Young women and girls empowered through skills training

March 18, 2026 10:13 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook

By Doddy Morris.

The Rise Again Foundation, a young community-based charitable organisation, is making strides to support young women and girls affected by early pregnancy in Vanuatu.

Too often, these young women face stigma and limited opportunities to continue their education or build independent livelihoods. The foundation believes that every young woman deserves a second chance, and with the right support, mentorship, and access to education and skills training, they can build brighter futures for themselves and their children.

Since its establishment, the foundation has secured sponsorships for two beneficiaries who are currently undertaking courses with Nat Secretariat Services. The foundation expressed sincere gratitude to the Vanuatu Financial Services Commission and the Kiwanis Club of Port Vila for their financial support, which has made these opportunities possible.

The Rise Again Foundation is guided by an executive committee led by President Donna Titi, Vice-President Tafailangi Mangawai, Secretary Felisa Lini, Treasurer Viniana Jimmy, PR Officer Harina Joseph, and Liaison Officer Justine Kalpokas.

The beneficiaries have expressed their appreciation for the support they have received. Febianna Buru said she was thankful to God and to the Rise Again Foundation and its partners, the Kiwanis Club of Port Vila and the Vanuatu Financial Services Commission, for investing in her professional journey. She explained that the sponsorship has allowed her to gain essential office management and customer service skills, giving her the perseverance to keep dreaming despite the challenges of being a young mother.

“To me, motherhood is a reason to strive for a better future for my family, not a reason to stop. I am committed to finishing what I have started and am so thankful for the trust the Foundation has placed in me. As long as we keep moving forward, we can achieve anything,” she said.

Willine Kalpokas also thanked the Rise Again Foundation and her sponsor for giving her the opportunity to grow professionally and provide for her family.

She highlighted that the training at Nat Secretariat Services helped her build skills in Customer Service and Administration, and she expressed gratitude for the knowledge and experience gained through the program.

The support from sponsors has been instrumental in the foundation’s work. The President of the Kiwanis Club of Port Vila commented that the club is very pleased to support young women who have had to leave school early due to pregnancy.

“Those women face a tough life while they support their children, and we are very pleased to help make their lives just a little bit easier. We applaud the efforts of the women who have formed the Rise Again Foundation and hope that many more people in our community give a little to back them up,” the sponsor said.

The training with Nat Secretariat Services consists of one-month courses in Customer Service and Secretary skills, offered in both Port Vila and Luganville. Interested applicants can visit their Facebook page or call the office at 25765 for more information.

As a community-based charitable organisation, the Rise Again Foundation raises funds to carry out its projects. A sausage sizzle fundraiser will be held in April at Port Vila Hardware, with the date and time to be confirmed on the foundation’s Facebook page. The foundation encourages the public to like and follow their page to stay updated and to support this important cause.