Meet the first contestants of Palau’s Dil Belau 2025

Kirari Edna Delong a passionate 18-year-old advocate from Airai state, is proudly competing in the prestigious Dilbelau 2025 contest. At just 18 years old. A recent graduate of Palau High School, where she majored in Liberal Arts, Kirari has been actively involved in a diverse range of extracurricular activities, including the Close-Up Program, the Science Club, and the Sports Club. Kirari’s inspiration to participate in this year’s pageant stemmed from her strong interest in politics and youth issues. “I grew up in Airai, and I’m very passionate about the challenges and opportunities facing young people today,” she shared. “When I heard about this pageant, I saw it as a unique platform where I could not only make a positive impact within my community but also influence change across the entire country.” One of Kirari’s main community projects is focused on preserving Palau’s rich heritage. The initiative encourages students, specifically eighth graders from Airai School, to learn about and care for historical sites both within Airai and beyond. Initially a collaboration between Airai’s Tourism Department and the local school, the project expanded to include the Airai State Historic Preservation Office after  recognizing that many students lacked adequate knowledge about these culturally significant landmarks. The program has since flourished, with students visiting historical sites twice daily to listen to  storytelling sessions and engage in discussions about necessary upkeep and conservation efforts. Moreover, students are trained to become tour guides, empowering them to share the history and importance of their heritage with others. Through this project, Kirari hopes to inspire a greater appreciation of Palau’s history among the younger generation, fostering a sense of pride and responsibility. Her commitment to youth  empowerment and cultural preservation highlights her potential as a future leader dedicated to the advancement of Airai State and Palau as a whole.

Auryn Uriik Benhart, a passionate 19-year-old advocate from Ngatpang State, is proudly competing in the prestigious Dilbelau 2025 contest. Her inspiration to participate began during her high school years, where she emerged as a dedicated voice for the youth. “I have been a huge advocate ever since high school,” Auryn shared. “I chose to compete in this event to be a voice for the youth, to inspire and empower my generation.”

Auryn’s platform centers around a meaningful project she calls Youth and Unity: A Mural for Peace in Palau. This initiative involves designing and painting a large-scale mural that will initially be displayed at Palau High School, with plans to expand to other schools across the region. The mural serves as a daily reminder that it is okay to speak up, to feel, and to heal. “This project is deeply personal to me,” Auryn explained. “It was inspired by Budech el Rael, which means ‘Peaceful Pathways,’ a movement founded by the late Christian Lol. He dedicated his life to spreading peace and empowering youth by giving them a voice.” Auryn hopes her mural project will not only honor Christian Lol ’s legacy but also continue his mission by fostering a sense of unity and strength among Palauan youth. “With this project, I want to empower young people to embrace their voices and move forward together.”

Klei Nadyn Andreas, a 20-year-old recent graduate of PCC Palau Community College, announced her candidacy for the 2025 Dilbelau contest, proudly representing the state of Peleliu. “I am running as DilOdesangel in the 2025 Dilbelau contest,” Klei said. When asked what inspired her to participate, she shared, “At first, I had no interest in joining the contest. But last minute, a representative from Peleliu — who I consider a close friend — called me and said, ‘Hey, we’re looking for someone to represent Peleliu state, and the first person I thought of was you.’” Klei admitted that she usually turns down such opportunities because she is a very shy person who dislikes being in the public eye or speaking in front of large groups. However, she reflected, “I have always wanted to use whatever platform or opportunity is given to me to speak up for youth and the issues I’m passionate about. So, I thought this was a really good opportunity.” Despite her fears and anxieties, Klei took a day to think it over before deciding to accept the challenge. “I told my friend I wanted to do it, so here I am,” she said confidently. In her introductory video, Klei highlighted mental health as the key issue she hopes to address. Her proposed community project takes a holistic approach to mental health, acknowledging that it is affected by many different factors. “Mental health is not just one problem,” she explained. “It’s many things intertwined.”

Ulang Maikale Oilouch, representing Ngarchelong in the upcoming 2025 Dil Belau contest, is making waves with her passionate advocacy for youth mental health in Palau. At just 21 years old, Ulang brings a fresh perspective shaped by her upbringing in Meyuns and Meketii.A proud alumna of Palau High School, Class of 2022, Ulang currently works with the Emergency Health Program under the Ministry of Health and Human Services. Through her role, she has witnessed firsthand the challenges facing young people throughout the nation. “One of the biggest issues Palau youth face today is mental health. I want to remind everyone: don’t be afraid to ask for help,” Ulang emphasized in a recent statement. She urges her peers to utilize resources like ‘775 Talk,’ a dedicated helpline where trained professionals listen and offer support to those in need. “Let’s come together and listen to those who need help. Reaching out not only benefits individuals—it strengthens our communities and shapes a healthier future for Palau and generations to come,” Ulang said. Her advocacy aims to break the stigma surrounding mental health, encouraging open conversations and access to essential support services for Palauan youth.

Sydney Diraklai Francisco, a 20-year-old running for DilErnguul in the 2025 Dilbelau contest. I proudly represent Koror State, Ernguul State. She expresses deep gratitude for the opportunity, calling it “truly an honor to represent the people of Koror.” Sydney explains that participating in this year’s DilBelau contest as Dil Ernguul was a significant step outside her comfort zone. “Athletics has always been the field where I thrive and feel very comfortable,” she shares. “Pageants and beauty contests were beyond what I usually do, but people believed in me. I saw this as a great way to branch out and seek new opportunities. I hope to inspire others to look for chances beyond their comfort zones. Through this experience, you learn a lot about yourself and your state. Most importantly, it’s about having fun and enjoying the journey with other girls.” A major focus of Sydney’s candidacy is her community project, which has been a long- standing idea since her high school days. As an alumnus of Palau High School, she feels a strong desire to give back to the school that shaped her. “I want to create a program— something like a network or organization—that supports students who are currently suspended, both in-school suspensions and those out of school,” she explains. Drawing from her background in athletics, Sydney aims to offer these students a second chance to rebuild and reconnect with themselves through sports. “Athletics is a vast field that includes many sports and different roles. My project is called ‘Pathways to Purpose.’ I made it plural because I understand that athletics isn’t the only way people find purpose. I want to collaborate with various people and activities, whether that’s art, music, or other interests, to give these students options and the opportunity to develop life skills.” Sydney envisions the project as initially short-term but emphasizes a long-term impact. “If someone is facing challenges, it’s important to think long-term. This is about helping students not only overcome their current difficulties but build a foundation for their future.”