Raise kids to become good citizens: GG

By JULIA DAIA BORE
PAPUA New Guinean families and homes must strive to raise their children to be good citizens, who respect their women across the nation, Sir Paulias Matane said.
He said this in Port Moresby yesterday, while officially launching the 2008 “Pride of Papua New Guinea awards for women”.
Sir Paulias said after 33 years of independence Papua New Guinea as a nation has yet to fully recognise its women’s contributions towards nation-building.
He said failure to do this contributed to many social problems such as kids robbing in the streets and homes throughout the country without respect for others’ property, and numerous sex-related offenses mainly inflicted by men on women.
Sir Paulias also highlighted that many PNG women still faced abuses and bodily harm from their menfolk.
He said that it was in light of this that he was “delighted and honoured” to be launching this wonderful initiative recognising our women in all walks of life in our country.
“Women, as we all know, are very special and they deserve all the recognition due to them and “Pride of PNG” is one such home-grown initiative that aims to do just that,” he said.
He said “Pride of PNG” is a community service that was first launched on Jan 24 last year in Port Moresby aimed to recognise ordinary women who contribute to development in their communities.
Last year over 300 entries were received as nominees in six categories: bravery, courage, community spirit, educational role model, environment and young Papua New Guinean.
Of these the six winners were: Nancy Wii (bravery), Martha Taina (courage), Patrina Dinkin (community spirit), Dr Philly Mapiria (educational role model), Anne Kajir (environment) and Rhetta Moses (Young PNG).
Sir Paulias said the award has in a way revealed that there are many women and girls doing something positive for their communities. “These women must be acknowledged and commended for their positive contributions in whatever role they play in their communities,” he said.