Australians use Kokoda to inspire youths for better living

National, Normal
Source:

The National, Tuesday June 25th, 2013

 By SONIA KENU 

YOUTHS from Moonee Valley in Melbourne, Australia, have been brought out to Papua New Guinea to instill some inspiration and motivation in them to become better people.

They arrived in Port Moresby last Friday and were heading to meet the  challlenges of the Kokoda Track.

They were to walk the track,  which had significance to Australian history.

Initiated by the Victoria police programme six years ago, the Australians see it as a way to motivate their young people and nudge them back into the proper track of life after being derailed.  

Insp Nigel Howard, from Victoria police, said the group was made up 17 students, two teachers, two paramedics, 13 sponsors and six policemen.  

He said last year’s students had become school captains and youth leaders and this year they had two university students in the group.

“Because it has been successful, the programme has been rolled out to Geelong and Wyndham as well.” 

“After days of long walk with bag packs on their back, they feel they have achieved something and can do anything for a better living,” Howard said. 

PNG Trekking Adventures manager Pam Christie said the walk would take eight days and the youths would take part in opening two new classrooms at Dahcavill Customary School in Laloki, Central, for which youths engaged in the programme has raised money.