Youth to Youth in Health celebrated its 40th anniversary last Thursday evening with a dinner, music and drama at Jitak.
The event featured music, dancing and drama presented by youth peer educators, a presentation by President Hilda Heine, and remarks about the past and future of the program by board chair Giff Johnson and Director Cathner Abner.
Three Miss Marshall Islands contestants, whose themes are focused on youth-related issues, were also featured. Miss Aur Hadasa Jonathan, Miss Namdrik Jahzarah Pedro, and Miss Arno Hadassah Lekka spoke briefly about their platforms and their recognition of the youth program.
President Heine and First Gentleman Tommy Kijiner attended to honor the event and to present a $1,000 contribution to the program.
“Since its establishment, the program has played an important role in health education, youth leadership, and community outreach, positively impacting generations of Marshallese youth,” said the Office of the President in a social media post after the event.
“The Office of the President congratulates Youth to Youth in Health on its 40th anniversary and recognizes the organization’s enduring contributions to improving public health, fostering youth leadership, and supporting the well-being of the Marshall Islands.”