Niue Government prepares its youth

With a population of only under 2000, Niue is walking the talk by paving its pathway forward by preparing its Youth for Politics and its Parliamentary affairs.

Attending the PPAPD-FPOC meeting is an opportunity that the Government of Niue has pro-actively ceased to groom its young people into politics. Amongst the 8 delegates present at the conference, there is not only gender balance but also youth balance in those represented.
Mr Atapana Siakimotu who is the Champion for Youth within the PPDF and FPOC tells the Herald that the programme is in its infancy. Workshops held with youth during the months of April, July and September 2009 have led to our first Youth parliamentary setting in October 2009. It is important that our Niue youth understand how the system works and what needs to be done. The active participation of youth in various settings of parliamentary affairs is not only crucial but it is integral to building Niue.
Ms Gustava Esther Pavihi, who is Niue’s youngest parliamentarian, is part of the Niuean delegation present at the PPDF/FPOC conference. At the age of 34 she entered into the Niuean Political system and is a strong advocate of the Youth Parliamentarian project that is led by Niue Youth and funded by UNDP. Ms Pavihi says the Niuean Youth Parliamentarian programme is a platform by which youth are encouraged and supported to take interest in local issues, policies and other activities of being in politics, it is also a way in which to retain an interest of our youth to remain in Niue and perhaps be part of the solution to the depopulation of Niue.
For the two youth parliamentarians that have come with the Niuean delegation, the conference has enlightened their perspectives and thinking about parliament affairs.
Fortunately, Youth Director, Vania Kenning has taken the initiative to engage with the two Niuean Youth Parliamentarians and has planned an itinerary for them to work closely with our Cook Islands Youth.
The innovative thinking of the Niue Government is without doubt setting an excellent example for Pacific governments to follow. It is an initiative that is showing commitment in action toward its youth population, ensuring that a productive and prosperous future is achieved for the island and people of Niue.

Herald Issue 463 10 June
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