The Chairman of the Young Entrepreneurs Council Solomon Islands (YECSI), Limal Totongi, has held a consultative meeting with representatives of the Western Province Young Entrepreneurship Council (WPYEC) in Gizo, reaffirming a shared commitment to youth empowerment and economic development in the province.
The meeting provided a platform for WPYEC representatives to present detailed updates on their ongoing programs and key activities, as well as impact stories demonstrating the positive outcomes of youth- and entrepreneurship-focused initiatives being implemented across the Western Province.
WPYEC Vice Chairman Robson Tuke said the council has been actively working to support young entrepreneurs despite ongoing challenges.
“We have been doing our best to engage young people across the province through training, mentorship, and business support programs. However, we continue to face challenges such as limited funding, access to markets, and capacity-building opportunities more trainings needed,” Mr Tuke said.
He added that stronger collaboration with YECSI would help strengthen youth entrepreneurship in Western Province.
“We believe that by working more closely with YECSI, we can create more meaningful opportunities for our young people, particularly those in rural and remote communities,” he said.
In response, YECSI Chairman Limal Totongi shared updates on the council’s current initiatives, strategic priorities, and future plans.
He highlighted areas of alignment between YECSI and WPYEC, particularly in advancing youth entrepreneurship and supporting community development.
“Our role at the national level is to ensure that young entrepreneurs across the country, including those in Western Province, have access to the right support, networks, and opportunities to grow their businesses,” Mr Totongi said.
He emphasized the importance of partnership and coordination between national and provincial youth bodies.
“YECSI cannot work in isolation. We must work hand in hand with provincial youth councils like WPYEC to ensure our programs reach young people at the grassroots level,” he said.
Both parties engaged in constructive discussions on common goals and explored practical ways to strengthen collaboration and coordination moving forward, with an emphasis on creating sustainable economic opportunities for young people.
The meeting concluded with a mutual understanding on the importance of maintaining a strong partnership between YECSI and WPYEC, reaffirming their joint commitment to supporting young entrepreneurs and fostering inclusive economic growth in the Western Province
By Ulutah Gina
Solomon Star, Gizo
Caption: YECSI Chairman with WPYEC Vice Chair and members during the meeting in Gizo.
