Jeremiah's dream is within grasp through World Vision's youth empowerment project

In Bumbu Compound, one of the most notorious settlements in Morobe’s Lae City, we meet Jeremiah, a 25-year-old with a story of resilience, who has emerged from a challenging past into a future full of hope.

His journey reflects not just his personal growth but also the profound impact of World Vision's Youth Empowerment Project, the Rispektim Yu Yet, Rispektim Narapela na Yumi Sanap Wantaim Project (RYRNYSW) implemented in partnership with local Civil Society Organisations within Lae City with much-needed funding support from the European Union (EU).

“I never knew my father, he left when I was very young. My mother raised me but she too left me and went away.  Another family from here (Morobe) took me in and took care of me,” says Jeremiah.

His formal education ended at Grade 3, Jeremiah found himself navigating the unforgiving streets of Lae, joining a group of street boys in a bid to survive. Days were spent collecting containers, nights on the streets, and sometimes he resorted to petty theft just to make ends meet.

Everything changed when the EU-funded project reached Bumbu. As community leaders called on young people to participate, Jeremiah saw it as an opportunity for change. Despite some friends hesitating, he saw it as a lifeline—an avenue to learn skills that could break the cycle of poverty.

Through the project's various modules, Jeremiah not only acquired practical skills but discovered a passion. While engaging in sports activities organised by the project, his eyes were set on becoming a project officer. Realising the importance of work in shaping his future, Jeremiah identified driving as a skill that could open doors for him.

“I knew that through this project I would be able to find some employment from the skills that I was learning,” he says.

His commitment extended beyond participation. With a clear vision of his future, he worked tirelessly to obtain a driver's license, viewing it as the key to unlocking job opportunities.

Jeremiah expresses deep gratitude when reflecting on the transformative impact of World Vision's initiative. The project not only equipped him with practical skills but also instilled a positive shift in his perspective.

“I tried going to church but I could not stay in church and would often backslide again because my mind was still busy with how I would survive daily. All I want is to have some skills that would help me earn a living,” adds Jeremiah.

He says that now with the driving training that he is receiving, he feels empowered and is looking forward to getting his driver's license and finding employment.

With genuine appreciation, he acknowledges the project's role in offering underprivileged youths, like himself, a second chance.

Jeremiah understands that the project cannot do everything for him but he recently found out that he has to pay half of his license and that has weighed heavy on his mind.

“I don’t want to go back to my community and continue doing the same negative things. I want this to work out so I can prove it to some people in my community who do not believe that I can change into someone better,” he says.

The RYRNYSW Project stands as a beacon of hope, enlightening the potential for change even in the face of adversity. By addressing the root causes of negative behavior and providing tangible skills, the initiative doesn't just transform individual lives but contributes to the overall well-being of the community.

“I learned a lot of valuable information from my involvement with the Impact Club in my community. It was basically about building my life to change my lifestyle, character, and general outlook on life positively,” adds Jeremiah.

Jeremiah's story shows the importance of initiatives that empower marginalised youths. It underscores the need to provide opportunities for skills development and mindset change, especially for those who have faced challenges in traditional education systems.

“Now through this driving school – I have a fair idea of how to drive and I am very excited. I had the dream of driving a vehicle at a very young age and this dream is now becoming a reality for me," he says.

The RYRNYSW Project isn't merely a program; it's a lifeline that has the power to reshape destinies and break the cycle of poverty for countless youths like Jeremiah in Bumbu and selected communities around Lae City, the second largest city in Papua New Guinea.

Jeremiah is a youth from one of the first 16 Impact Clubs that started working in close partnership with CSO Ginigoada Foundation through Wills – Teach You How to Drive driving school instructed by Leto Darius, a former police officer and Pastor who has now become a driving instructor and offers driving skills training in and around Lae city. He is from one of two driving schools engaged by the RYRNYSW project.

The project is now in its evaluation phase and although like any other project has its challenges, the positive impact that it has had on youths who have left school in Lae is immense. Jeremiah is but one, and there are many other positive stories yet to come.

RYRNYSW Project is coordinated by World Vision PNG and implemented by local CSOs with much-appreciated funding support from the European Union.