Centre determined despite issues

GIFT of Life Restoration Centre (GLRC), a village-based charity organisation in Chimbu, is struggling in its endeavour to give hope to orphans.
Based at Gor village, in Waiye local-level government of Kundiawa-Gembogl district, GLRC started in 2013 with the motto “Provide hope for the disadvantaged”.
It is providing support to over 500 orphans of Nauro-Gor tribe that comprise of seven clans – Nolai Gauma, Kunana Gauma, Kirwai Gauma, Bal Gauma, Kail Gauma, Hulmol Olokane and Guire.
Founder and chairlady Agnes Tonar, a single mother of four children, told The National that the organisation needed a resource centre to accommodate children that they take in.
“We have never received any support from the Government or donors, let alone our family members and relatives,” she said.
“Sometimes, we see in the media about charity organisations based in towns and cities receiving good support from Government and donors.
“Unfortunately, for us rural-based organisations, we struggle to meet the demands of these children.
“The children that we take under our wings are future leaders and human resource of this country.
“I suggest that charity organisations and orphanages based in the rural communities should be recognised.”
Tonar highlighted the importance of having an orphanage care centre as crucial to achieve their objectives and vision, to educate underprivileged children.
“We want to give second chances to the school drop-outs in education and become parents to those that face all sorts of abuses and traumas,” she said.
“For those who want to support us, we can be contacted via email at [email protected].
“GLRC has four executive member, and two committee members, representing each clan, who collect data of orphans and reports of any information we need to help them.”
GLRC was fortunate to receive a laptop and printer from Joshua Kua, an orphan, based in New Zealand.
A second-hand bale of clothes was donated by Western Highlands’ businessman Elijah Hon.
Tonar’s brother Dr Kal Blasius Tonar, a private doctor and owner of West New Britain Clinic and
Niugini Islands Pharmacy, helped pay GLRC’s registration with
the Investment Promotion Authority.
Others that helped included Kundiawa KEG Southern Cross Guesthouse managing director Simakus Tei, Western Highlands’ police commander Jacob Kamiak and Port Moresby jail officer Michael Mondo.
Fr Jan Jaworski, a medical doctor from the Sir Joseph Nombri Kundiawa General Hospital, was helping the organisation in whatever way he could.
“These children have potential and they deserve an education,” he said.
“GLRC is a children-oriented project.
“This simple woman (Tonar) is using her willpower to do something positive for our children.
“Let us not watch but contribute.”
Dr Tonar donated medical drugs and nine sewing machines on December 29.
The sewing machines were distributed to each of the church groups in Nauro-Gor, witnessed by community leaders, Kerowagi MP and Vice-Minister for mining Bari Palma and Housing Minister and Moresby North-East MP John Kaupa.