MEDIA RELEASE
5 December 2006
For immediate release
VOLUNTEERS SHARE LIFE SKILLS
Working side-by-side with the people of Papua New Guinea, thousands of Australians have helped achieve goals of economic and social development at local, national and international levels by working as volunteers.
Margaret Thomas, the Head of AusAID in PNG, has commended the work of volunteers across the country, as Port Moresby stages various events to mark International Volunteers Day on Tuesday 5 December.
“Since the 60’s, the Australian Government has supported over 2,000 Australian volunteers in PNG” Ms Thomas said. “Volunteers add a really human dimension to the aid program and show the commitment of ordinary Australians to the development of PNG”.
One such Australian is Kevin Cotter, a volunteer with Australian Volunteers International (AVI).
He works as a Farm Manager at the Port Moresby City Mission’s New Life Farm – home to a hundred young men, many who were homeless and involved in crime.
By teaching them agricultural, vocational, and life skills, Kevin and his counterparts are giving these youth the means to stay out of crime.
Kevin is also working with the farm’s management to develop skills to support the young men and generate income. The farm now uses more efficient methods of farming and animal husbandry – successful programs in leadership, literacy and basic agricultural training have also been developed.
“It’s such a rewarding experience to see the change this kind of guidance has on the boys. They’re more confident about giving things a go, and many of them are very willing to learn new skills and about the wider world,” he said.
The Australian Government funds volunteer placements through Australian Volunteers International, Australian Youth Ambassadors for Development, Australian Business Volunteers and Volunteering for International Development from Australia.
Media Inquiries: Anna Awasa, AusAID Public Affairs, Ph: 325 9333 ext 304,
Mobile: 693 1097
PHOTO availbale on request. Caption:
AVI volunteer Farm Manager Kevin, with Paul and Nicky, prepare vegetables grown at the Port Moresby City Mission’s New Life Farm. PHOTO: Bree Manley, AVI.