“As an advocate for issues young people face in my home province of Western Highlands, I sometimes felt alone doing such work. I often wondered if there are other young people in Papua New Guinea who are passionate in serving their communities and people or was I the only one,” Mr. Brian Tom shyly laughed when reflecting on his journey as a young leader and the changes that he strives to make back home.

The 29 year High School teacher from Western Highlands was part of the 2022 Youth Parliament Cohort held in Port Moresby and spoke of how his perception changed following the participation of the week-long event.

“The level of exposure I received then and the increased sense of responsibility I felt that moment just seated with like-minded young individuals who were also playing a leadership role in their schools and communities was the shift of perspective I needed,” Brian shared.

“It helped me understand that there is more that I can do for my community and such training provided me with the leadership boost I needed to lead back home.‘

For the 2023 Youth Parliament in Port Moresby, another young man has grown into quite the leader under the watchful eyes and guidance of Mr. Brian Tom, and was also  a successful applicant to attend the Youth Parliament. 

24 year old Mr. Newman Alo joined the Sanap Wantime Youth Advocacy Program in 2020. Newman was born without legs and is bound to his wheelchair and when he joined Brian’s team 3 years ago, found a new purpose to life.

“He lived on the streets and was a toxic substance abuser. He would abuse both alcohol and drugs and involve himself with petty crimes on the streets of Mt. Hagen, ” Brian said.

“One day, he approached me and spoke of his interest to change and do better for his community.”

From that day onwards, Newman was trained on how to better advocate for youths that were living with disabilities  in the province, and who experienced various levels of marginalizations.

“We helped Newman use his voice to highlight the issues that are faced by young people like him and the drug abuse that is prevalent amongst them because they are somewhat rejected by society so they believe that they are of no use to society,” Brian continued.

“Being part of the 2023 Youth Parliament has opened his eyes to realize his potential and the advocacy work that he does in Mt. Hagen is not in vain.”

According to Newman, who left school in grade 10, he felt so lucky to be selected as one of the 60 participants of the Youth Parliament 2023.

“Being around young people that are leaders in their universities, colleges, high schools  and place of work, I learnt a lot just by listening to them and seeing how they conduct themselves during the different sessions.”

“Not only did I receive exposure during these sessions but I felt respected and recognised as an equal and not just a person with disability.  My voice was heard.”

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Papua New Guinea facilitated and led the 2023 National Youth Parliament  in partnership with the  National Youth Development Authority through   funding support from the European Union’s Spotlight Initiative. The  Youth Parliament was  held from 11th - 15th December, 2023.