Frank John grew up amidst severe tribal fighting in the Paipali Community of Hela Province, Papua New Guinea. As a result of the conflicts, Frank dropped out of school after third grade and was forced to participate in the fighting by the age of 12.
In 2023, after ten years of combat, Frank was chosen as one of the participants of UNDP's first ever youth leadership training for Hela youth. The training reunited him with other young people from rival clans. The experience inspired Frank and his fellow youth to set up an organization that would share what they had learned with others in the province.
In June 2024, UNDP opened an Agricultural Lab in Paipali Community. The new organization led by Frank will use the facility to educate local youth on peace, climate change and gender equality.
Watch this video to hear Frank's full story of turning from a youth combatant to peace advocate.
