Lead Actor Anais Taga giving her opening speech at the launch of Wan Haus Blong Lav. Credit: yutriseup/Savvy Vanuatu
Port Vila, Vanuatu – Tuesday 21 October 2025: A new locally produced film is challenging long-held gender norms to spark important conversations among young people and their families across Vanuatu.
Wan Smolbag Theatre (WSB), in partnership with Save the Children Vanuatu, have recently launched a musical feature film, Wan Haos Blong Lav.
Wan Haos Blong Lav is part of a broader initiative from the ‘yut rise up’ (YRU) program – a youth-led gender-based violence prevention (GBV) initiative – funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) under the COVID-19 Response for Affected Poor and Vulnerable Groups Project.
The event marked a powerful moment in the movement’s effort to promote respect, equality, and healthy relationships through creative storytelling and youth engagement.
The ‘yut rise up’ program is part of the VAN: COVID-19 Response for Affected Poor and Vulnerable Groups Project, funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB). It is implemented by Save the Children Vanuatu in partnership with Youth Challenge Vanuatu (YCV) and Wan Smolbag, under the leadership of the Ministry of Justice and Community Services through the Department of Women’s Affairs.
New Wan Smolbag film uses storytelling to tackle gender-based violence. Credit: yutriseup/Savvy Vanuatu
The film’s leading young actor, Anais Taga said it’s interesting to play the role of a young girl who’s considering her first relationship, and this film highlights many sensitive topics that young people find uncomfortable to talk about.
“It was a challenging experience. We learned how to work as a team and realised that if someone fails to perform well it will affect all of us, so we did our best and you can see it in the film.”
Audience listening to speeches at the film launch. Credit: yutriseup/Savvy Vanuatu
Dorras said the story was inspired by real situations she observed among young women at the youth centre.
“I’ve seen girls make choices that ruin their lives,” she explained. “So, I decided to write a story that shows a positive image — one where both men and women share responsibilities at home.”
She said the film aims to challenge cultural expectations and show that household work is not a sign of weakness for men.
“In our culture, it’s not normal to see a man washing or cooking at home,” Dorras said. “But when a man does these jobs, it doesn’t make him weak — it shows strength and care. I want people to see that it’s everyone’s job.”
She hopes the film will influence not only youth but also parents, couples, and older generations to rethink traditional roles and teach respect and equality at home.
New Wan Smolbag film uses storytelling to tackle gender-based violence. Credit: yutriseup/Savvy Vanuatu
‘yut rise up’ Workshop Program
To date, more than 400 young people have graduated from the ‘yut rise up’ workshop program in Luganville and Port Vila.
The workshop program is delivered weekly for two-hour sessions over a six-week period in separate sessions for both boys and girls aged between 10-14 and 15-19.
Complementing the youth workshops, are weekly parent workshops run by YCV over a four-week period. The parent workshops offer advice on communicating with adolescents, helping kids navigate peer pressure and tips on how to keep kids safe online.
The innovative, participatory youth workshops feature international best-practice curriculum that has been co-designed in Vanuatu with young people and their parents to ensure culturally appropriate and effective messaging, training delivery and learning occurs.
Youth Challenge Vanuatu and Save the Children will continue to run the six-week ‘yut rise up’ community-based workshop program in schools and community organisations in Port Vila and Luganville until the end of 2025.
Schools and community organisations, including youth groups, churches and sporting clubs, are encouraged to express their interest now to join 2025 ‘yut rise up’ workshop intake by submitting a short online form on the ‘yut rise up’ website at www.yutriseup.com or contacting Youth Challenge Vanuatu.
These workshops are part of the broader ‘yut rise up’ GBV prevention initiative led by Save the Children Vanuatu and supported by Ministry of Justice and Community Services via the Department of Women’s Affairs, and backing from the Asian Development Bank
The ‘yut rise up’ GBV prevention initiative also includes a mentoring program for teenage girls, an online youth campaign, and a film being produced by Wan Smolbag.
Lead actors of the Wan Haos Blong Lav film posing during film launch at WSB. Credit: yutriseup/Savvy Vanuatu
New Wan Smolbag film uses storytelling to tackle gender-based violence.Daniel, Jessica and Priana, yut rise up Advisory Group members at the Wan Haos Blong Lav Opening.yut rise up Advisory Members at the Wan Haos Blong Lav film launch.Sandra Kalpong, yut rise up youth coordinator at the Wan Haos Blong Lav film launch.WSB member at the Wan Haos Blong Lav film launch. Save the Children MEAL Manager Trisha Aruhuri & colleague at the Wan Haos Blong Lav film launch. young member of the yut rise up youth advisory group packing up after the Wan Haus Blong Lav Launch.yut rise up youth advisers at the Wan Haus Blong Lav film launch having a great time mingling with actors and donor partners. Sandra Kalpong, Anne Crawford, Lisa Macalister & Jaimeen Kenni at the WSB Wan Haos Blong Lav film launch.yut rise up youth advisors and Wan Haos Blong Lav actors at the Wan Haos Blong Lav film launch.Some of the yut rise up youth advisors posing in front of YRU banner alongside Wan Haos Blong Lav actor. Lead actors of the Wan Haos Blong Lav film posing during film launch at WSB.Attendees at the Wan Haos Blong Lav film launch at WSB.Lisa Anne Macalister – Savvy Vanuatu Managing Director & Peter Walker Director and co-founder of Wan Smolbag at the Wan Haos Blong Lav film launch. yut advisors and lead actress of Wan Haos Blong film posing for a group photo during the film launch at WSB.Smiling faces at the Wan Haos Blong Lav film launch at WSB.YRU youth advisors with Nancy Wells Senior Liaison Officer at ADB Vanuatu and Country Director of Save the Children Vanuatu Polly Banks at the Wan Haos Blong Lav film Launch at WSB.Jack French, Director Program Development & Quality – Save the Children Vanuatu, H.E. Max Willis – Australian High Commissioner, First Secretary of Development Ms. Louisa Macdonald – DFAT & Country Director of Save the Children – Polly Banks at the Wan Haos Blong Lav film launch.Lead Actress Anais Taga posing with mother and sister at the Wan Haos Blong Lav film launch at WSB.Guests attending WSB’s Wan Haos Blong Lav film launch. Guests attending WSB’s Wan Haos Blong Lav film launch. Actors at the Wan Haos Blong Lav film launch at WSB.yut rise up youth advisors attending the Wan Haos Blong Lav film launch.Save the Children Vanuatu Team members at the Wan Haos Blong Lav film launch at WSB.yut rise up advisors and content creators Frederick Lango & Daniel Kenni with WSB Actor at Wan Haos Blong Lav film launch.yut rise up youth advisors at WSB’s Wan Haos Blong Lav film launch.Film attendees at WSB’s Wan Haos Blong Lav film launch. New Wan Smolbag film uses storytelling to tackle gender-based violence.New Wan Smolbag film uses storytelling to tackle gender-based violence.Audience at the Wan Haos Blong Lav Film Launch.Audience listening to speeches at the film launch.Lead Actor Anais Taga giving her opening speech at the launch of Wan Haus Blong Lav.Jack French, Program Development and Quality Director at Save the Children setting the scene before the film airs officially. Audience at the Wan Haos Blong Lav Film Launch.MFAT & Polly Banks – Save the Children Country Director at the Film Launch.Lead female actors at the Wan Haos Blong Lav Film LaunchActors and Invited guests at the Wan Haos Blong Lav film Launch.YRU Online Campaign Youth Coordinator Sandra Kalpong with Louise Macdonald Hall and Australian High Commissioner H.E Max Willis.yut rise up website QR code shown at the Wan Haos Blong Lav film launch at WSB.Youth Challenge Vanuatu members at the Wan Haos Blong Lav film launch posing in front of yut rise up banner.Youth Challenge Vanuatu members at the Wan Haos Blong Lav film launch.WSB members at the Wan Haos Blong Lav film launch.Wan Smolbag actors at the Wan Haos Blong Lav film launch.YRU youth coordinator Sandra Kalpong at the WBS ‘Wan Haos Blong Lav’ Film Launch.YRU online campaign youth advisors at the launch of WSB’s Wan Haus blong Lav Film.
https://yutriseup.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/0O5A6441-scaled.jpg17082560Lisa Macalisterhttps://yutriseup.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/yru-logo-onblack-300x76.pngLisa Macalister2025-11-19 06:47:022025-11-19 06:47:03New Wan Smolbag film uses storytelling to tackle gender-based violence
Sandra Kalpong says the ‘yut rise up’ campaign gives youth advisors the chance to be creative and share positive messages about GBV prevention with young Vanuatu audiences. Credit: yutriseup/Savvy Vanuatu
Friday, 10 OctoberPort Vila, Vanuatu – Youth-led campaign – ‘yut rise up’ is changing Vanuatu’s social media landscape with fresh local content developed by youth, for youth, aged 10-19 with key messages of healthy relationships, conflict resolution and respect.
Launched last year, the ‘yut rise up’ online campaign is led entirely by youth advisors with a mission to empower youth through thought-provoking content that challenges harmful norms and beliefs that cause Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Vanuatu.
As part of an ongoing youth campaign advisory group, the ‘yut rise up’ team collaborates weekly to create online content that resonates with their peers. The campaign’s social media reach has been extraordinary; reaching more viewers than the number of people on social media in the country, with the campaign viewed by at least 300,000 people on Facebook alone.
The ‘yut rise up’ youth advisory group are helping to shape the gender-based violence prevention campaign to make it appealing for Vanuatu teenagers. Credit: yutriseup/Savvy Vanuatu.
Youth advisors and content creators
Unlike traditional communication campaigns, this online campaign is actively being shaped by a team of 26 young people aged 12-23 who come from diverse educational backgrounds and communities in Port Vila, including Anambaru, Beverly Hills, Erakor, Freswota, Ifira, Manples, Mele, Seaside, Tebakor and Teouma.
They are working as ‘yut rise up’ advisors, event ambassadors, and content creators to ensure thenational campaign, which launched online in August 2024, is relatable and feels genuine for teenagers in Vanuatu.
‘yut rise up’ youth advisors marching at the Reclaim the Night in March 2025. Credit: yutriseup/Savvy Vanuatu.
Initially the teenagers helped to set the campaign’s direction and name— ‘yut rise up’—and informed the design of the campaign’s popular branding and promotional products.
The campaign forms part of the wider ‘yut rise up’ project, which also includes six-week workshops for adolescent boys, girls, and their parents delivered by Youth Challenge Vanuatu. Many of today’s content contributors are graduates of the ‘yut rise up’ workshops, bringing their learnings and perspectives directly into the campaign’s content and activities.
“I am learning a lot from the ‘yut rise up’ group, like how to engage with people from different backgrounds when conducting video interviews. It was my first experience to participate in theparade for 16 Days Activism in 2024,” said Esther Atuary, a 19-year-old from Freswota community.
Esther Atuary says she learnt how to engage with people from different backgrounds during ‘yut rise up’ video interviews. Credit: yutriseup/Savvy Vanuatu.
New perspectives encourage positive mindsets
“The social media campaign’s goal is simple but vital,” said Polly Banks, Save the Children Vanuatu’s Country Director.
“It’s allowing young people in Vanuatu to speak directly to each other, to collaborate and share ideas and perspectives on what makes healthy relationships, what it means to show respect for each other and their visions for healthy families and communities.”
‘yut rise up’ youth advisors marching at 16 days of Activism in November 2024. Credit: yutriseup/Savvy Vanuatu.
The ‘yut rise up’ campaign explores contemporary topics about relationships, decision making and communication at a time when young people are critically thinking about their self-identity and futures.
Topics the young content makers are covering include gender equality, emotional and physical wellbeing, and safe and consensual relationships.
“The ‘yut rise up’ campaign has opened my eyes to how social media shapes us – and how we can flip it to spread something positive about preventing GBV,” said Frederick Lango, an 18-year-old from Teouma.
‘yut rise up’ advisory member Frederick Lango says young people learn a lot from each other by sharing ideas and going out into communities to collect stories. Credit: yutriseup/Savvy Vanuatu.
‘yut rise up’ content creation workshops
Part of the ‘yut rise up’ agenda is to organize content creation workshops with the advisory group, where young minds meet up and share ideas on how to create positive content to feed into the ‘yutrise up’ platforms – Facebook, TikTok, Instagram and YouTube.
The workshops are held under the guidance of ‘yut rise up’s campaign coordinator, Jaimeen Kenni with support from ‘yut rise up’s youth administrator, Sandra Kalopong, a 20-year-old from Erakor Village.
“The workshops give us an opportunity to be creative and use our talents to create positive content with key messages for young audiences in Vanuatu,” said Sandra.
Youth advisors participating in the ‘yut rise up’ Content Creation workshop learnt to film short powerful social media videos. Credit: yutriseup/Savvy Vanuatu.
In May, the advisory group participated in a youth content creation workshop where they learnt how to script videos, explore different camera angles, brainstorm new content streams, and take part in filming.
Later this year in August, the team gathered again to plan new content streams, generate new ideas, and teamed up to work together on different filming projects around Port Vila.
“Young people learn so much from each other during our meetings by exchanging thoughts and ideas and understanding the assignments given to them, to go out to communities and collect content and impact stories,” said Frederick.
The social media reach has been extraordinary; reaching more viewers than the number of people on social media in the country, with the campaign viewed by at least 300,000 people on Facebook alone. Credit: yutriseup/Savvy Vanuatu.
Online sensation
Since its launch online in August 2024, ‘yut rise up’ now has 17,000 followers on Facebook, 28,500 likes on TikTok, and numbers are growing on Instagram and YouTube.
After a strong presence in 2024’s Fest’Napuan music festival—where 16 ‘yut rise up’ ambassadors engaged with festival-goers and recorded 250 short interviews for the two-year online campaign—the initiative saw its social media following surge, with more than 450% growth on TikTok and nearly 700% on Facebook.
Two of the videos went viral, attracting 52.4K and 98.9K views, including one that asked attendees the simple but powerful question: Whose job do you think it is to cook?
The festival was a milestone for ‘yut rise up’ providing a wealth of content that continues to drive regular posts across all platforms and keeping the campaign’s message alive well beyond theevent.
The campaign has high-level support from Vanuatu celebrities and influencers too.
Vanuatu football legend Brian Kaltak, Vanuatu Women’s Cricket captain Selena Solman, singers Metoxide, Shazza, and Jesta from Sele Stringband, and Wan Smolbag actors including Titus Joseph—have all shown their support for the campaign aimed at ending GBV in a generation.
‘yut rise up’ is also sparking conversations online. A Facebook reel exploring the question of healthy relationship is the campaign’s most-watched video since its launch, with over 198, 358 views.
While many agreed that cooking should be a shared task and is a life skill, some comments reflected limiting ideas about roles in the home, underscoring the relevance of ‘yut rise up’ in challenging these perspectives.
With content like this, ‘yut rise up’ demonstrates that Vanuatu’s youth are actively shaping important conversations about respect, relationships, and gender norms.
Sandra summed it up: “We’re not here to preach about preventing gender-based violence; we want to share real stories and ideas that make people stop and think about making healthy choices in their own lives—because that’s how real change happens.”
As the campaign grows, these young advisors and content creators are helping to build a foundation for positive change across Vanuatu.
Topics the young content creators are covering includes gender equality, emotional and physical wellbeing, and safe and consensual relationships. Credit: yutriseup/Savvy Vanuatu.
‘yut rise up’ community events
Currently, the young creators are looking forward to the upcoming launch of Wan Smolbag’s newest film under the ‘yut rise up’ project—an event that is generating anticipation and excitement within the group.
‘Wan Haos blong Lav’ is a musical film with key messages that elevates the ‘yut rise up’ principles of healthy relationship, gender norms and respect.
Following the film’s VIP premiere in mid-October, the youth advisory group will be showcasing the new Wan Smolbag feature and their ‘yut rise up’ social media content at community screenings in the Port Vila area.
The young content creators out and about last weekend interviewing and creating videos to stimulate online conversations to challenge the norm. Credit: yutriseup/Savvy Vanuatu.
Ending Gender-Based Violence
The ‘yut rise up’ program is implemented by Save the Children Vanuatu, in partnership with Youth Challenge Vanuatu and Wan Smolbag, under the leadership of the Ministry of Justice and Community Services through the Department of Women’s Affairs. The program is under the VAN: COVID-19 Response for Affected Poor and Vulnerable Groups Project, funded by the Asian Development Bank.
“A new dawn has broken for young people, families, communities and Vanuatu. Through theactive engagement of youths–for youths–for the ‘yut rise up’ campaign’s vision, design, content, messages for the campaign through partners is commended,” said Rothina Ilo Noka, Director of the Department of Women’s Affairs.
“The Department of Women’s Affairs is encouraged by the breakthroughs the ‘yut rise up’ campaign is making for youths aged 10 to 19 years, which is in line with the first strategic area of the National Gender Equality Policy 2020 – 2030.”
“As women and girls in Vanuatu, we dream of a safer, peaceful, loving, united and powerful families, communities and Vanuatu where respect, peace and love for each other is central in our lives. Happy families exist day by day honouring and serving God in line with His purpose for each and living free of Gender-Based Violence,” concluded Director Noka.
More information can be found on the ‘yut rise up’ website at www.yutriseup.com
The young content creators out and about last weekend interviewing and creating videos to stimulate online conversations to challenge the norm. Credit: yutriseup/Savvy Vanuatu.
About ‘yut rise up’
‘yut rise up’ is a campaign focused on empowering young people in Vanuatu aged 10+ years to reject Gender-Based Violence (GBV) by promoting respect, equality, and positive personal change.
Port Vila Football Association Vice President John Stephen Tougan with ‘yut rise up’ PVFA graduate Jessica James. Credit: yutriseup/Savvy Vanuatu
Port Vila, Vanuatu – Friday 29 November 2024: Ninety-eight (98) adolescents in Port Vila Football Association’s (PVFA) youth programs recently graduated from the ‘yut rise up’ six-week workshop program run by Youth Challenge Vanuatu (YCV) and Save the Children.
Designed to foster positive youth development and prevent Gender-Based Violence (GBV), the ‘yut rise up’ workshop program is being delivered to over 1,500 youth by trained YCV facilitators in community organisations and schools in Port Vila and Luganville over two years.
Port Vila Football Association youth celebrate at their ‘yut rise up’ graduation. Credit: yutriseup/Savvy Vanuatu
PVFA Partnership Gets Results
Each PVFA youth participant received an official certificate in recognition of their efforts and personal growth throughout the ‘yut rise up’ course.
The ‘yut rise up’ workshops complement the Association’s development goals to provide their youth participants with valuable life skills that complement their on-field training.
In his opening speech at the graduation ceremony on Monday, 11 November, PVFA ‘s Vice President John Stephen Tougon emphasized the importance of the ‘yut rise up’ training for young people and their families.
“I’m glad this workshop will help these young people in their careers, whether in football or another sport,” he said.
“It’s crucial they develop skills beyond the pitch. These skills will help them succeed in life, no matter what path they choose.”
Mr. Tougon, who has been involved in football since 2003, highlighted the challenges young athletes face today, noting that many of these challenges occur off the field.
He thanked Youth Challenge Vanuatu and Save the Children for partnering with PVFA to offer the ‘yut rise up’ workshop program, which equips participants with valuable life skills.
The workshops taught the boys and girls aged between 10-14 and 15-19 years old about respect, healthy and safe relationships, making positive life choices and creating supportive friendships, and leadership skills.
They also learnt about GBV, confidence and leadership, reproductive health, conflict resolution and communication skills.
Port Vila Football Association, Youth Challenge Vanuatu and Save the Children partnered to run ‘yut rise up’ workshops. Credit: yutriseup/ Savvy Vanuatu
Positive Impact
Jessica, a 19-year-old PVFA participant from Malapoa, shared how the ‘yut rise up’ workshops have positively impacted her.
“I think this workshop will help me in my future because what I’ve learned really interests me, especially about good communication and healthy relationships based on respect.”
“In communication, when you speak with someone, it’s not about treating everyone differently – everyone is equal. Whether you are talking to a child or an adult, you treat everyone with respect and kindness,” she said.
“You must build good relationships with different people.”
Graham Manses, PVFA’s Development Officer, shared positive feedback from both participants and their families.
“We’ve seen gradual changes in the adolescents’ behaviour,” he said.
“Parents have expressed their gratitude for the program, noting that it’s not only positively impacted their children’s approach to football but also their attitudes at home.”
Johnny Kalowi, PVFA’s Administration Officer, added that more than 100 children have been registered in PVFA’s youth development program, which teaches football skills.
He noted the importance of complementing their program with workshops like ‘yut rise up’.
“We’ve previously run similar programs and seen positive results alongside the Ministry of Justice through the youth desk,” he explained.
“When YCV approached us to run the ‘yut rise up’ workshops, we were eager to collaborate again, knowing how important it is to foster positive behaviour and off-field discipline in our youth.”
Johnny also emphasized the power of peer influence.
“When a group of kids with strong positive values come together, they can help lift up their peers who may have negative behaviours,” he said.
Larisa Csiba, YCV’s ‘yut rise up’ workshop coordinator, highlighted the importance of teaching responsibility during the program.
“Taking responsibility is one of the qualities that are highlighted during these six weeks. This starts at home. When you wake up, ensure the bed is made. Assist with household tasks. Be responsible for your schoolwork and decision-making.”
“By taking responsibility, they will become more capable, resilient, and emotionally intelligent individuals who are better prepared to navigate life’s challenges,” she concluded.
Community organisations are encouraged to express their interest now to join the 2025 ‘yut rise up’ workshop intake by submitting a short online form on the yut rise up website at www.yutriseup.com
‘yut rise up’ Workshop Program
To date, more than 400 young people have graduated from the ‘yut rise up’ workshop program in Luganville and Port Vila.
The workshop program is delivered weekly for two-hour sessions over a six-week period in separate sessions for both boys and girls aged between 10-14 and 15-19.
Complementing the youth workshops, are weekly parent workshops run by YCV over a four-week period. The parent workshops offer advice on communicating with adolescents, helping kids navigate peer pressure and tips on how to keep kids safe online.
The innovative, participatory youth workshops feature international best-practice curriculum that has been co-designed in Vanuatu with young people and their parents to ensure culturally appropriate and effective messaging, training delivery and learning occurs.
Youth Challenge Vanuatu and Save the Children will continue to run the six-week ‘yut rise up’ community-based workshop program in schools and community organisations in Port Vila and Luganville until the end of 2025.
Schools and community organisations, including youth groups, churches and sporting clubs, are encouraged to express their interest now to join 2025 ‘yut rise up’ workshop intake by submitting a short online form on the ‘yut rise up’ website at www.yutriseup.com or contacting Youth Challenge Vanuatu.
These workshops are part of the broader ‘yut rise up’ GBV prevention initiative led by Save the Children Vanuatu and supported by Ministry of Justice and Community Services via the Department of Women’s Affairs, and backing from the Asian Development Bank
The ‘yut rise up’ GBV prevention initiative also includes a mentoring program for teenage girls, an online youth campaign, and a film being produced by Wan Smolbag.
https://yutriseup.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/1.png8001200Lisa Macalisterhttps://yutriseup.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/yru-logo-onblack-300x76.pngLisa Macalister2024-11-30 19:39:532024-12-01 07:06:2498 young footballers in PVFA development program graduate from ‘yut rise up’ workshops
The ‘yut rise up’ campaign has a mission to empower Vanuatu’s youth to reject violence & become champions for a safer, more equitable future. Credit: yutriseup/Savvy Vanuatu
Yut yumi fiuja, yumi mekem change
Port Vila, Vanuatu – Friday 30 August 2024: Gender-Based Violence (GBV) remains a critical issue in Vanuatu, with 60% of women and girls experiencing physical or sexual violence within their lifetime.
In response, the ‘yut rise up’ campaign is launching with a mission to empower Vanuatu’s youth to reject GBV and become champions for a safer, more equitable future.
The ‘yut rise up’ campaign is part of a broader initiative backed by the Government of Vanuatu through the Ministry of Justice and Community Services via the Department of Women’s Affairs and funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) until 2026.
Led by Save the Children Vanuatu in partnership with Youth Challenge Vanuatu and Wan Smolbag Theatre, ‘yut rise up’ is a dynamic movement designed to inspire and mobilise Vanuatu teenagers aged 10 to 19 years.
The multi-year campaign is built on three main pillars: a series of six-week workshops with a youth mentoring initiative, an online youth campaign with ‘pop-up’ events, and a compelling short film, all aimed at instilling values of respect, equality, and positive personal change.
At its core, the ‘yut rise up’ campaign seeks to educate, inspire, and empower young people. By challenging the attitudes, behaviours, and societal norms that perpetuate violence, the campaign aims to create a brighter, safer future for all.
“At Save the Children, we believe that every child and young person deserves to grow up in a safe and nurturing environment and to have the opportunity to follow their dreams,” said Polly Banks, Country Director of Save the Children Vanuatu.
“The ‘yut rise up’ campaign is about giving young people the tools they need to make healthy choices, enjoy safe relationships, and make positive personal changes in their lives and communities.”
Youth Challenge Vanuatu ‘yut rise up’ workshop facilitators with trainers from Save the Children and the Department of Women’s Affairs in Port Vila in February 2024.
Credit: yutriseup/Savvy Vanuatu
‘yut rise up’ participatory learning workshops
Youth Challenge Vanuatu is leading the series of six-week ‘yut rise up’ participatory learning workshops in Port Vila and Santo, designed to equip young people with the tools they need to become leaders in their communities.
These innovative workshops are based on international best practice and local experiences, and explore crucial topics such as healthy and safe relationships, consent, sexual and reproductive health, gender roles, and the role of youth in fostering equality and rejecting GBV.
The ‘yut rise up’ workshops are being delivered in two streams for teenage girls and another for teenage boys by specially trained YCV facilitators at partnering schools, churches, youth and sports groups.
Importantly, these sessions also involve parents and caregivers to ensure families are united in supporting their children and the campaign’s broader goals, as well as learning how to foster healthy communication with their teenagers and positive parenting.
“Youth Challenge Vanuatu is proud to be part of the ‘yut rise up’ campaign in 2024 and 2025,” said Noel Steven, Director of Youth Challenge Vanuatu.
“We’re not just aiming to raise awareness. We’re laying the foundation for a future where every young person in Vanuatu can lead their communities with the principles of respect, equality, and non-violence at their core.”
“Together, we rise up for positive change!” he said.
A youth advisory group are helping to shape the ‘yut rise up’ online campaign to make it relevant and appealing for Vanuatu teenagers. Credit: yutriseup/Savvy Vanuatu
‘yut rise up’ online campaign
Complementing the on-the-ground education efforts is an extensive online campaign which aims to reach over 15,000 young people.
This digital campaign will be the heartbeat of ‘yut rise up’ with a strong presence across social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
In a first for Vanuatu, the online campaign is being informed by a ‘yut rise up’ youth advisory group who are helping to ensure the campaign’s look, language, and content are relevant and appealing to youth.
The online content will include storytelling, powerful visuals, and interviews with experts designed to inspire youth across Vanuatu to reject GBV and embrace a culture of respect and equality.
The ‘yut rise up’ digital campaign has launched on social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
Credit: yutriseup/Savvy Vanuatu
Wan Smolbag Film
Adding an enduring and powerful emotional layer to the campaign, Wan Smolbag Theatre is collaborating to produce a short narrative film that includes themes around girls’ empowerment, the role of fathers and gender equality.
The film will be released in 2026 and is a key part of the campaign, providing a relatable and impactful medium for discussing these important issues.
As the campaign unfolds, community involvement will be vital.
“The success of the ‘yut rise up’ campaign depends on the active participation of the community,” emphasized Tina Toka, Director of the Department of Women’s Affairs.
“Every voice matters in shaping a future where respect and equality are the norm.”
“We encourage young people and the community to follow and get involved with the ‘yut rise up’ campaign on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and learn more at www.yutriseup.com,” she concluded.
https://yutriseup.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/1-yut-rise-up-Campaign-Launch-credit-yut-rise-up-Savvy-Vanuatu.jpg6301500wadehttps://yutriseup.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/yru-logo-onblack-300x76.pngwade2024-10-25 05:39:022024-11-07 05:39:39‘yut rise up’ for a safer, more equitable future
Credit: yutriseup/Savvy Vanuatu
Credit: yutriseup/Savvy Vanuatu.
yutriseup/Savvy Vanuatu
Credit: yutriseup/Savvy Vanuatu
