Bougainville Youth Federation Hosts Peace Building and Conflict Resolution Training in Buin District
- Communications Officer
- Mar 24
- 2 min read
The Bougainville Youth Federation (BYF), in collaboration with the Nazareth Centre for Rehabilitation, recently conducted an intensive Peace Building and Conflict Resolution Training in Patupatuai, Buin District. The training took place from March 3 to 12 and involved 33 youth representatives from the Buin Urban Youth and Buin District Youth Association.
Joseph Jnr. Pais, Chairman of BYF, emphasized the importance of the training, stating, “BYF recognized the need to engage the youth population in such initiatives as a means of capacity building. This will help them gain self-awareness and become peace-builders in their communities.”
The initiative was funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) under the PNGAus Sub-national Program. The Bougainville Partnership, part of the program's Pillar 3 – Supporting Stronger Communities, also provided support for the project.
Clarence Vinoko, Youth Leader for Buin Urban, noted, “Youth well-being is a priority focus for BYF. Our young leaders are agents of change, and it is vital for them to be mentally and physically strong in order to make informed decisions for their communities.”
Lead Facilitator Ferdinand Votonsi highlighted the significance of the training, saying, “These types of programs are critical in fostering safe and inclusive societies.”
The training comes at a time when Bougainville continues to heal from the generational trauma caused by the Bougainville Civil War, which began in 1988. The workshop is the first of its kind organized by the peak youth body in the region, and it aligns with BYF’s strategic objectives of social, spirituality and health.
This initiative is seen as a vital step towards equipping youth leaders with the skills necessary to contribute to a peaceful and stable Bougainville.
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