MEDIA RELEASE
4 August 2008
For immediate release
AUSTRALIAN GOVERNOR-GENERAL OPENS HOHOLA YOUTH CENTRE UPGRADES
The Australian Governor-General, Major General Michael Jeffery, today opened a K3.5 million upgrade of the Hohola Youth Development Centre.
Accompanied by Mrs Jeffery, the Governor-General paid tribute to the efforts of centre staff in helping to provide a positive and bright future for disadvantaged PNG youth.
“This centre has allowed many young people to have access to academic and vocational training they would otherwise not receive,” said the Governor-General.
“I am also pleased to see young girls given the opportunity to enter traditionally male-dominated trades through this centre.
“It’s very exciting to know that the funding provided by the Australian Government has not only been used to improve facilities but will also support a substantial increase in the student intake. This means more young Papua New Guineans having an opportunity to improve their future prospects.”
The upgrades were funded through the Australian Government’s Australia PNG Incentive Fund.
“Groups supported under this fund are considered organisations of excellence,” said the Governor-General.
“In order to obtain this funding strict criteria must be met, demonstrating high standards of performance in delivering key services to the community. This reinforces the quality of this Centre and its importance to the community.”
In order to save money and provide further training opportunities some of the smaller renovation works were undertaken by students.
Refurbishment work included the construction of seven classrooms, new woodworking facilities, a new motor mechanics workshop, a library, refurbishment of administration facilities, security fencing and new furniture.
The Governor-General said that the work of the De La Salle Brothers would ensure that young people passing through the centre would be well prepared for adult life and employment which would ultimately benefit the nation.
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