Exchanging Best Practices in Public Health and Youth Development

October 31, 2020

PAAC held its first-ever virtual IVLP projects in October, connecting 31 visitors from 11 Pacific Island Nations with their Hawaii-based professional counterparts in the fields of youth empowerment and public health.

Similar to the U.S., Pacific Island Nations’ health and youth development sectors are currently experiencing a myriad of challenges amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.  Participants of our “Young Pacific Leaders” project enjoyed a stimulating hour of discussion with representatives from Kupu, a local youth-focused nonprofit, while participants of our “Public Health Leadership” project shared best practices with State of Hawaii Department of Health personnel overseeing our State’s COVID-19 contact tracing efforts.

Despite the atypical meeting environment and the glowing screens, time zones, and thousands of miles that separated our parties, both meetings went smoothly and were filled with lively conversation.  Mahalo to our guests from Kupu and the Dept. of Health for sharing their time, expertise, and aloha with our visitors!