Volunteers in remote areas face challenges

VOLUNTEERS working in remote areas face tremendous challenges every day working among illiterate people and their services should be recognised, says Australian High Commission representative Brendan Pearce.
Speaking during National Volunteer Day at Wagani Government Centre yesterday, he said the level of commitment, professionalism and resourcefulness volunteers brought to their assignments was inspiring.
Two volunteers made presentations — Theophillar Thompson, a community health worker at Wabo subhealth centre in Gulf and Joseph Asiman, a jack-of-all trades at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Morobe.
“Hearing the two volunteers giving their presentation gives us a clear image of the hardship some of our people are facing and the volunteers’ strong dedication and commitment in those rural areas,” Pearce said.
“Thank you for your inspiring stories. You are exceptional role models and you have an important role to play in educating and mentoring the next generation of PNG volunteers.”
Pearce said in Australia, they placed great value on those who gave their time to help strengthen the skills, resources and knowledge of communities and organisations.
He said volunteers had long been, and continued to be, a vital component of Australia’s partnership with PNG — particularly through the recently redesigned Australian Volunteer programme.
“The Australian Volunteer Programne is also a crucial platform through which volunteers build meaningful and respectful relationships, and share cultural knowledge, with Papua New Guineans.”