West New Britain province (WNBP) has officially launched its Youth Online Registration platform to establish a comprehensive provincial database of disengaged and out-of-school youths.

By capturing essential details such as living locations, educational backgrounds, existing skills, and personal interests, the initiative strengthens coordination between the West New Britain Provincial Government, the National Youth Development Authority (NYDA), and District Development Authorities (DDAs).

This data-driven approach links Local-Level Government (LLG) units to the provincial tier, enabling public agencies to directly connect young people to local opportunities in agriculture, fisheries, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), sports, leadership, and tourism.

The strategy stems from a 2024 ministerial directive that led to the creation of the National Youth Engagement Strategy (NYES), which was formally endorsed by the National Executive Council in April 2025.

NYDA Director General Joe Itaki explained that the strategy mandates working directly with provinces and District Development Authorities to execute joint implementation plans, creating sustainable community pathways for out-of-school youth.

At the launch event, which brought together key national and provincial stakeholders including officials from the Department of National Planning and Monitoring, Division of Community Development Executive Manager (Social Sector) Philbert Vitata highlighted the database’s role as a tool for inclusion that gives disengaged youth a formal record and a clear pathway into mainstream development.

Leaders at the launch emphasized both the personal and strategic significance of the initiative.

Reflecting on his own upbringing in a single-parent home in Lae City and his journey through church programs and Flexible, Open and Distance Education (FODE), Minister for Youth, Religion and Community Development Jason Peter shared his personal connection to the cause.

“I know the challenges of youth because I was once a young person growing up in a single home in Lae City.”

“Through church programmes, I was able to turn my life around and pursue my education through second-chance institutions like FODE.”

Minister Peter urged young people to take active control of their futures through these new pathways, adding that lasting success comes when God remains at the center of their lives.

Meanwhile, Governor of West New Britain, Sasindran Muthuvel, reinforced the broader civic importance of empowering the region's youth, noting that disengaged youths, or out of school youths are increasingly not only the leaders of tomorrow, but they are also an important part of the leadership today.