Australian High Commission
Papua New Guinea

Youth learn basic first aid and health skills

Young men and women are gaining first aid and basic health skills, including learning how to keep their families healthy, through the Ginigoada Bisnis Foundation. This is part of a training program managed by the Foundation in Port Moresby and Lae, supported by the Australian Government in partnership with the Government of Papua New Guinea.

Forty-three people graduated from Ginigoada’s First Aid and Health Skills training program in July at the Bomana Correctional Service Institute (CSI) in Port Moresby. The graduates consisted of CSI officers and their dependents. They are now equipped with basic skills and knowledge on issues such as mental health, diet and nutrition, first aid skills and the use of common medication.

Speaking at the graduation, Ginigoada’s Foundation Manager Pastor Mike Field stressed the importance of a healthy lifestyle and positive well-being.

“Ginigoada provides an entry-point for young people to realise their potential and to strive towards achieving a better life for themselves. It is about second chances and hope for many people who have missed out on opportunities in the formal education, training and employment sectors.”

Ms Julie Hart, from the Australian High Commission, said that this support focuses on vulnerable youth with the aim of equipping them with basic life skills and vocational training.

“Programs like this provide pathways to enhance employment opportunities for income generation in the formal and informal sector,” Ms Hart said.

Graduates expressed appreciation for the training which taught them skills that would be useful in their daily lives, such as understanding signs of depression and ways of dealing with it.

Graduate Jude Tamoko said that he was surprised to realise that some of his friends were showing signs of depression, which he only realised after undergoing the training.

“I am now in a better position to help my friends deal with depression,” Mr Tamoko said.

Graduates from this training can pursue additional training packages with the Ginigoada Foundation. The Foundation offers a wide range of basic life skills and short skills training programs.