The Valapata community of Southeast Vella La Vella Constituency in Western Province is currently constructing a first of its kind, a Youth Hub Center in the region.
The project was funded under the PAC People for Advance Community (PPAC) Phase 7 and is being implemented by Sirubai Voko Tribe Association (SVTA).
The project focuses on gender equality with a theme: “Say No to gender equality”.
The activity captured objective 3 of the small grant project; “To empower youths, women, girls, people with disability by providing accessible learning center that is safe and risk free”.
Gender equality requires sharing of responsibility and decision-making authority by women and men in terms of socially valued goods, opportunities, resources and rewards.
Where gender inequality exists, generally youths, women and people with disability are excluded or disadvantaged in relation to decision making and access to economic and social resources added Mr. Jesse Lelokana (Project Team leader).
Mr. Steneth Kaniki, SVTA Director applaud SPC PPAC Phase 7 for the generous support rendered to the targeted group for Valapata community.
This is the first of its kind, and the success of this project will go a long way.
The SPC PPAC has been supporting SVTA for the past five years and the capacity building, empowerment and exchange learning trips implemented over the years have tremendous shift of mindset to our people, added Mr. Kaniki.
Mrs. Aderlyn Alu highlighted that it is essential for youths, women, girls and People with Special Need to actively involved and engaged in such initiative because is it good for community economic prosperity.
Mrs. Keith Tovakera, female Community Facilitator (SVTA) acknowledge the scaling out of activities to wider community.
She mentioned that, for the past two decades, SVTA has been building its own capacity, and this project is an indicator of organizational growth as it reaches out to the main community of Valapata.
The project will not only serve the targeted audience (Youths, Women, Girls and PWD) but the public for hosting community events.
Mr. Ian Lelokana, Treasure of Valapata community is so optimistic about the future of the Learning Hub.
This is a historical milestone for the community, where Government Ministries, Provincial Divisions, NGO partners and Private Companies can have access to the venue.
“We have been longing for community development for many years, thank you SPC for recognizing the need of our people,” added Mr. Lelokana.
The building is expected to be completed by December 2025 and hope to launch the milestone with key stakeholders, community and donors to witness the event.
By SVTA media
Sirubai Voko Tribe Association
