Mele Youth Nakamal opens: A new space for skills and community

March 9, 2026 10:37 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook

Compiled By Nicholas Mwai.

Young people in Mele Village now have a new space to gather, learn and develop skills following the recent opening of the Mele Youth Nakamal.

The new facility was built through a partnership between the Vanuatu Institute of Technology (VIT), the Mele community, Member of Parliament (MP) Tomker Netvunei and the Australian High Commission.

Fifteen Vanuatu Institute of Technology (VIT) students, including three women and one student living with a disability, constructed the building as part of their Certificate I in Building Construction training.

The project was delivered through an on-the-job training model supported by the Pacific Australia Skills program.

Speaking at the opening, MP Netvunei said the Youth Nakamal will provide an important space for young people in one of Vanuatu’s largest villages.

“This Nakamal was envisioned as a space not only for social and cultural activities, but also for fundraising and other economic opportunities that can support young people and the wider community,” he said.

VIT Principal Wade Evans said the project demonstrates the value of practical training that allows students to gain real experience while benefiting communities.

“Students gain real skills, real confidence and real qualifications—while delivering something meaningful for their community,” he said.

“Our Certificate I students often work on temporary training builds, but the Mele Youth Nakamal is a lasting piece of infrastructure they can be proud to have contributed to for many years to come,” he added.

Paramount Chief of Mele, Chief Poilapa IV Tivatelapa, officially named the new building Farea Tamariki Kainga Imere, meaning Mele Youth Nakamal.

Chiefs of the village welcomed the facility as a place where young people can gather, learn and contribute positively to their community.

Australia’s Acting High Commissioner to Vanuatu, Emily Fisher, said Australia is proud to support initiatives that strengthen skills development among young ni-Vanuatu.

“I am very pleased to attend this event celebrating skills and youth development and witness the official opening of an asset that is built by the community, for the community,” Fisher said.

“Knowing that these 15 students now have the skills to build similar infrastructure in the future is something to be proud of, and Australia is pleased to be part of this journey and support the youth of Mele,” she added.

For the students involved, the project has already made a difference. Twenty-one-year-old May Willie said building the Nakamal has strengthened her confidence and future career plans.

“Building this Nakamal has given me skills and confidence for my future,” she said, adding that she hopes to continue her studies in construction after completing her certificate.