MEDIA RELEASE
29 January 2008
For immediate release
Marcus Bai takes on ambassador role with Yumi Lukautim Mosbi
International Rugby League star Marcus Bai has taken on a new role as an ambassador for youth through Yumi Lukautim Mosbi. The voluntary role taken on by the former Melbourne Storm player is a way he says he can give back to his home country.
“I started in exactly the same place as the majority of young Papua New Guineans – a village, and look where I ended up – the World Cup,” said the West New Britain-born footballer.
“They can do it, they can go all the way – there are so many opportunities for PNG youth to extend their skills and talents.
“Part of what I really want to do in my ambassador role is have children especially from the village know they can experience what I’ve experienced.”
Mr Bai visited City Mission Farm near Bootless Bay where young offenders and youth identified as vulnerable to crime are taught basic nursery skills.
“It was fantastic to have someone like Marcus Bai come and stand in our midst. Powerful is how I would describe it,” said Joe Monday, who was enrolled at the farm in 1993 and is now employed there as a nursery supervisor.
“I now encourage the boys that we could end up like Bai, so let’s keep up the good work.”
One such student is Erastas Kori who says he’s learnt skills like cultivating and composting.
“I can see why some people turn to crime to feed their families, but through this course I am hoping to provide for my family through employment,” said Erastas.
The Australian Government supports Yumi Lukautim Mosbi projects including the City Mission Farm through its aid agency, AusAID, as part of its assistance to PNG’s Law and Justice Sector.
Media Inquiries: Jacqueline Smart, AusAID Public Affairs, Ph: 325 9333 ext 216