The final stage of the Yut Pawa programme wrapped up in December 2024, marking a meaningful step forward for youth in Vanuatu seeking pathways to employment and entrepreneurship.
Funded by New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and supported by the Commonwealth of Learning, the programme connected young people — many of whom had left school early — with valuable opportunities to gain experience, build confidence, and begin shaping their futures.
Participants in the Kasem Work Program completed four-week internships in private companies and government offices, working alongside professionals in real-world settings. For many, this was their first time in a formal workplace. Through guidance from supervisors and hands-on learning, they discovered new strengths, explored career interests, and, in some cases, even received job offers.
Others joined the Lanem Bisnis Program, where they worked in small groups with local business trainers. They refined ideas ranging from poultry farming to retail and agriculture, and later spent two weeks shadowing real business owners through personalised mentorships. These experiences helped participants understand what it takes to start and manage a small enterprise, not just in theory, but on the ground.
Participants shared that the programme gave them a renewed sense of purpose and self-belief. Whether entering the workforce or preparing to launch a business, they finished the programme with stronger skills, clearer goals, and a ,more profound sense of their capabilities.
Inspired by these outcomes, implementing partner V-Lab is now exploring ways to expand the initiative and bring similar opportunities to even more young people across Vanuatu.