A Niue youth leader attending a Pacific Youth Leaders conference in Hawaii this week wants to encourage more young people to take up leadership roles.
Inangaro Vakaafi Photo: RNZI/Sally Round
Inangaro Vakaafi is a senior producer for the Broadcasting Corporation of Niue and has done volunteer work for groups including the Niue Island Organic Farmers Association, Niue Youth Council, Mutalau Village and 350 Niue.
She said often young people were told they are leaders of tomorrow, but she said youth had much to offer the communities they serve today.
"There are great opportunities in the islands and if we do want to make any changes, we can't rely on others to do it for us. We have to be in there and making things happen. We can go upskill ourselves overseas but always with that mindset that we have to return home to do our bit."
Inangaro Vakaafi was selected as an emerging Pacific leader to attend the regional meeting, focusing on how youth can help advance regional development.
Participants will also be eligible to compete for new small grants to support projects in their home countries.