MEDIA RELEASE
12 October 2007
For immediate release
Youth Ambassadors set to make their mark in PNG
Water, sanitation and nurse training projects in Milne Bay Province will be among those to benefit from the Australian Government’s latest Australian Youth Ambassadors for Development program.
Six young Australians have arrived in Papua New Guinea to undertake volunteer placements with agencies and NGOs under the program that has been running between the two countries since 1998.
Australia’s Deputy High Commissioner to PNG, Ann Harrap, in welcoming the ambassadors said they would enhance the already strong relationship between the people of Papua New Guinea and Australia.
“The bilateral relationship is strong on many levels and this program is a tangible example of a successful people-to-people connection. Young Australians have the chance to utilise their skills and experiences to make a real contribution to development in PNG, while also helping to strengthen mutual understanding between the two countries,” Ms Harrap said.
Nurse educator, Christian James, will spend his eight month placement alongside tutors at St Barnabas School of Nursing in Alotau.
“This is a great opportunity to utilise my nursing skills,” said Mr James.
“I’m also looking forward to learning Tok Pisin, experiencing local food, art and music and of course, playing a game of football.”
Prue Bodsworth will use her engineering skills to assist in the design of water and sanitation projects during her twelve month placement with the Milne Bay Church Development Fund Association.
“While PNG will be new to me, I hope my fundamental training in sewer treatment plant, water main and recycled water upgrades can be transferred to Milne Bay and make a positive impact on people’s daily life,” said Ms Bodsworth.
A summary of the new Youth Ambassadors and their placement organisations is attached.
Notes to editor
The Australian Youth Ambassadors for Development program was launched by Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Hon. Alexander Downer MP, in 1998 with the aim of strengthening mutual understanding between Australia and countries of the Asia-Pacific region whilst making a positive contribution to development.
The program places young Australians between 18 and 30 years of age on short-term assignments (3-12 months) in developing countries in the Asia-Pacific region.
Volunteers are well-qualified people in their own field of training and expertise and are specially selected through a rigorous nomination process.
Priority sectors for the program are health, education, governance, rural development, environment and infrastructure.
This round’s PNG hosts are St Barnabas School of Nursing, Alotau; Milne Bay Church Development Fund, Alotau; United Nations Children’s Fund, Port Moresby; and the PNG Ombudsman Commission, Port Moresby.
Media Inquiries: Anna Awasa, AusAID Public Affairs, T: 325 9333 ext 304