In a powerful address, Anthony Uechtritz, Principal Program Manager for Youth Opportunities at the Santos Foundation, highlighted the remarkable transformation of the Pimaga Vocational and Education Training Centre in Lake Kutubu in Southern Highlands Province, showcasing how focused investment and community collaboration can revitalize rural education and unlock the potential of Papua New Guinea’s youth, at the 2025 Papua New Guinea Resources Week held at APEC Haus. According to the United Nations Population Fund, over 60% of PNG’s population is under the age of 25—a demographic shift posing both a challenge and an opportunity. “When young people lack opportunities, it puts pressure on communities, but with the right support, they can drive PNG’s future economic success.” Established in 2018 and recognized as a government institution in 2019, the training centre, initially faced significant hurdles—only six teachers, two on payroll, and 100 students, with just seven of them being females. Most graduates had completed theoretical training without practical skills and received unrecognized certificates, leaving them disheartened. In response, the Santos Foundation launched a two-pronged strategy: lift student morale and transition the centre toward delivering nationally recognized training. Thirteen students were selected for a life skills program in Port Moresby. Ten later secured employment in Australia, and three in the capital city. The results were immediate: morale surged, enrolments doubled, and female participation tripled. A curriculum audit conducted in partnership with the Department of Education laid the foundation for upgrading training programs and infrastructure. Since then, major milestones have been achieved, including: - Installation of a 99kW solar mini grid providing 24/7 electricity. - Construction of dormitories, classrooms, and six teachers' houses—built by the students themselves. - Accreditation to deliver four nationally recognized certificate courses. - A jump in student enrolment from 100 to 300, and female enrolment from 7 to 83. “It’s about creating new pathways connecting training to jobs and giving young people, especially women, a chance at a brighter future.” The Pimaga success story is part of Santos Foundation’s broader Youth Opportunities Program, which includes about eight major initiatives aimed at youth empowerment across PNG.