Papua New Guinea: programs & priorities

Child protection and promoting girls' education is an important part of ChildFund Australia's work in Papua New Guinea, in addition to improving access to safe sanitation, boosting healthcare facilities and working with communities to develop sustainable livelihood programs.

Ensuring communities become self-sufficient is the foundation of ChildFund's work in PNG, and we are committed to supporting development committees so that communities can address their own needs. This includes promoting full community participation in all activities, and promoting the involvement of women and children in all decision-making processes.

The rising incidence of HIV and AIDS has also become a priority area, and ChildFund Australia is involved in building aid posts, training healthcare workers and raising awareness about prevention and treatment of the disease.

Currently, ChildFund Australia is working in 31 villages and three settlements of the Gulf Province, Central Province and National Capital District.

Development in progress

ChildFund Australia's program work focuses on the long-term development needs of children, families and communities through health, HIV and AIDS, education, food security and water and sanitation initiatives, which are implemented in 31 villages and three settlements of the Gulf Province, Central Province and National Capital District.

One of ChildFund's many projects in Papua New Guinea is the building of a new school in the Rigo district. Children from Karawa have been without a school for over 10 years, so students have been forced to study wherever they can. Lessons are often held in the teacher's house or in local churches, but conditions are cramped and few learning materials are provided.

In June, a new school was completed, which provides a safe and clean environment for the children of the village to learn. The school is fully equipped with sanitation facilities, desks, chairs and fans to keep the classrooms cool.