Soroptomists donate tank to Morata

By Rev SEIK PITOI
MARCH 31, 2019, was a special day for the community at Morata 2 in the National Capital District.
They were expecting some important guests from Soroptimist International Port Moresby (SIPOM). The guests were coming to donate a water tank, a gift that would be of great benefit to all. This is especially so for those families who do not have running water in their homes. The Salvation Army, who works with the community in running literacy programmes and other activities, had arranged with SIPOM for the water tank.
SIPOM is the Port Moresby branch of SIPNG, part of Soroptimist International.
A global volunteer organisation, Soroptimist International empowers women and girls socially and economically. In many countries, one area SI greatly assists in is in providing opportunities for education. Empowering women and girls by getting a decent education is considered an excellent way to eradicate poverty and the evil that usually comes out of it.
For SIPOM, though, the scope of their work reaches further out to meeting essential needs in the settlements. Under their Women and Water project, SIPOM looks at the provision for water tanks to help those who do not have running water in their homes.
As we all know, clean water is an essential need for personal hygiene and basically in raising healthy families in our communities.
That day, about 60 people gathered at the premises of the Salvation Army at Morata 2. The guests were welcomed on arrival by the Salvation Army officers (pastors). After introductory remarks by the hosts, speeches were made by SIPOM representatives Mary Handen, Oveti Meaporo and Major Ridia Nenewa.
A special dance item was then put on by the Morata children to entertain the guests. Following the item, Major Nenewa had the honour of cutting the ribbon to officially hand over the tank to the community. The programme ended with some words of appreciation from a community leader to SIPOM for their kind donation.