New youth centre opens in Gizo to boost skills, jobs, and community development for young people in Western Province.
A new multi-purpose youth centre has opened in Gizo, marking a significant investment in the social and economic future of young people across Solomon Islands’ Western Province.
The facility, located in Titiana Ward 11, was officially handed over in a ceremony attended by national and provincial leaders. The centre is designed to serve as a hub for skills training, sports, and cultural activities, addressing a long-standing need for dedicated youth infrastructure in the region.
The handover was attended by a high-level delegation, including the Minister for Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs, the Minister of Provincial Government & Institutional Strengthening, Western Province Premier Billy Veo, and Langi Sunga, President of the Western Province Youth Council.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister for Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs emphasized that the centre is more than just a building; it is a strategic tool to combat anti-social behavior by providing structured opportunities for the community.
“This project aims to strengthen youth engagement and create genuine pathways for employment, leadership, and entrepreneurship,” the Minister stated.
The facility is expected to bridge the gap between rural youth and essential services. By providing a physical base in the Gizo Kolobangara Constituency, government agencies and development partners can now deliver targeted initiatives—such as vocational workshops and health programs—directly to the provincial population.
For the Western Province Youth Council, the centre represents a shift toward decentralised support, ensuring that young people outside of Honiara have the resources to contribute to the nation’s economic and social fabric.
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