ABG engages Bove Community on proposed Bougainville Sports Academy
The ABG Ministry of Community Development has begun a two-day community engagement program in Bove, Central Bougainville, to consult with local stakeholders on the proposed Bougainville Sports Academy.
Minister for Community Development, Hon. Melvin Wilolopa, is leading the consultations as part of efforts to strengthen sports and youth development initiatives in Bougainville.
The engagement program, which began yesterday and concludes today, provides a platform for consultation and dialogue with key stakeholders and supports community participation to ensure equitable and inclusive outcomes for sports and community development in Bougainville.
“Development must begin with the people. Our role as government is to listen to the community, respect customary land rights, involve our people in decision-making and policy development that affects their lives; and ensure that our young people have opportunities to grow and succeed through initiatives such as the Bougainville Sports Academy,” Minister Wilolopa said.
The consultations brought together government officials, chiefs, ward leaders, women’s representatives, youth leaders and members of the Bove community to discuss the proposed academy and ensure that landowners and community members are fully consulted before further steps are taken.
“Engaging directly with our communities secures the right pathways for government policies to effectively reflect the needs and desires of the people. This also ensures our communities are proactive in addressing local challenges, we are empowering our people right at the grassroots level to participate in discussions and provide feedback directly to us. When we work together to identify issues and challenges during these consultations, we also work together through collaborative efforts to design the solutions we need to move development priorities forward. This is all done transparently, hand-in-hand with the people who have entrusted us to lead and serve, strengthening partnerships with our local communities,” said Minister Wilolopa.
Officers from the Department of Community Development presented an overview of the proposed Bougainville Sports Academy, outlining its intended role in nurturing young talent, strengthening sports structures and creating opportunities for young people across Bougainville.
The meeting was attended by Sports Coordinator Fabian Kotsin and regional sporting coordinators Donald Komoiki (South), Peter Kabui (North) and Gwen Kauva (Central), as well as representatives of Lloyds Metals and Energy, ward members, chiefs and community members from the Bove area.
Minister Wilolopa also acknowledged the strong participation of chiefs, women, youth and community members, noting that their views will play an important role in shaping the direction of the proposed project.
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