Madang youths trying to form a body, says rep

YOUTHS in Madang say they have missed out on opportunities for too long as they have no representation at provincial level.
Spokesperson Noah Motokou said the province did not have a youth chamber or council.
Motokou initiated the idea to gather youths and collect provincial data to register with the National Youth Development Authority (NYDA) this year.
His aim came with a wish to see Madang, especially the town, is safe again.
“Something must be done to address the increasing law and order issues and petty crimes in the province and town and I believe it starts with the establishment of a provincial council that can be the youths’ voice,” he said.
With some guidance from a team from NYDA who visited this year, Motokou has so far gathered about 200 youths across Madang Urban’s wards 1-10, and 60 have been issued identification cards and contracted by the local level government (LLG) to clean the town and provide basic security.
“Madang Urban LLG has also assisted us with certificate training on public speaking so our boys can conduct awareness while cleaning around town,” he said.
“But they are working on a volunteer basis.
“I appeal for some funding so our youths can be paid.”
Motokou said he had completed data for Sumkar and was working on the other three districts now.
“I’d like the assistance of our Open members and their district development authorities to complete this data collection process,” he said.
“For now, I need an office space and some funding to move around.
“The provincial government and administration can also consider assisting us to establish the youth council.”
Motokou said the initial data would be taken to Port Moresby in October to formally affiliate under NYDA.