Change like a toothpick, Goroka group told

COMMUNITIES in Papua New Guinea will only transform when people change their mindsets and attitudes, says Goroka community development advocate Lutie Mateo.
He said this at the first anniversary celebration of Izopega-Meteorite Community Development Association in Goroka on Wednesday.
Mateo shared an experience from South Korea where he had asked his guide what transformed their country.
The answer he got was: “You will only develop when you do small things right, such as disposing a used toothpick in the right place.”
Mateo said: “I encourage you to keep the good spirit of cooperation and maintain the motivational drive you have to pursue community development. When you have already changed, and ready to accept changes and developments, you will realise that Government agencies and partners will be coming to you.”
Community development officer James Gahe encouraged association members to make things happen.
Chairman of pastors of Izopega-Meteorite, Ivan Hasu, thanked Mateo for supporting them to start the association one year ago.
He said the hard work put in by the association had not gone to waste.
“It is the first anniversary and they will go forward towards the second year of work to bring more changes into the lives of the people,” Hasu said.