
 Development of Youth Challenge fund to assist young people to start a small business 4.3 Personal Development issues issues that pertain to There are individual well being of youth and to which great the Policy attaches importance.

They include healthcare, sports and recreation, arts and culture and the environment/climate change.

4.3.1 Healthcare It Healthy mind and body are basic requirements for the survival of the youth and their positive contribution to national endeavours.
The main objective of the health component of the Policy on Youth is to enhance youth accessibility to basic hygiene, healthcare and health is aimed at providing education.

information, education and safe-guards against preventable and communicable diseases such as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), HIV and AIDS to which youths vulnerable.
Encouragement of healthy recreation activities and improvement of recreation facilities will be aimed at developing the mind and expanding its horizon intelligence, terms of experience and creativity.
Specifically, the policy provides for the following: most are the in  Establishment and support of Peer Educators  Explore opportunities for partnership with the Ministry of its partners Health and in implementing the Adolescent reproductive Health policy and implementation of Non- the Communicable Diseases (NCD) and National Aids Committee (NAC) program areas.

4.3.2 Sports and Recreation Sports and recreation greatly facilitate and enhance both physical and mental growth and development of the youth.
14 MINISTRY OF YOUTH DEVELOPMENT, SPORT AND TRAINING| The objective of the Policy on these issues is to develop and promote a mentally fit, alert, and physically strong and agile Vanuatu youth that can favourably compare with any group of youths in the world.

It is also aimed at promoting competitive team-work, the value of spirit and through competitions.
sporting Therefore, the Policy places emphasis on the development of sports and other recreational activities, the provision of infrastructure and facilities for these, the creation of a conducive and environment for healthy competitive sports both within the country and abroad.

In particular, the Policy will pursue the following: and  Expansion and development of recreational and related in educational the in sporting facilities infrastructures institutions community.
 Development the implementation of a National Sport and Recreation Strategy and and in of of to motivate  Promotion sporting competitions the youth and drive them towards educational in excellence the and institutions community.

 Encouragement sporting events and facilities for youths with disabilities.

Inculcation of the value of sports productive and alternatives aimlessness, to idleness, drug abuse and crimes.
 Role of sport to be explored in terms and educational implications rather than just competitions/ technical aspects economic leisure as of   Support NFs to develop links to the provinces  Develop more rural facilities for area leagues  Mechanism should be in place to funds to access allow NFs through VASANOC  Review of national games and games charter  Explore the National Games Youth Games possibility of to become  More emphasis should be placed on Primary and Secondary school sports  Review and Strengthen the role of the National Sports Council 4.3.3 Arts and Culture The promotion of arts and culture is an important vehicle for appreciating and respecting the good aspects of our heritage since no society could afford to discard its cherished past and traditional values: they represent the sense of identity, self-respect and path through which generations learn the skills and techniques of social relations, survival, and societal regeneration.
On this issue, the Policy will introduce programmes aimed at inculcating in our young ones the need to appreciate and respect the good aspects of our cultural heritage, such as respect and concern 'our brothers' for the elderly, being keeper', concern for the disabled, the disadvantaged and the less fortunate in the society, as well as the values of self- help, hard work, cooperation and respect for one another.
In this respect, the Policy seeks to do the following:  Promote the teaching of our cultural heritage in schools.

 Encourage artistic and cultural activities among the youth of Vanuatu and other countries.

 Promote understanding of, and respect for, our diverse cultural differences.

 Encourage the utilization of the good aspects of our cultural as values the to ingredients national integration and unity.
serve for  Promote competition among the youths so their artistic that talents can be nurtured and developed.

 Encourage the establishment of schools of music and theatre arts 15 MINISTRY OF YOUTH DEVELOPMENT, SPORT AND TRAINING| 4.2.4 Environment and Climate Change inculcating of The National Youth Development Policy is environment friendly.

It provides for the the virtues of environmental preservation, protection and conservation among the youth.
The aim is to encourage them to play active leadership the environment and the ecosystem as well as building their capacities to adapt to climate change.

The policy will: improving roles in  Promote programmes and projects that create awareness among the youth of the dangers of pollution and environmental degradation.

 Encourage the participation of the youth in programmes that the are aimed at cleaning environment of pollutants such as polythene bags and rubbish dumps.
in dealing with  Encourage the participation of youths the problem of soil erosion, through tree planting and other effective and creative methods.

 Encourage the establishment of environment protection clubs by youths.

 Ensure that climate change policies and planning have a focus on young people and includes them in the long term mitigating strategies 4.4.
Public Participation Issues 4.4.1 Civics and Citizenship Issues The need for civil and law abiding citizens as a necessary condition for societal development cannot be over- emphasised.

Such citizenry are not only aware of their rights and obligations; they also become actively engaged in the political affairs of their country, both in building and in national economic development.
This National Youth Development Policy places emphasis on the training of youths for leadership and citizenship responsibilities for national unity and development.

Specifically, the objectives of the Policy with regard to civics, leadership training are to: citizenship and  Produce a purposeful and well focused youth who internalize the virtues of the positive aspects of our societal values, ethics and culture.
 Nurture youths that will have a deep sense of responsibility; civility and discipline, and the capacity for self-sacrifice, hard work, creativity and originality in dealing with public and national issues.

 Promote the emergence, growth and development of youth with good leadership qualities, sense of equity and social justice, and a disposition towards active participation and cooperation with to public and national issues.
Inculcate the universal values of democracy and good governance among the youth, respect   Devote a significant proportion of the funding to National Youth Council to develop programmes leadership and citizenship for community training activities development and to a National this attach volunteering scheme.
and 4.4.2 Participation Community Development in Self-Help and in cherished developing One of the good pillars of our traditional societies is the principle of self-help and our cooperation communities.

Our societies have along and tradition of mass participation indecision making and implementation on matters that affect our collective well-being.

The youth have occupied a unique position this endeavour.
in As the youth clearly represent a core asset in our effort to improve the living and working condition of our people, this Policy will promote the spirit of youth involvement in decision making in all matters that affect participation and 16 MINISTRY OF YOUTH DEVELOPMENT, SPORT AND TRAINING| their well-being as well as encourage and support all programmes that are aimed at involving them in the task of promoting development, national community and unity national development using voluntary self-help associations.
CHAPTER 5- TARGET GROUPS 5.1 Introduction Vanuatu youths broadly experience similar problems and share similar aspirations and concerns.

However, it is also a fact that there are different categories of youth with different and peculiar sets of concerns and problems.

Similarly, there are some categories of youths with special circumstances or require concerted, problems, which focused, and well targeted attention.
identifies the Policy Accordingly, and having due regard to current socioeconomic and political realities, target groups for particular attention: rural youth; out of school, unemployed youth; female adolescent youths, youths with disabilities; youths with health problems; youths engaged in substance abuse, crime and delinquency and talented youth.
5.2 Rural Youth Young women and men in rural areas face particular constraints with regard to both accessibility and availability of services and facilities, and this results in fewer opportunities and less information and employment than in urban areas.

This concern requires that research be conducted.

who young.

According There is also a great concern over the are rural-urban migrants predominantly to there are 176,828 recent census, people living in the rural areas.
Of this, 68% are under the age of 30.

In other words, of the 176,828 people living in the rural areas that make up 75 % of the total population of Vanuatu, only 56,455 are 31years and over or 32% of that, the rest are young people.

Due to the slow rate of decentralization into the provinces, there is a tendency of youth migrating from poor rural areas to the wealthier urban provinces.
This is in turn a function of a number of patterns, including the underdevelopment of rural provinces, lack of opportunities and slow pace of land reform.

As a result, young people are attracted by possibilities that urban areas can offer.

In some cases, these youth, particularly if they are unskilled, end up being destitute and those who are educated and skilled resourced leave areas/communities of lucrative offers.
This reproduces the cycle of impoverishment and exacerbates the urban bias with regard to current development initiatives.

under in search rural their 5.3 Youth At Risk The Policy Prioritises categories of youth at risk: the following 5.3.1.

Youth living with STI or engaging in risky sexual behaviour A report, ―Risky Business Vanuatu: Selling Sex in Port Vila‖ (McMillan 2010) found that amongst a random group of young people aged 16-36 most had participated in sex work before they were 24years old.
The National Strategic Plan for HIV and Sexually transmitted Infections 2008-2012 identified some of the risk factors as: multiple sexual partners, low condom use (indicated by high levels of STIs and high teenage pregnancy, increasing rates of internal migration increasing hardships in urban centres, Growing numbers Sexual Activities/Practices such as exchange of goods, Kava, beers, cigarette, money for sex, the high proportion of young people in the population, who because of their level of sexual activity and physiological development are at risk of (STI) HIV transmission.
Recent estimates by the AHD (2010-2011) place the number of young people below the age of 25 years transactional leading of to 17 MINISTRY OF YOUTH DEVELOPMENT, SPORT AND TRAINING| old with an STI to be around 30% of the number of those infected.

This is a high figure given that at this age group sexual experimentation is at its highest as young people experience puberty.
In addressing this, the policy aims to:  Support the Adolescent policy implementation of health reproductive  Create partnerships with the Ministry of Health and NGO partners towards creating campaigns and awareness programmes 5.3.2.

Youth in conflict with the law The review of studies has shown that the rates of youth in conflict with the law are relatively high.

For Instance, around 69% of people detained by the police are between the ages of 18 and 35 years according to reports.
It is a traditionally widely held belief that most crimes committed in the urban areas are by young people below the age of 35.

Further, there are strong indications that offending by youth is on the increase and the approach taken by the offenders are taking a whole new sophisticated and pre-meditated approach as is masking of the faces as well as using guns.
This is worrying given the fact that youth constitute the largest percentage of Vanuatu population and given the fact that rural-urban migration by youth is on the increase.

These issues are likely to if tough measures are not escalate taken to curb it at this infancy stage through sound programmes to channel youth passion and energies into positive outcomes.
To reverse this trend, the Policy provides opportunities and incentives which can discourage and dissuade the youths, concerned from such social vices and criminal conduct and motivate them towards law-abiding conduct and greater them responsibility towards law-abiding conduct and greater responsibility.
and motivate To address these, the policy will look at:  Creating and establishing better working relationships with the Police, the correctional services, the community leaders courts and in  Support the implementation of the Juvenile policy as well as policies to youth regards perpetrators or victims of the abuse with special regards to:  Enlightenment programmes on the dangers of substance abuse forms of crime and other delinquency.
 Establishment of rehabilitation centres for chronic substance abuses and drug addicts, as well as for juvenile offenders.

the  Promotion of guidance and counseling youth, for Youth especially Development Centres to address the needs of out-of-school youths.

using  Provision of education, skill- training and gainful employment opportunities in for juvenile correctional institutions.

 Provision of aftercare facilities for ex-inmates of correctional institutions.
youths  Observers of the UN standard minimum rules for the treatment of offenders.

 Ensuring speedy trials for youth offenders.

5.3.3.

Youth abusing dependency- creating substances is it to collect Substance abuse poses risks to the individual‘s health and to society more generally.

Although virtually reliable and impossible comprehensive statistics on substance abuse, it is widely known that most young people are engaging in these activities.
According to the recent census (2009), there are about 9,355 young people who smoke cigarette, about 18 MINISTRY OF YOUTH DEVELOPMENT, SPORT AND TRAINING| 4,191 who drink alcohol and about 9,000 who drink kava.

It is also a fact that alcohol reduces a person‘s ability to negotiate safe sex, thus, the number of is also 4,000 consuming alcohol frightening in terms of the 30% of sexually transmitted infection amongst this age group.
for cheaper While it is true that alcohol consumption is widely used by the upper age group above 30 years old, young people and especially young unemployed youth will settle like marijuana use and many will tend to homebrew which have more drastic and physical negative development and growth of a young person.
illegal stuff effects on a To address this, the policy will look at:  Supporting the Non-  communicable Diseases policy Implementation of the National Sports strategic plan looking at development recreational of activities 5.4 Out- of- School and Unemployed Youth Employment rates as the highest priority for youth especially in urban centres.

However, Vanuatu young women face specific challenges and particular difficulties in our society today.
They are more likely to be unemployed than males, since they tend to have fewer occupational a patriarchal society.

Over half (53%) of young men aged 20-24 years are in work but only 43% of young women are in work.

In the 25-29 age groups, more young men are employed than women (72% compared to 52%).
opportunities in To address these, the policy will look at:  Finalisation of the National Youth Plan on Action Employment  Support TVET strengthening project  Support Cooperation with line departments to develop rural enterprises initiatives such as department of Cooperative and Ni Vanuatu Business and Development Services, Agriculture, Tourism 5.5 Female Adolescent -Youth The right of the girl-child has long been a major problem of concern and deserves priority attention.
Many of these categories of young persons have been victims of sexual harassment, physical violence and abuse, labour exploitation, gender discrimination, as well as negative attitudes and cultural practices.

the proportion of Historical gender stereotypes, which often result in gender imbalances still exist in rural areas and even in urban areas.

They are also more vulnerable as opposed to their male counterparts.
For example, young teenagers aged 15, 16 and 17 years who have given birth is low but rises to 12% for 18 year-olds and 20% for 19 year olds.

In addition, the impacts of diseases in general, and in particular STIs, have also had an enormous impact on young women.

interest promote The Policy therefore seeks to protect - and and the aspirations of the female adolescent- youth so as to restore their dignity and motivate them to contribute as equal partners task of national development.
Specifically, the Policy will achieve the following: the in  Establishment, improvement and promotion of both in-school and out-of-school programmes that are aimed at ending gender- based and discrimination promoting the rights and dignity of the female adolescent-youth.

19 MINISTRY OF YOUTH DEVELOPMENT, SPORT AND TRAINING|  Promotion of programmes that are aimed at addressing the social, educational, health and issues of young reproductive in relation to girls especially teenage pregnancies.
 Elimination of harmful traditional practices that affect women generally and in particular, the female adolescent youth.

Supporting the implementation of the National Disability policy with special regards to:  Provision of disability related facilities and scholarship for the education vocational and training.

 Promotion an adequate funding of programme.


of female  Encouragement education, and enrollment science-and in especially technology, using a scheme of - incentives and rewards, as well as legally punitive measures for non-compliance by parents or guardians.

and  Promotion aimed leadership empowering specifically female self-and gainful employment as well as for greater participation in, and contribution to, community and national development.
of training at youths skills for packages of of  Provision financial material and/or assistance to female youths who have undergone training and have acquired skills for self-and sustainable employment.

 Elimination of all forms of discriminatory practices against employment of females in all sectors of the national economy.

5.6 Youth With Disabilities All persons with disabilities have fundamental rights that need to be protected by Government and the society.
The society owes a special responsibility towards those with mental and physical disabilities but particularly to youths with such disabilities or with chronic, terminal, and communicable creates diseases.

opportunities for taking care of the special needs of this category of youth, so that they may not feel left out, abandoned, useless, and hopeless.
The opportunities are to be provided in the following ways: policy The empower  Promotion of programmes that youths with positively national can disabilities contribute development to to  Establishment of healthcare rehabilitation institutions and centers to provide for the needs of this category of youths and the encouragement of such non- establishment governmental organizations of of  Promotion public enlightenment programmes which provide knowledge and awareness about the dangers of STDs and HIV/AIDS.
 Encouragement of indigenous researchers to come out with creative solutions aimed at addressing the problems of this category.

 Encouraging avenues for products the of marketing of disabled youths.

5.8 Talented/Gifted Youth There are many creative, gifted and talented youth whose vast potentialities are not being adequately harnessed and utilised for national development.

These young people include those who engage in music, arts, crafts and sports.
The policy therefore provides encouragement for this category of youth:  Development of an effective process of identifying talented youth.

 Encouragement of all talented youth adequate through incentives and facilities to assist them actualize their potential.

20 MINISTRY OF YOUTH DEVELOPMENT, SPORT AND TRAINING| CHAPTER 6-PROGRAMMES AND PLAN OF ACTION 6.1.
Introduction from In order to achieve declared objectives and effectively and adequately address the needs and problems of target groups identified in Chapter 5, this National Youth Policy outlines definitive plans of action for the execution of programmes emanating the objectives and related provisions.
Here, it is important to point out that while the government will provide direction and leadership, other stakeholders such as local and state governments, non-governmental organisations, and private-sector entities must play their assigned partnership roles.

6.2.

On Youth Rights and Empowerment 6.2.1 Programmes rights education for  Human youths educational institutions, youth out of school, and for young workers.

in  Gender-sensitivity campaigns.


 Formal informal and enforcement of human rights of for self- the youth Training improvement and self reliance.

 Civics and orientation institutions.

 Mechanisms Leadership tertiary in for conflict resolution amongst students and between the students and various school authorities.

 Systematic sustained and publicity and dissemination of youth activities.

Identification and Promotion of role models for the youth.
 Talent search, training discovery, nurturing, and development, including a system of talented and for reward inventive youths.

6.2.2 Plan of Action  Government will them recognise human rights organizations and support organise periodic human rights lectures, sketches, drama seminars, concerts, etc., in all the zones of the country.

to  Government and organisations that promote human rights will publicise youth rights through billboards, the leaflets, educational theatre, and materials, lectures.
the media, seminars rights  Gender sensitivity campaigns will be an active component of all education human programmes, and the mass media will be encouraged to play sensitisation the campaigns.

 Government provide opportunities and avenues for self improvement and self- reliance roles will in for  Governments will encourage student unions‘ activities by creating support regular consultation between students and the school management.
 The mass media will be required to strong commitment to the provision of coverage and feedback on all youth development activities demonstrate a in  Government return must of support Freedom Information Bill as a tool for inclusive public policy the private  Annual youth talent fairs will be in the arts, crafts, organised music, science and technology organizations, and appropriate government agencies, youth organizations, and NGOs will be encouraged-to organize fairs in particular fields e.g.
information technology  Existing formal and informal/practical training opportunities for talented youths will and strengthened.

identified be 21 MINISTRY OF YOUTH DEVELOPMENT, SPORT AND TRAINING| 6.3 On Youth Socialisation, Education and Training 6.3.1 Programmes and schools  Moral and ethical instructions by religious and community leaders in a community/village gatherings.

 Role-modeling in all aspects of human endeavour and support for youth orgnisations, schools and organised NGOs in this regard.
communities  Reproductive education and premarital orientation.

 Community youth development cultural village  and clubs, festivals.

Inculcation of the values and norms of democratic culture, respect for human right, civility selflessness, patriotism, transparency and accountability, and environmental friendliness.
Education Basic Scheme with particular regard to expanded curriculum Interactive clubs, social technical/vocational education, retraining of teachers, and extra- curricular activities  Universal  Book Development Scheme  Library facilities and electronic interconnectivity.

 Science, and Industrial Development training.

 Vocational Training for physically Technology and mentally challenged.
6.3.2 Plan of Action  Encourage the establishment of church youth groups, as well as other such clubs/organisations in all schools and communities in the country and where appropriate, encourage them to register with relevant authorities such as VNYC, VNTC, VASANOC and VRDTCA.
 Encouragement youth programmes in churches, and other community facilities such as the nakamal of  Government will support voluntary organisations such as Scout, Girls Guide, their Boys/Girls Brigade school extracurricular programmes.

Boys' and in  Promotion of the teaching of Civics, Government, History, Vernacular and Geography Languages,  Reactivation of extra-curricular activities as part of the school curriculum e.g.

Debating Society, Communication, Drama Club, Music Club, etc.
and creation of access for pupils into Youth Development Centres as part of extra-curricular activities.

basic  Directive on compulsory computer programmes at all education in Vanuatu.

and literacy levels of  Promotion reproductive of education and family planning techniques in schools.

 Reorganization of the guidance and counseling initiatives in all educational institutions, as well as the establishment of career advisory departments or units in all schools.
 Revamping of  Re-training Technical/Vocational Schools.

of to understand and appreciate the spirit of the new Youth Policy and their roles therein.

Teachers  Co-operation of religious leaders will be sought to develop youths by teaching morals, values, ethics, etc.
in their respective Churches as well as establish the basis for national leadership training  Appropriate and libraries and adequate in all stocking of institutions the encouragement of compulsory school library curriculum to improve reading and skills.

comprehension Encouragement of the spirit of research through excursions and practical training.
hours into 22 MINISTRY OF YOUTH DEVELOPMENT, SPORT AND TRAINING|  Incorporation of environmental studies into the school curricula to assist youths to become environmentally conscious and friendly.

 Promotion of access to free education as stipulated by Universal Basic Education and for provision of opportunities scholarship grants and a free choice educational institutions.
 Encouragement Parents Teachers Association to play very important roles in the education of youths and be involved in in setting up social events schools.
of of of  Encouragement of science and technology education through practical provision the equipment; incentives for tutors and brilliant students in science and technology; involvement of the provision of in NGOs technology training aids and intro-tech equipment; and the revamping of ailing facilities in formal Tertiary and Technical Research Institutions.
6.4 On Youth Sports, Recreation and Health 6.4.1 Programmes  Development and strengthening of Sports, Recreational centres, Parks, gardens, Holiday camps and Resorts as well as sports institutes and academies.

 Training programmes for sports and games.

 School curricula for physical education and sports in primary and secondary schools and higher institutions.

for  School-curricula education.
Inter-Club school sports competitions and  Inter-School health  Sports talent hunt among youth organisations and schools from to National local, provincial levels  Social, amateur elite recreational and sport activities for rural and urban centres and  National, regional and International participation of athletes 6.4.2 Plan of Action  Development of National Sports and Recreational Strategic Plan  Re-introduction of physical education and sports curricula in the creation of schools and and specific schedule for them.
programmes   Funding and observance of games and recreation periods in primary, secondary and higher institutions.

Increased attention on health- education schools, with emphasis on personal hygiene, food and nutrition, first aid, reproductive and health communicable diseases.

in  Encouragement higher institutions to give credit units for items of sports and games.
of  Establishment of Sports Academia in each province for grassroots talent development and professionalism and of Youth Sports and Recreation Centres to the provincial  Promotion of yearly School Sports Competitions organised from the national level.

large  Encouragement employers corporate and houses, national measures, to sports competitive support development of in sponsorship as well as facilities development.
terms of incorporate  Government will be encouraged and to recreational the design of new housing estates and to explore ways to add such centres in existing estates.
sports in centres 23 MINISTRY OF YOUTH DEVELOPMENT, SPORT AND TRAINING| 6.5 On Youth Employment and Social Security 6.5.1 Programmes  Training of Master Trainers,  National music studios and Development Arts/crafts Schemes, problem  Workshop and Seminars on creation employment of opportunities and coping with un- the employed/underemployed youth.

 Develop the possibility of a an Attachment Programme for on- the-job training and exposure to relevant practical skills.
of  Capacity Acquisition Programme for retraining graduates in skills job in high-demand market.

the in  Micro-Credit and Small-Scale entrepreneurship to provide opportunities for self- employment.

scheme  Explore the opportunity for Social Security Scheme for Youths such as youth challenge funds as well as traditional social capitals.
6.5.2 Plan of Action Implement the TVET Policy, National Action Plan on Youth Employment, National Skills strategy with particular considerations towards:  Exploring the opportunity to establish and fund a students' Experience Industrial Work Industrial , Scheme Attachment (IT), Vocational Technical and Teacher—Training Programmes in Technical Colleges and formal Education the Scheme  More funding towards the establishment and strengthening of a National Youth Employment Unit to deal particularly with a National Open Apprenticeship Scheme.
 Government will the seek adjustment educational of curricula towards skills in high demand in the economy, with computer an literacy important component.

as of the  Promotion greater the work of coordination of Research and Training Institutes for the development of special fashioning of skills and production small-scale equipment and components.
 Provision of the administrative framework and organizational for programmes funding and such Micro-Credit Scheme, as of well as and additional the opportunities development of micro, small and-medium scale entrepreneurship.

capacities provision the for  Encouragement of provinces to reinforce existing employment generation and/or develop new ones tailored to their local circumstances.

schemes  Government will recognise and sector informal empower enterprises.
of social  Explore the opportunity for some form security assistance to youths aged 18 - 30 who are registered as unemployed while they look for gainful employment or undergo training to acquire additional skills for the job market.

6.6 On Youth Organisations 6.1 Programmes  Mobilization and interactive socio-cultural programmes for youth organisations, for socio- cultural sports festivals, competition, etc.

 Leadership training executives of various organisations.
for youth  Youth Cooperative Societies, particularly the areas of in agriculture and industry, in order to boost chances for enjoying micro-credit facilities.

24 MINISTRY OF YOUTH DEVELOPMENT, SPORT AND TRAINING|  Youth Exchange Programmes across communities, provinces and regionally.

International linkages, exchange and co-operation programmes e.g.

theatres, cross-cultural music concerts, etc.

 the Policy's in participation programmes and projects on youth clubs and associations.
6.7 On Youth Research and Database 6.7.1 Programmes 6.6.2 Plan of Action procedures  Provision of incentives for the formation of youth groups, clubs and associations through liberal registration and government financial supports.

 Strengthen the provincial youth offices as overseer/office system at the local government level for the effective mobilization for- socio-economic activities and the monitoring and guidance of youth organisations.
 Provision of support for voluntary youth organisations the Boys' Scout, Boy's Brigade, Girls' Guide etc., them stronger, both in and outside schools.

to make like  Formal recognition of Vanuatu Inter Youth Agency Group (VYIAG) leaders and which involves representatives youth organisations and will encourage and sustained campaigns against all social vices among youth.
coordinate of  an societal and  Organisation and sponsorship of annual National Youth Week, Youth Art and Cultural Festival and National Youth Summit.

annual of Institution President's Youth Awards to recognize the contributions of youths and youth organisations communal to development.

Initiation and promotion of inter- inter-provincial, regional state, youth and exchange programmes.
Identification of donor agencies inclined to youth development the them with acquainting provision of the policy and encouraging and promoting their international   of  Research and publications on youth aspects various youth problems local, development the levels provincial and national and by sectors of social and economic activity to build data base on youth and at 6.7.2 PLAN OF ACTION  Commission universities and research social-science institutes to be monitoring and evaluating implementation of the National Youth Development Policy and be reporting findings to Government.
Establish and to allocate universities undertake to research into youth concerns to inform policy.
responsibilities  Develop a direct link with the National Statistics office to coordinate the establishment of a National Youth database which link up with National Youth Training Council, National of Department Council, Education and other youth stakeholders such as Vanuatu Rural Development Training Centres Association 6.8 On Youth Development Centres to create an environment In order conducive to the successful execution of youth development most of programmes the Policy, government will establish model Youth Development Centres nationwide.
this the in To actualize this, Government, through the Ministry responsible for youth affairs, will, in partnership with Development Partners, fund the establishment of at 25 MINISTRY OF YOUTH DEVELOPMENT, SPORT AND TRAINING| least one model Youth Development Centre in each of the six provinces in the country.
The functional objectives of the to provide an model centres is framework the for institutional implementation youth of programmes such as civic education, employment training, counselling, sporting, recreational and cultural activities.

other skills and of Each model centre will have a large hall, small classrooms, a vocational training facility, and facilities for both in-door and out-door games and sorting activities.
It will be run and managed (independent of state bureaucracy) by a Board consisting and respectable youth/community leaders/elders, who have a keen interest in youth development -and a mix of representative of youth organisations.

It will, as much as possible, use some of the facilities for independent revenue its generation programmes.
for sustainability of responsible It is envisaged that the youth centres will become activity centres for the youth, especially those out of school and them with providing unemployed, recreational sorting competitive environment.

Specifically, these YDCs will help achieve the following:  Skills acquisition and other for training entrepreneurial youth.

 Provision of an environment conducive for recreational and sporting activities development.
 Conducting adolescent youth reproductive health counseling.

 Provision of career guidance and counseling for unemployed youth education, civic  Conducting public and enlightenment leadership training programmes.

 The Model youth development centres can be replicated, either by authorities, local communities, or other private if any and NGO with assistance the Government.
little from the CHAPTER IMPLEMENTATION 7: MECHANISM FOR 7.1 Introduction the and Policy Youth on mutual identifies the requisite This chapter institutional key framework agencies which are necessary for the actualization of the objectives of the National the and the Programmes implementation of itemized.

First, which have been successful implementation depends very much cooperation, partnership and solidarity of action stakeholders.
various among Second, to a large extent, success is conditional on the appropriateness, viability, efficiency and effectiveness of the implementation mechanism, as well as on the availability and provision of resources to carry them through.

Third, it is important that the implementation agencies be focused and not work at cross purposes.

Fourth, the identified target groups should be actively involved in the process.
Finally, the leadership of the implementation agencies should be dedicated, committed, well-informed and well- meaning personnel who are ready to responsibilities their selflessly.

The Policy has taken these variables into consideration.
discharge 7.2 Broad Institutional Framework is a broad but There administrative, institutional implementation of the Policy and consists of the following: linked legal, budgetary/funding the for it framework 7.2.1 Ministry of Education, Youth Development and Training The Ministry of Education, Youth Development is the ministerial organ of the Government directly responsible for policy formulation and - review, the design of priority programmes of action, youth guidelines and development in the country.
It has the and responsibility overseeing broad for of 26 MINISTRY OF YOUTH DEVELOPMENT, SPORT AND TRAINING| oversight coordinating the implementation of the policy from the national to the provincial and area levels and with other implementing agencies and NGOs.

And it supervisory has specialised responsibility with agencies youth development, such as the National Youth Council as well as the proposed National Youth Advisory Commission and National Youth Development Fund.
for concerned and/or the 7.2.2 The Vanuatu National Youth Advisory Commission (VNYAC) and and Industry, There will be an inter-sectoral council to be called the National Youth Advisory Commission.

Under the chairmanship of the Minister of Youth Development, sport and Training, it will comprise all the chief executives of the core relevant ministries e.g.
Ministries of Women Affairs Development, Youth Education, Employment, Labour and Health, Sports, Culture and Tourism, Agriculture with responsibilities for the implementation of diverse aspects of the Policy: chief the major specialized executives of agencies on youth development, and adequate representation of the youth.

It will serve as the forum and clearing house on all Youth Policy matters of national interest.
The purpose of the Commission is to elevate concern for the problems and aspirations of the youth to inter-sectoral and a priority of ministerial level on the national agenda.

This Commission will be established as well at the provincial level to provide an effective forum for all stakeholders.
Its other responsibilities will include: the  Coordinating and streamlining youth development activities at the State level, as well as the role of the private sector and NGOs in line with the National Youth Development Policy.
policy It the recommendations Government matters concerning youth, including the utilization Youth Development Fund: propose will the on of to   link It will also serve as a between government key implementation agencies on the one hand and the private sector, and NGOs on the other, to ensure initiatives and programmes associated with the Policy are executed and that intended their effects beneficiaries.
reach that 7.2.3 The Vanuatu National Youth Council (VNYC) The mandate of the youth council is to represent youth voice in policy and decision making at the national level as well as administer and implement government policy objective relating to build and youth empowerment.

capacities It will be led by democratically elected representatives at annually-held Youth Summits.

The role of the government with regard to VNYC will be limited to providing direct As control an logistics support.
The Financial and operational activities of the organisation and its functional organs will be free of and/or government umbrella interference.

organisation of voluntary youth NGOs, the VNYC will follow democratic norms, embrace the principles of accountability initiate and in all execute activities that are in consonance with the goals of the National Youth Development Policy.
its conduct, and 7.2.4 National Youth Development Fund The government will establish a National Youth Development Fund to finance the execution of all the programmes for youth development conceived in relation to the implementation of the National Youth Policy.

The fund will have a board of the Honorable Minister in charge of Youth Affairs, and its membership will be drawn from the relevant ministries, the private sector, youth organisations and relevant NGOs.
to be headed by trustees 27 MINISTRY OF YOUTH DEVELOPMENT, SPORT AND TRAINING| and sector The Fund should have the power to mobilise and obtain funds from the private international development agencies for the financing of youth development programmes and projects, in addition to governmental sources.

It should be linked to other established Government Funds such as the Agriculture bank.

7.2.5 The Youth Management Act Certain provisions of the Policy, in terms of programmes, structure, funding, etc.
will require legal backing.

Consequently, a parallel bill for the National Youth Council will be developed to assist the enablement and enforcement of the implementation of the Policy.

7.2.6 Ministries and Local authorities This Local the youth underscores Governments In order to ensure effectiveness, mass participation and the active involvement of in decision making processes, the implementation of the programmes in the Policy will involve the the grassroots.
relevance and significance of the State and and Municipalities in the implementation of youth development programmes.

All have a responsibility to create the enabling environment for the growth and development of youth associations at various levels of the community, provide advice, material and other logistics support to youth NGOs, and ensure the development success youth of programmes jurisdiction.
areas their of in 7.2.7 National Volunteer Service A National Volunteer scheme will not only allow young people to develop their skills and prepare them for work, it also creates self-esteem as an alternative to unemployment or lack of confidence.

This Scheme and the institution will the administer veritable promotion of national unity through utilizing young graduates and youth tools for achieving leaders.

The programme will be focused on the implementation of the National Youth Policy.
results in in The supervisory responsibility will remain vested in the Minister in charge of Youth Affairs.

Specifically, it will have a mandatory period of at least 4 months of leadership intensive citizenship and training, active to addition participation in community development activities during the service year.

This is to ensure that at the end of the service the participants are better year, prepared challenges and leadership roles expected by the job market.
the for 7.2.8 Youth Associations and NGOs The youth themselves have a crucial role to play in their own development and the development of society in which they live.

They are the major stakeholders in the National Youth Development Policy.

They are expected to be prepared to join hands and collaborate with other stakeholders in pursuit of the objectives of the policy.
own that are empowerment Not only are they expected to forge unity, they must also be well organized to tap the potential benefits of the Policy for their and development.

They will be expected to form voluntary youth associations and important vehicles NGOs through which can actively they participate in the implementation of the Policy.
Through these, both the private sector government will additionally reach out to them and integrate them in the efforts to promote and concretize youth development objectives.

and the 7.2.9 Student Unions are Students Unions particularly in tertiary institutions youth associations, which provide leadership training grounds for youth.
The unions empower and enable them to actively voluntary 28 MINISTRY OF YOUTH DEVELOPMENT, SPORT AND TRAINING| that affect participate in decision making processes about matters them.

Students' unions also empower the youth to to national institution-building development.

contribute positively and Given this important role, the unions will be encouraged to function and develop, guided by the values of democracy, accountability, transparency, and good governance.
The national umbrella in organisation of students' unions tertiary have institutions representation in the National Youth Council, Youth Development Fund, the National Youth Advisory Committee.

National the will 7.2.10 Private Sector Organisations The private sector organizations are particularly important in implementation of national employment aspirations of the government as they assist in the creation of employment opportunities and coping with the problem of un- employed/underemployed youth.
They should be included in government –led initiatives as well as encouraged through incentives that will allow them to play major roles in initiating, developing and sponsoring programmes that meet the objectives of this national youth, sport and training policy.
7.2.11 International Organisations Multilateral and bilateral donor agencies and international NGOs represent an important vehicle through which some of the objectives and programmes of the National Youth, Sport and Training Policy can be actualised.

They could provide information and funding, linkage can contribute to the implementation of the Policy.

They will be cultivated as relevant and necessary partners youth development initiatives.
training, programmes, which in 7.2.12 Mass Media The Print as well as the electronic media are recognised as important partners in the implementation of this Policy.

It is expected that they will educate, inform and enlighten the citizenry on all matters relating to upholding and promoting youth rights and obligations.
7.3 Resource Mobilisation The success of the National Youth Development the Policy achievement of set objectives will depend on the ability to mobilize and commit resources to its implementation.

and the efficient and Therefore no effort will be spared in the task of generating sufficient resources to facilitate timely execution of all the programmes associated with the Policy.
Financial resources will be mobilized from the Budgetary government‘s allocations; local governments; assistance from foreign governments international and donors/agencies; and contribution from the private sector and persons of good- will.

annual grants from The Government will provide an adequate take-off grant to establish the National Youth Development Fund.

The Fund will also be the beneficiary of proposed Youth Development.
of raising Thereafter, the Board of Trustees will be expected to invest part of the funds for income generation and pursue other avenues additional contributions to the Fund.

In the long term, the, State and Local governments will be required to allocate at least 10% - 25% budgetary expenditures on youth development programmes.

annual their of 7.4 Monitoring and Evaluation The role of monitoring and evaluation in any enhancing governmental policy package cannot be Youth denied.
the National success For the of 29 MINISTRY OF YOUTH DEVELOPMENT, SPORT AND TRAINING| the Ministry of Development Policy, Education, Youth Development Sport and Training in collaboration with the National Youth Council, the National Statistics Office (NSO), and universities and social-science research institutions will be mandated to monitor and evaluate the progress of implementation of the programmes of the Policy.
Analysis of data generated should enhance the process and machinery of implementation as well as provide useful guidance for subsequent review of the Policy.

Until such time, the Monitoring and Planning Division of the Ministry of Education, Youth development, Sports and the Training will undertake necessary monitoring and Evaluation of the policy implementation.

7.5 Policy Review Process to The National Youth Development Policy will be reviewed every three years with a view necessary making improvements.
The review process will be democratic and inclusive, and involve wide-range and discussions with all the stakeholders, especially the youth.

consultations CHAPTER 8-CONCLUSION Vanuatu youth have great aspirations and expectations.

They also have great frustration with the slow and ineffective the successive manner with which the governments have mishandled actualization of their aspirations.

Indeed, Vanuatu youths have been experiencing a profound crisis of rising expectations.
is in this It the Administration conceived and designed this National Youth development Policy.

context that The Policy has attempted to set broad guidelines as well as general and specific objectives for meeting the needs of the youth, resolving the problems afflicting them, and empowering them to become active participants in the task of socioeconomic and national unity.

development out It has also designed programmes and set institutional appropriate mechanisms for their implementation.
It has taken a long time for the problems to pile up and become compounded and for to the condition of our youth deteriorate to the present observable level.

It will thus take time, patience and a lot of hard work before all the constraints can be removed and the problems solved.

The Government is taking its obligations to the youth, and to the Vanuatu people with regard to the general improvement of the living and working conditions of all Ni- Vanuatu very seriously.
youth The Administration is especially mindful of the critical role of an empowered and contented national development and will therefore; strive to bring the objectives to this Policy to fruition to achieve the national vision of a Just, Educated, Healthy and Wealthy Vanuatu.

in 30 MINISTRY OF YOUTH DEVELOPMENT, SPORT AND TRAINING| CHAPTER 9-BIBLIOGRAPHY McMillan Karen and Worth Heather.

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