Youths turn over a new leaf

More than 70 youths in Oro have surrendered homemade guns, knives, ammunition, drugs and home-brewing equipment to the police following a community-driven crime prevention initiative.
The surrender ceremonies were held at the Simbu, Niugini and Marimari settlements.
The ceremonies was to promote drug and alcohol awareness and strengthen partnerships and networks within the local law and justice sector.
Pastor Silas Eriba, a volunteer juvenile justice worker, said the ceremonies were a sign of the success of local initiatives to fight crime and promote safer communities.
“Since we began raising awareness on law and justice issues with the support of the Justice Services and Stability for Development, we are seeing changes within the communities,” Eriba said.
This initiative was supported by the Australian government through the Justice Services and Stability for Development Programme.