Youth Community Leader, Mr. Kurere Matanzana is no stranger when it comes to engaging in community projects and this time is no different as the young man recently facilitated a leadership workshop which was held for only a day at Country Women’s Association conference room, Madang. The aim of the workshop was to empower the local leaders and citizens with the right information surrounding their roles and responsibilities in the light of the upcoming LLG elections in September 2024. The workshop covered the following topics: ● Roles and responsibilities of local level government leaders, ● Ward development committee functions, ● How to set up ward development committee, ● Ward Development Planning Process, ● Importance of LLG Meetings, ● Introduction to Provincial and Local Level Government Act 1997, ● Intergovernmental relations, and ● Introduction to new reforms. Matanzana stated that despite it being late notice, more than thirty local leaders from all six districts of Madang Province comprising of ward councillors, village recorders, electoral officers, LLG presidents, LLG CEOs, active citizens and intending candidates for the upcoming local level government elections attended. He expressed delight upon receiving positive feedback from leaders who were ahead of him in both years and experience. “The Sumkilba LLG CEO Mr. Joe Bess and Ward 23 Ambenob Councilor Mr. Steven Igerup expressed their gratitude for the workshop on behalf of all the attendees and stated that they will share the learning with their respective stakeholders and leaders.” “Mr. Domol Irun, ward 16 councilor who attended the workshop with his village recorder and ward development committee members called for more of such initiatives in the future to properly equip, inform and empower the local leaders.” Matanzana stated that the workshop was his personal initiative supported by the Department of Provincial and Local Level Government (PLLG). “The department provided the relevant and necessary information to disseminate and train our local leaders.” He further expressed his gratitude towards the PLLG for their support and is looking forward to facilitating another workshop. The next workshop will be hosted during August or September.