“A center for young people in Lae was something that we always dreamed of and officially opening this Youth Resource and Gender Based Violence Wellness Center today is a manifestation of this dream to deliver valuable and vital services and information to our youths,” Ms. Jennifer John, Program Manager with the Papua New Guinea Family Health Association, expressed today at the opening of the center in Lae. 

“This Youth Wellness Center will not only meet but exceed expectations in serving sexual and reproductive health services and information to the young people, as well as survivors of Gender Based Violence.”

The Youth Resource and GBV Wellness Center includes three fully air-conditioned consultation rooms for counseling and an ablution block. 

This Youth Resource Center and GBV Wellness Center helpdesk will provide Youth Friendly information on Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) needs, train and empower young people to be peer educators and advocates, and will also provide psychosocial support, life skills training and first line support counseling for GBV survivors.

The Global Fund funded initiative, through a partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and World Vision Papua New Guinea, was officially launched today. Planning for the center began last year in collaboration with the PNG Family Health Association, with construction starting in March and finishing in October.

UNFPA Representative Ms. Saira Shameem who was present for the ribbon cutting ceremony, said this Youth Center is a safe space for the young people of Morobe Province to engage in planning and implementing their dreams and aspirations for their communities. 

“We hope that our young people maximize the use of this youth hub because this hub was specially designed for you.  We hope this will inspire you to co-create your plans and programmes that will help you shape a future that benefits the youth of Morobe Province.

“To our young leaders, UNFPA firmly believes that you are the country’s game changer. Sixty per cent of the population of Papua New Guinea are 25 years and younger and the country will remain youthful in 2030 and 2050 based on National Statistical Office projections. May your potential continue to be promoted and fulfilled,” Ms. Shameem concluded. 

Ms. Nellie McLay, the President of PNG FHA, acknowledges the ongoing partnership with UNFPA as being instrumental in the establishment of the Youth Center.

“Every young person deserves to make informed decisions when it comes to their health, and they must have the opportunities to do so. We thank UNFPA and partners for coming together for this important occasion of embracing Youth Development.”

“This small but significant event signifies the PNG FHA’s commitment to the young people of Papua New Guinea.”