Port Vila has one of the highest urban growth rates in the world. That, coupled with few jobs on offer and high secondary school fees, means there are plenty of youth with nothing to do…bring on the youth centre!
Youth Centre
Our ever growing youth centre in Port Vila is a place where anyone can come to learn a new skill. It is aimed at youth from 13 to 25 who have dropped out of school or are unemployed, but we have members of all ages. Registration is 100vt ($1AUD) for the full year. Classes include, sewing, dance, art, music, circus, literacy, computer and much, much more.
We also have regular events such as full youth sports days, Dance battles, music and this year we had our first pantomime horse race. Please check out Facebook page for regular updates.
Dance
Our Dance studio is where you will find many of our youth centre members during the day dancing and flipping. The youth have a storng interest in street dance, hip-hop, crumping and dancehall.
We offer beginning classes and intermediate/advanced workshops in different dance style. The studio is also available for different dance crews to practice their routines for upcoming battles and showcases.
We try to have 5-6 dance events a year at our youth centre, in town and part of the music festival Fest Napuan. We also run regular outreach projects in Port Vila and North Efate.
The youth love performing so get in touch if you would like them at you event.
Sewing
Our sewing room is often very busy with women and, increasingly nowadays, some men! People of all ages are wanting to learn to sew using sewing machines. We have a mixture of hand and electric machines available.
The classes focus on different projects and styles throughout the year. From pillow cases to island dresses, men’s shirts to wedding dresses. You can have the opportunity to learn it all!
Another popular project is making recycled purses from plastic food wrappers. Twisties are a very popular style!
Participants from the class come to learn to sew their own clothes and some go on to sell what they have made at the market house.
Music
Would you like to learn a musical instrument? Come on down to the music studio! We have classes in Guitar, Bass, Drums and Keyboard. We also have a special music class for our literacy students.
Many members join the youth centre just for music because they want to be the next super star or they want to learn a skill to take back with them to their community in the islands.
The music studio is also available to book as a rehearsal place for bands around town so this always makes it a buzzing space.
Art
We have a very dynamic art studio that has different projects throughout the year. The class does sketching, painting, cartoons and large scale graffiti style murals.
The past three years have been particularly interesting for the Arts class. They have been given the chance to go to New Caledonia to take part in art workshops that help promote healthy eating and lifestyle.
The Art class also often get asked to paint murals around town. Do you have a wall that needs painting and you want it to stand out? Please get in touch!
Computer
In our computer Lab you can find our members learning to type, use Excel, Photoshop and how to edit short movies….Of course they can also be found on Facebook and watching YouTube. Who can blame them?.
It is a wonderful thing the be connected to the Internet and this is the place for many people to get access to information online as well learn how to use a computer.
We also run a research class where we pick a topic (a country or a sport for example) and everyone has to find out 3 or more facts about that topic. This is a great way to practice using the internet. It also helps with reading English and with public speaking as they have to present what information they have found out.
Circus
Our increasingly popular circus class covers juggling, silks, trapeze, Diablo and much more. We have a 6 metre high portable rig that is often set up in our garden and transported to communities for shows. Circus is a great activity for the youth members as it keeps your mind and body fit as well as really boosting your confidence when you learn a new trick!
Circus class has produced Vanua Fire, a now independent troop that perform at bars and resorts around town. Their show is a mix of fire twirling and circus tricks. If you haven’t seen their weekly Friday night fire show at the Beach Bar in Mele, you are really missing out!
Literacy
Literacy class is for primary school age kids who don’t go to school for a variety of different reasons. Although Primary school in Vanuatu is ‘ free’ you are still expected to pay for uniform, lunch, bus fairs and sometimes a maintenance fee. We offer a literacy class to those families who still struggle with all those hidden costs.
The class room is a dynamic place as the kids vary in age and ability. Our amazing dedicated staff teach reading and writing (in Bislama) and basic maths. Each month the class has a different theme which can be anything from the Environment to Outer space. They will often go on field trips to support their learning.
Chess
Chess is a relatively new class but it has become very popular with old and young centre members. There is a regular chess class each morning for anyone who wants to give it a go or to play with their friends. We also have regular mini competitions for youth centre members and some for the outside public too.