Many young people in Papua New Guinea often remain passive observers, rather than active contributors, in both the development of their nation and their personal growth. However, on the 23rd of July 2025, a powerful moment of transformation took place at the Mary Help of Christians Technical Vocational Training Center, Taurama. Sr. Sarah B. Garcia, FMA delivered an inspiring presentation on “Youth Empowerment for Human Rights and the Common Good.” She is the Director of the IIMA Office of Human Rights (International Institute of Mary Help of Christians International Institute) in Geneva, Switzerland, and is the Main Representative of the Office to the United Nations, a role she has held since January 2019.
The event was organized and coordinated by the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMAs), led by Sr. Teresa Trinh Vu, FMA and Sr. Carmina Rhea Pajarillo,FMA.
The program, Orientation to Youth Defenders for Human Rights and the Common Good, brought together over 40 participants, including students and youth leaders from Sacred Heart Teachers College, Holy Name of Jesus Parish Bomana, Mary Help of Christians Vocational Education Training FODE Center (MHCVETFC), Don Bosco Technical Secondary-Gabutu, University of Papua New Guinea, Pacific Adventist University, Port Moresby Business College, and local volunteers.
Sr. Sarah began her presentation by reminding the youth that skills alone are not enough, what matters is the motivation behind their actions. She emphasized that leadership is not about power, but about transformation. Citing statistics that over 60% of PNG’s population are youth, she encouraged participants to seize the opportunity to develop leadership rooted in hope, resilience, and service to their communities.
Participants were then divided into groups for a reflective activity, where they identified the strengths, weaknesses, challenges, and opportunities facing youth in PNG. Each group presented three points in each category on a shared board, fostering dialogue and shared understanding. Synthesizing the session, Sr. Sarah challenged the youth to move from reflection to action: “We are co-creators of humanity’s future. The future of PNG depends on you, not just the leaders. That’s why you must prepare yourselves.”
She posed thought-provoking questions:
● How can we remain fully human and guide this social transformation to serve the common good?
● What kind of future do you imagine?
● How can you foster a culture of respect and human rights?
Sr. Sarah introduced a transformative action framework under the Network of Youth Defenders of Human Rights and the Common Good, encouraging youth to Empower, Listen to Educate, and Engage in Dialogue for human dignity and collective wellbeing.
In closing, participants were urged to act ethically and responsibly in promoting a universal culture of human rights, a humanism grounded in peace and justice, while staying rooted in their local realities. Sr. Sarah further encouraged the formation of an ongoing group that can access online capacity-building and training.
Participants expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Sr. Sarah before gathering for a group photo and sharing light refreshments, a fitting end to a day filled with learning, purpose, and the promise of new beginnings.
