The University of the South Pacific (USP) alumnus, Broderick Mervyn, was awarded Vanuatu’s Independence Commemorative Medal by His Excellency, The President of Vanuatu, Honourable Nikenike Vurobaravu last week.
The 28-year-old is the youngest Oceanian recipient of this honour, which recognised his exceptional contributions to youth development and commitment to the Pacific region.
“This recognition validates the efforts I have put into fostering good governance, youth engagement and cultural sustainability across the Pacific region. It reinforces my commitment to these causes and motivates me to continue striving for positive change,” Mervyn shared.
“Vanuatu stepping up to recognise my contributions is a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of our nations. It demonstrates that our efforts, no matter where they are rooted, can be resonated and valued beyond our national borders.”
“This honour not only enhances my professional credibility but also opens doors for further collaborations and initiatives that can benefit the broader Pacific region.”
Of Rotuman heritage, Mervyn’s deep-rooted connection to the Pacific Islands fuelled his lifelong passion for empowering young people.
“Growing up in such a vibrant and close-knit community, I was constantly surrounded by stories and experiences that highlighted the importance of unity, mutual respect, and the collective effort towards community development,” he said.
“I observed challenges faced by the youth in our communities- limited opportunities, economic hardships and the struggle to maintain cultural identity in a rapidly changing world. These observations stirred a passion within me to advocate for and work towards creating opportunities for young people to thrive, both personally and collectively.”
A Bachelor of Arts (Law and International Politics) graduate from USP, Mervyn’s academic journey was a blend of academic rigour and practical exposure, which he credited as the foundation of his career development.
His participation in the JENESYS (Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths) programme provided him with invaluable global exposure.
USP’s flexible learning environment allowed him to balance his studies with community engagement and extensive travel, which included various regional and international conferences, workshops and training programmes.
As an Online Course Facilitator for the Professionalising Youth Work in the Pacific Modules during the COVID-19 pandemic, Mervyn faced various challenges in delivering quality education to Pacific youth during the pandemic.
To overcome obstacles such as limited internet connectivity, and socio-economic and cultural complexities, he developed innovative approaches to ensure students had access to meaningful learning experiences.
“The pandemic had a profound impact on the mental health and well-being of youths. The sudden shift to online learning, coupled with the stress and uncertainty brought about by the pandemic led to increased anxiety and disengagement among students. We incorporated mental health resources and support systems within the courses including virtual counselling sessions and peer support groups to help students cope with the emotional toll of the pandemic,” shared Mervyn.
Mervyn’s youth development courses emphasise the importance of the “Pacific way” values, which include respect, communal harmony and environmental stewardship and empower youth to create a positive change within their communities.
“As we continue to invest in the education and development of our youth, we are not only nurturing the leaders of tomorrow but also preserving the rich cultural heritage that defines our identity.”
Broderick Mervyn’s vision for the Pacific extends beyond current initiatives. As a passionate advocate for youth development, he envisions a region where young people are empowered to lead their communities towards sustainable and inclusive growth.
While celebrating this international recognition, Broderick also draws attention to the need for Fiji to revitalise its culture of appreciation for its emerging leaders.
“It is crucial to establish a culture where emerging Pacific leaders are approached with genuine respect and recognition rather than being treated as tokens. Tokenism undermines the potential and contributions of young leaders, reducing them to mere symbols rather than valuing their capabilities and insights,” emphasised Mervyn.
He advocates for a shift in mindset among stakeholders to value the contributions of young people as integral to development.
