The Bangikoi Society, named after the Palauan word for “butterfly,” symbolizing transformation in youth, officially launched its youth-to-youth program on July 1st, 2024, at the PCC Assembly Hall. The program aims to address the growing concerns about youth mental health and wellness in Palau, which escalated following the pandemic.
Minister Highlights Importance of Mental Resilience
The event commenced with a speech by Minister of Health Gaafar Uherbelau, emphasizing the importance of cultural identity, respect, and confidence in youth development. He acknowledged that failures are inevitable but should be seen as opportunities for learning and growth.
“Sometimes life does not go according to plan, and sometimes plans have a life of their own,” the Minister said, encouraging the youth to learn from their experiences and adapt. He stressed the importance of mental resilience, which the Bangikoi Society strives to cultivate in young people. “Mental resilience is your adaptability to change and uncertainty… You have to be both mentally and emotionally resilient,” he added.
Comprehensive Support Network for Palauan Youth
The Bangikoi Society offers a comprehensive network of mental health and wellness resources for young people. Their initiatives include creating safe spaces, capacity building programs, mentorship opportunities, family strengthening programs, and Project Klemat: The Youth Leadership Initiative.
Shuri Chibana, Chair of Bangikoi’s Capacity Building Committee, who joined the team in 2022, elaborated on the Society’s mission during the event. “Palauan youth is unique, so our solutions should be unique as well,” she said, highlighting their tailored approach to youth development.
Building a Drug-Free Palau
Funded by an NCD grant, Bangikoi is actively working towards a “drug-free Palau” by establishing a Youth-to-Youth Coalition and Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with various organizations, including PRCS Youth, Ucheliaur, The Secretariat, OBBC, PHS, Associated Students of PCC, and the Dngeronger Youth Group. The Coalition structure designates “A Drug-Free Palau” as the overseer, PBHAC and DBH as the fiscal agents, and Bangikoi as the implementer/Secretariat.
Open Communication and Safe Spaces
The Bangikoi Society prioritizes open communication and creating safe spaces for young people. They have previously held workshops on emotional intelligence in collaboration with the PBHAC. The team is passionate about mentorship and self-advocacy, aiming to build upon existing resources for prevention and early intervention.
With their new office at PCC, Bangikoi hopes to become a central hub for mental health and wellness resources for Palauan youth. They encourage youth to reach out through walk-ins at their office, social media messages, or simply approaching them in public.
Branching Out and Seeking Support
The Bangikoi Society has future plans to expand their reach to Palauan youth abroad and those returning to Palau. They are seeking individuals with experience in youth programs to join their team. For more information, visit their new office at PCC. (By: Marissa Dilmeang Spires)