Australian High Commission
Papua New Guinea

Callan Services Inclusive education opens door for youngster with learning difficulties

For Emmanuel O’Kona, representing his country on the World stage in the sport he loves is no longer just a dream. The 14-year-old from a mixed heritage of Gulf, Madang and Morobe Provinces has faced many challenges in life due to learning difficulties.

However, with assistance from the staff of the Gerehu Inclusive Education Resource Center (IERC) and the National Department of Education (NDoE), Emmanuel has been able to overcome many of these challenges. This support, along with his determined spirit, has culminated in Emmanuel’s selection to the Special Olympics PNG (SOPNG) 7 A-side soccer team to take part in the 2019 Special Olympics in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

The opportunity came about through his involvement with the IERC’s after school sporting programs. IERC Senior Resource Center Officer, Andrew Ase, says that their sporting program is created out of the NDoE’s Physical Education curriculum but is also extended out of class to accommodate student interest.

Taking up soccer as a pastime, Emmanuel has benefitted from the sport in more ways than he expected. The IERC sports program helps students to better develop their thought processing capabilities. “While playing sports the students have to think fast and have to always stay alert. I believe that if they can learn this through sport then it will help them in the classroom as well”, Andrew explained.

Emmanuel’s learning condition hinders the speed of his thought processing, making it difficult for him to fully integrate into mainstream education. However, Emmanuel enrolled into the Philip Aravure Primary School in 2014 and has been coping well with the mainstream education system through support from the Gerehu IERC. 

With his education steadily progressing, Emmanuel is setting his sights on his upcoming debut onto the sporting world stage. The next Special Olympics is scheduled to take place in March 2019. Emmanuel and the team from SOPNG have already begun preparations with training and travel arrangements.

His family, with the assistance of some IERC staff, have begun fundraising activities to assist Emmanuel with his trip expenses. Although the event is still a few months away, the IERC staff say that his approach to everything, from classes to training, has been filled with energy and enthusiasm.

The Australian Government provides funding through the Callan Services National Unit (CSNU) to help children and adults living with disabilities, including providing training and qualifications in special education for teachers.

The Gerehu IERC is one of 15 IERCs in PNG that receives Australian Government funding provided through the CSNU.  The funding enables IERC teachers to do community based rehabilitation and early intervention activities.

Australia is internationally recognised as a leading donor in disability-inclusive development. The Australian Government strongly believes that including people with disabilities in development efforts is integral to achieving sustainable economic growth and poverty reduction.

For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100

Emmanual (centre back with red wrist-band) with team mates heading to training.