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The Bangikoi Association, named after the Palauan word for “butterfly,” symbolizing youth transformation, officially launched its Youth to Youth program at the PCC Great Hall on July 1, 2024. The program aims to address the growing problem of mental health and well-being among Palauan youth, which has intensified in the wake of the pandemic.
Minister stresses importance of mental resilience
The event kicked off with a speech by Health Minister Gaafar Uherbelau, who stressed the importance of cultural identity, respect and confidence in youth development. He acknowledged that failure is inevitable but should be viewed as an opportunity to learn and grow.
“Sometimes life doesn’t go as planned and sometimes plans take on a life of their own,” the Minister said, encouraging young people to learn from their experiences and adapt. He stressed the importance of mental resilience, which the Bangikoi Association works to foster among young people. “Mental resilience is your ability to adapt to change and uncertainty… You have to be mentally and emotionally resilient,” he added.
Palau Youth Integrated Support Network
The Bangikoi Association provides a comprehensive network of mental health and wellness resources for young people. Their programs include creating safe spaces, capacity building programs, mentoring opportunities, family strengthening programs, and the Klemat Project: a youth leadership initiative.
Shuri Chibana, chairperson of the Banguikoi Capacity Building Committee, who joins the team in 2022, elaborated on the association’s mission during the event. “Palau youth are unique, so our solutions should be unique too,” she said, highlighting their tailored approach to youth development.
Building a Drug-Free Palau
Bangikoi, funded by an NCD grant, is actively working towards a Drug Free Palau, establishing a youth-to-youth alliance and signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with several organizations, including PRCS Youth, Ucheliaur, Secretariat, OBBC, PHS, PCC Student Union, and Dngeronger Youth Corps. The alliance structure designates Drug Free Palau as the monitor, PBHAC and DBH as the fiscal agents, and Bangikoi as the implementer/secretariat.
Open communication and safe space
The Bangikoi Association focuses on open communication and creating safe spaces for young people. They have previously worked with PBHAC to deliver emotional BroadCast Unitedligence workshops. The team is passionate about mentoring and self-advocacy, aiming to leverage existing resources for prevention and early intervention.
With the PCC’s new office, Bangikoi hopes to become a central hub for mental health and wellness resources for Palau’s youth. They encourage youth to contact them through walk-ins, social media messages, or simply out in public.
Expand your business and find support
The Bangikoi Association plans to expand its outreach to Palauan youth abroad and returning to Palau. They are seeking individuals with experience in youth programs to join their team. For more information, visit their new office in PCC. (By Marissa Dilmeang Spires)
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