Papua New Guineans urged to be considerate

PAPUA New Guineans have been challenged to be considerate and remain “cheerful givers” when it comes to assisting those in need of help.
Secretary-general of PNG national commission for United Nations education, science and cultural organisation (Unesco) Yori Yei said this when commending participants who took part in the Haiti appeal wokabout wheelbarrow push on Saturday.
Mr Yei said since Haiti was a member of Unesco, it was appropriate that PNG responded to the organisation’s request to assist humanitarian efforts.
“We need to learn to give from our pockets because, when PNG was struck by natural disasters such as the Aitape tsunami, the volcanic eruptions in Rabaul and Manam, and the landslides in Morobe, our Unesco-member nations and friends came to our help,” Mr Yei said. 
All the monies collected from the wheelbarrow push were handed over to Education secretary Dr Joseph Pagelio, who is also deputy chairman of the PNG national commission for Unesco.
“Unesco has been supporting PNG for more than 30 years in the education sector, culture, communication and, especially, in disaster aid.
“It is now time for PNG to support Unesco assist other countries around the world,” Dr Pagelio said.
He encouraged all schools to complete their contributions – a kina per child by this week.
The same appeal was extended to members of the public, Government departments and provincial governments, statutory bodies and the private sector to assist the displaced and needy children of Haiti.
Haiti was severely hit when a massive earthquake hit the country recently.
Organisers said the Haiti appeal was still open and any contributions could be deposited into the Haiti relief appeal account at the Waigani Westpac branch, account number 6001689912.
They said receipts of all deposit must be faxed to 3259663 or call 3251738 or 3251242 for inquiries and more information.