I CHILD welfare is very important if Papua New Guinea wants to produce future generations who are not only literate and healthy, but also reliable, responsible, committed and law abiding.
To date, this country is gradually losing its national identity because successive governments failed to invest in our children.
They failed to investigate tribulations our children had to endure and make worthwhile decisions that are conducive to our children’s welfare and needs.
The ramification PNG made to the United Nations Conference on the Rights of Children (CRC) in March 1993 signified the legal obligation and commitments of the government to implement the relevant articles.
Although there were some progress and commitment by previous government with the Lakautim Pikinini (Child) Act, there is still much work to be done in supporting, sustaining and expanding the work of child welfare.
Thus, I would to recommend some suggestions:
*Allocate equal and sufficient funds to every important Government and non-governmental organisations such as the National Youth Commission, Save the Children, Family Voice, National Voluntary Organisation, Oxfam, Callan Services for Disabled, etc, so there will be equal support for children’s welfare in PNG;
*Establish child welfare centres in all provinces and if possible, set up sub-centres in each district;
*Educate and train special officers to facilitate child welfare centres;
*Establish separate constitution for children’s welfare, legally and legitimately stipulating children’s rights and freedom of every child in PNG. I am aware that we have a Constitution but not much on children’s welfare.
To date, I acknowledge and commend the time and efforts put in by individuals, groups, non-governmental organisations and Government agencies like the National Youth Commission.

Ronny Knox Angu
Goroka