Sharon Diave

Indigenous Rights - Papua New Guinea (Oceania)

Rabaul, like many other parts of Papua New Guinea, is a region where substance abuse among young people is dividing the community. In the Tolai community which Sharon Diave belongs, youth have access to fruit and cash crops which are used to illegally distill alcohol. This is a growing problem as young people turn to a lifestyle based on drug and alcohol consumption resulting in growing crime rates, family breakdowns and serious health problems.

Sharon is committed to breaking this cycle of abuse isolating youth from the elders in their community. Sharon plans to give a voice to the young people of her community, encouraging them to become more active and ensuring that their contributions are recognised. “Youth problems in our society can not be dealt with until youth are accorded respect”.

Through her work for ENBSEK, a community based organisation engaged in development activities throughout the region, Sharon plans to implement rehabilitation programs involving youth in sports, community road maintenance and technical activities.