A new partnership between youth-led organisations and the Divine Word University, Madang Campus community has created an opportunity for students to strengthen their leadership skills, explore environmental action and identify practical ways to serve their communities.

The youth empowerment workshop was organised by Future Horizon a youth-led organisation co-founded by DWU Environmental Health alumni Mr. Hezron Motoum who graduated in 2025 and currently serves as President, Ms. Naomi Dubobagi also an Alumni from the PNG & International Studies Department. 

The program was delivered in collaboration with the Ohana Foundation, founded by current DWU Environmental Health Year 4 student, Theresha Diannah Orere. 

The partnership brought together students, young professionals and community-focused organisations around a shared goal of strengthening youth leadership, environmental awareness and community service.

Future Horizon President Hezron Motoum said the workshop was designed to move beyond simply talking about leadership by giving students a platform to share ideas, build networks and identify opportunities to contribute to their communities.

“Young people have the drive and creativity to start changing things right now. We want to give them the skills and confidence to lead and make a real difference in their own communities,” Motoum said.

The workshop featured discussions on youth leadership, climate and environmental awareness, community service, career pathways and networking, followed by an interactive breakout session where students shared their experiences, ideas and community concerns.

One of the key achievements of the program was creating a space for students to connect with young leaders and organisations working in environmental and community development. The feedback gathered during the session will also help Future Horizon and its partners improve future programs and identify areas where young people can become more actively involved.

The collaboration between Future Horizon, Ohana Foundation and the Department of Environmental Health demonstrated how students, graduates and community organisations can work together to create practical opportunities for youth.

For Future Horizon, the workshop represents an important first step towards building a wider network of young people committed to leadership, environmental responsibility and community service.

Motoum said partnerships will remain central to the organisation's future activities.

“By working together with universities, organisations and other partners, we can create bigger and better opportunities for young people and deliver projects that have a real impact on communities,” he said.

Future Horizon is focused on youth empowerment, climate and environmental action, and community service, while the Ohana Foundation continues to create opportunities for young people to participate in initiatives that promote community wellbeing and environmental responsibility.

The organisations are now looking to strengthen their collaboration and expand future workshops, volunteer activities and community-based projects.

The initiative demonstrates that meaningful change does not always begin with large institutions, it can start with students, graduates and young people coming together, building partnerships and taking action within their communities.