7 June 2013

Expanding services for vulnerable youth and women

More young men, orphans and survivors of domestic abuse in Port Moresby and Lae will receive life-changing assistance after a K1 million grant from Australia to City Mission PNG.

City Mission PNG received the grant under the Strongim Pipol Strongim Nesen program, a partnership between the Governments of Australia and PNG that is funded by AusAID.

City Mission PNG Director Pastor Ron Brown said the funding will make a tremendous impact on the scope of work and ministry of City Mission PNG.

“The funds and resources will lay the foundation that will propel us into the next 20 years,” Pastor Brown said.

“These funds will allow for increased capacity and richer training experience for those involved in all aspects of the City Mission Program.”

City Mission PNG services include life skills training for young men to help them avoid crime and life on the streets, a refuge for women and children who have suffered domestic abuse, and an orphanage for children whose parents died from AIDS.

The grant will hire more specialist staff and build staff accommodation, classrooms and facilities at training centres that are operating beyond their capacity. The funding, until 2014, will also improve governance arrangements including finance management and monitoring and evaluation of programs.

The Head of the Australian aid program in PNG, Stuart Schaefer, said turning around the lives of vulnerable people makes communities safer and stronger.

“City Mission PNG takes young men off the streets and provides them with skills and an opportunity for a life other than crime and to be responsible members of their community,” Mr Schaefer said.

“Children and women who would otherwise end up on the streets because of neglect or abuse are protected from further harm and helped to recover.

“By helping vulnerable people to grow stronger, you strengthen the whole nation – that is what the SPSN program is about.”

Through the SPSN program, Australia and PNG provides grants to organisations committed to issues including improved health and education outcomes in communities, better support for maternal and child health issues and for those living with HIV/AIDS, gender equality, disability - including addressing violence against women - and increased participation for all people, particularly people with disabilities.