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National Youth Conference 1996 - Provincial / NGO / Private Agency Papers & Reports

CENTRAL PROVINCIAL REPORT

Charles Inapi, Chairman, Central Provincial Youth Federation

SANDAUN PROVINCIAL REPORT

Gerald Towun, Chairman, Provincial Youth Council

ORO PROVINCIAL REPORT

Francis T. Polume, Advisor

EAST NEW BRITAIN PROVINCIAL REPORT

Alice Pawa, Advisor

Papers presented at Papua New Guinea Mini-Conference on National Youth Service - Youth In National Development:  1996 conference proceedings

CENTRAL PROVINCIAL REPORT

Charles Inapi, Chairman, Central Provincial Youth Federation

This is a report on youth work in Central Province since the birth of "National Youth Movement Programme" (NYMP) back in the early 80's through to the transitional period to adopting the current "National Youth Service" (NYS). The report will be very brief but it should give us a general picture of how much the Central Provincial Government and the Administration had done in implementing the schemes of the above mentioned programmes.

In addition to above, the report will highlight major problems and issues that the Council/Federation had encountered, thus forcing it to scale down its activities to a bare minimal for the last two to three years. Hopefully, this conference will have some form of alternatives to overcome or minimise the problems for the betterment of our young people nationwide.

Youths in traditional Central Province society generally perceived their role as students learning and carrying out orders from their elders. There were clear divisions of labour between male and female. Men were regarded superior to that of women.

The young men (youths) were attached to their fathers whose role was seen as decision makers, formulating rules and regulations for the community, protector during times of trouble with neighbouring villages and one that takes on difficult tasks such as clearing forest for gardening and hunting for protein and other edible foods.

On the other hand, the young girls (youths) were involved in the process of learning and carrying out orders from their mothers and other elderly women. The women engaged themselves in a range of activities from child caring, house keeping, tending to gardens, caring for domesticated animals and other tasks. One of her major tasks is to lobby and provide support to the male folk during feasting and other big occasions behind the scene.

The youths advance to manhood and womanhood after certain initiations. Generally, Central Province is a patrilineal society, thus placing women in an inferior position, while promoting male dominance.

However, with outside influence such as the arrival of the missionaries, westernisation and education has brought with it advantages and disadvantages. As a result of the changes, women began to realise their rights and privileges. Also the traditional laws of discipline and control in the communities are no longer effective. Western or foreign laws were introduced to deal with problems thus creating confusion amongst communities.

Hence, the current law and order problems in which youths have no respect for their elders, other people's property etc. Subsequently, we are faced with problems such as :-

• unemployment
• law and order
• alcohol and drug abuse
• poverty
• begging from government and NGOs for handouts - thus creating a beggar's society
• complex marriage problems due to inter marriages, and
• other social problems

The youths are at a vulnerable age and are blamed for problems listed above and any other social ills. The question remains as to what the government or the societies can do to correct the situations.

Population - According to the 1990 census figures Central Province has a population of 140,584 people currently ranking twelfth largest in PNG. It represents a little over 3.9% of the total PNG population and is distribute accordingly.

Male - 72,917

Female - 67,667

Total - 140,584
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Youths - 40,792 (Aged 12-25)

Employable Youths - 37,213

Employed - 23,848

Formal Sector - 2,124

Self Employed - 21,724

Unemployed - 13,360

Evidently, in the last five (5) years the school leavers population has dramatically increased the number of youths into the categories above. As a result we have increase a law and order problems as a way of youths expressing their frustrations and disappointments. Can we blame them. Maybe yes, maybe no.

Location and Land Area - Central Province is situated in the Central South Coast of the country and has a land area of approximately 29500 square kilometres making it the sixth largest province after Western, East Sepik, West Sepik, Gulf and Morobe Provinces.

Districts Central Province has five Districts namely :-

• Abau District
• Rigo District
• Goilala District
• Hiri District
• Kairuku District

Languages : Central Province has 32 local languages. However, the main medium of communication are Motu and English with a bit of Pidgin.

STATUS OF YOUTH PROGRAMMES

Since the introduction of the National Youth Movement Programme (NYMP) in 1980, the programme gained momentum and strength every year until in 1990 when authorities decided to review the programme and retitled it as the National Youth Service.

Although the programme was introduced in 1980, Central Province only accepted its implementation in late 1982 after successfully staging the first ever Provincial Youth Week in October of that year. From this gathering an Interim Committee was elected, headed by Mr. Roby Duri as Interim Chairman to lay the foundation for the formation of the Provincial Youth Council.

The Central Provincial Youth Council was officially established and endorsed by the Central Provincial Government on the 5th October, 1983 through PEC Decision No. 4 Meeting No. 6/83. The Council after its legal establishment and working in close consultation with the division responsible for youth affairs in the province (Social Development & Welfare) embarked upon implementing the NYMP components in the province.

Registration Under the NYMP 458 youth groups were registered with membership of over 20,000. On the contrary, only 26 youth groups were registered with membership of just over 500 under NYS.

Projects : From 1982 - 1990 a total of K191,525.20 as received and 55 small scale income generating projects were funded throughout the province at the cost of K44,114.31. The projects varied from fishing in coastal areas to coffee buying up in Goilala District.

However, it is sad to mention in this report that nearly all of these projects no longer exist except one which had become so successful. The group I am referring to is the Woitape Youth Group which was funded for K800 for a Trade Store project. From trade store they went on to vegetable farming, then animal husbandry (4 herds of cattle in 1991) and in 1992 purchased a second hand landcruiser to transport tourist from Woitape to Kosipe and return. They have their own monthly charter from Port Moresby for their trade store goods.

The principal reason for failure of funded projects, not only in Central Province but throughout the country was the lack of management skills, bookkeeping etc. Subsequently, the National Youth Office decided that prior to a group being assisted with any grants, the group must attend a Youth Production Training Scheme (YPTS) course.

YPTS Courses - In Central Province, only seven (7) courses were conducted covering all the Districts of the Province in 1988 - 1989. Of the K25,000 allocated for this type of courses, K18,978.58 was expended.

Youth Employment Scheme The Division successfully negotiated with Works Department in 1990 for youth groups to be engaged on roadside cleaning contracts. An average of sixty (60) youth groups were engaged annually in the project until 1994 when Works Department ceased the contract due to financial constraints the nation was and is experiencing. From 1990 - 1993 a total of K168,760.71 was paid out to youth groups which assisted them to purchase sporting uniforms or to establish other community projects.

MIRIGEDA YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CENTRE

After some hectic negotiations with the PNG Agriculture Foundation (the previous leases of the centre) it was transferred to Central Provincial Government in 1985 as its training centre for youth people of the province. Though there had been some training courses conducted on ad hoc basis no concrete developments took place due to financial difficulties. However, in 1993, European Union (EU) funded the renovation and refurbishing of some buildings, construction of the manager's house and the installation of the water reticulation system at the cost of over K246,000.00. This year, with Governor Ore’s backing and support, K300,000 has been appropriated for in 1996 Budget. Furthermore, the name had been changed to Merged Hanna (Livelihood) Training Centre.

Firstly, the project intends to provide skills training on viable projects in :-

• livestock
• poultry
• fishing including aqua farming
• vegetable farming

Secondly, it intends to train people to be viable through the entrepreneurial courses. The courses are 80% practical or on hands training and 20% theory. The course is targeted at any person who is interested in starting a small business for his family towards economic independence.

PAPUAN REGIONAL YOUTH CONFERENCES

Central Province was the driving force behind the formation of the Papuan Regional Youth Forum which meets bi-annually to discuss problems affecting young people in the Region. This Forum also organises the famous Regional Youths Show where all the provinces in the region come together and participate in sports and other recreational activities. The truth of the matter is that, its only this region that has this Forum which organises such an event to promote and foster youth development in the Region.

PROBLEMS

Youth activities in Central Province were scaled down in 1991 when the National Executive Council (NEC) approved the National Youth Service Act to replace the NYMP. Other contributing factors that attributed to this problem were :-

National Youth Service:  Central Province, just like other provinces was never given time to discuss the changes before the final drafting and adoption of the NYS Act and Policy. Subsequently, Central Province together with sister Provinces in the Region never accepted its implementation in their provinces.

Manpower:  The key players in the Central Province Youth Council resigned due to personal reasons. Incoming officers were new to the system, lacked job experience and managerial skills, thus contributed to the down fall of the Council.

Funds:  The Council had sufficient funds for projects. However, Provincial Government's annual grant for operational expenses decreased year by year making it impossible to maintain its network. Furthermore, the community youth coordinators, the linkage between the local youth groups and the council were laid off in 1991 when the NYS could not continue paying their allowances. This was the beginning of a sad ending for the Central Provincial Youth Council.

Provincial Youth Council In April 1994, new Provincial Youth Council members were elected into office. With due respect, certain executive members had other motives or hidden agenda when they accepted these positions. Instead of serving the needs of the young people, they had actually manipulated the system for their own greed and selfish needs.

Provincial Youth Federation The previous youth council had become stagnant due to corrupt practices of certain executive members. It's was only on Wednesday 2nd October, 1996, when youth programmes had been revived through the launching of the Central Provincial Youth Federation at Kwikila Station, Rigo District. The new Executive has some good leaders who I believe will lead us out of this doldrums for a better and prosperous youth development in the province.

RECOMMENDATIONS

It is recommended that :-

1. The provinces must be consulted and have their input in any policy changes.
2. The Community Youth Coordinators Scheme be reintroduced under the Local Level Governments to ensure effective implementation of youth programmes.
3. The future Federation Members are scrutinised thoroughly before formal appointments to avoid corrupt practices.
4. The elected Provincial Youth Federation Presidents becomes the Youth Representatives in the Provincial Assemblies throughout the country.

In conclusion, I wish to say that, this conference could not have come at a better time. With 21 years of Independence and 10 years of NYMP, let us take advantage of the reforms by learning from our failures and strengthen our achievements. One most important failure to overcome is the economic dependency. In addition to that we believe youth is a transitional period, we therefore anticipate realistic program to prepare our youth towards adulthood. I now leave the challenge to each and everyone of you as food for thought.

Charles Inapi, Chairman, Central Provincial Youth Federation 1996
Papua New Guinea

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SANDAUN PROVINCIAL REPORT

Gerald Towun, Chairman, Provincial Youth Council

The Sandaun Province borders with Papua New Guinea Provinces of Western on the south separated by the rugged Central Cordillera. To the east and the south east are the East Sepik and the Southern Highlands provinces. The province also shares a border on the west with the Indonesian province of Irian Jaya (the 141 degree east Meridian being the dividing line). The Bismarck Sea lies in the north.

The Province is divided into (6) Administrative Districts ad these districts are further divided into about 45-47 Census Divisions for administrative and planning purposes. Under the current reform arrangements we have now reduced from six (6) Districts to only four (4) in line with the Electoral Boundaries Act. Vanimo the Provincial Headquarters, is located on an excellent harbour only 33 km from the Irian Jaya border.

Communication within the province is poor and there is no road linking Vanimo to other districts. Aitape is another urban centre which links Lumi, Nuku, and Wewak (East Sepik). Accessibility to remote rural areas is usually by air or foot.

According to the 1990 Census, Sandaun Province has a total population of 139,917 people. This is an increase of up to 18.4% (25,725) since the last count in 1980. The Youth segment of the population, that is the age group of 10-25 years of age (OIL accepted) is 46,893, that is 25,446 males and 21,447 females. Out of this total the Urban Youth totals 4,328 whilst its Rural counterpart is 42,565. The Youth population is therefore makes up 33.5% of the total Sandaun Population.

Having this physical and statistical impressions in mind this paper will in the following attempt to outline the effectiveness of the integration of National and Provincial Polices in Youth development in Sandaun Province. This paper has a basis on practical experiences derived from personnel in the Sandaun Department through the workings of Social Development Division and especially the Provincial Youth set-up.

PAST AND CURRENT PROGRAMMES - YOUTH DEVELOPMENT :

National Youth Movement Programmes (NYMP) :

The National Youth Movement Program (NYMP) when formulated by the National Government was geared towards supporting and linking Youths at the village level to developmental activities of extension services in the country. The underlying objectives included linking the youths into the community, social, political and economic framework in Papua New Guinea, provide training and employment somehow encourage their abilities in income generating projects and at the same time making productive use of the country's natural resources, develop community facilities for their use, develop social, cultural and recreational programs to improve communities they live in, providing opportunities and training programmes for development of Youth leadership potential.

The National Youth Movement Programme (NYMP) Policy which National Executive Council (NEC) approved in 1983 was guided by the following principles: National Integration, Community Advancement, Participation, Productive Action and Justice Promotion.

The problems came about as it seems when the components and complimentary schemes of National Youth Movement Programme (NYMP) were introduced. Many provinces were confused at whether this were complimentary or separated.

The emergence of National Youth Movement Programme (NYMP) saw the formation of Sandaun Provincial Youth Council. Subsequent to its formation a Constitution was put in place which states to develop and assist the Youths of Sandaun (formerly East Sepik) under the guidelines and principles of National Youth Movement Programme (NYMP).

Reliable sources and records indicate that funding under National Youth Movement Programme (NYMP) has been dismally minimum in the Sandaun Province. When National Youth Movement Programme (NYMP) ceased to pirate in 1991 the National Government introduced another youth programme in the latter part of 1991.

National Youth Service:

The National Youth Service (NYS) is considered to be complimentary of both the National Goals and Directions of the Provincial Governments. Was National Youth Movement Programme (NYMP) contradictory to this?

The overall aim of the National Youth Service seems to adopt National Youth Movement Programmes. That is to productively involve youth in the developments of their communities and to encourage maximum participation in the spiritual, economic, social, cultural and political life of the nation. The objectives of National Youth Service (NYS) are to link the youth groups with the activities of extension agencies, village services scheme and to encourage youth groups to engage in income generating employment.

One could draw lines between National Youth Movement Programme (NYMP) and National Youth Service (NYS) and as such it becomes apparent that the underlying goals and objectives are to a larger degree comparatively very much similar. However, National Youth Service (NYS) edges National Youth Movement Programme when attempting to do away with the handout mentality which is an obstacle to self reliance. Whilst many provinces have accepted National Youth Service, some have not simply because there has hardly been any consultation between the national and the provincial departments.

This is evident already in Sandaun Province. A submission to the Provincial Executive Council (PEC) was returned to the Provincial Management Team (PMT) earlier this year, due to the fact that views of all line divisions were not sought. There was expressed resentment over lack of involvement in the initial drafting of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) by the National Department.

It is stressed here that previous youth policies have collapsed because implementation is not practically oriented to realities experienced in the provinces. National policies must be responsive to practical problems in order to be implemented successfully in the provinces. There is need for positive criticisms for the betterment of youth development nationwide.

SANDAUN YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES/PROJECTS:

The Sandaun Province currently faces the following situation in terms of unemployment and youth participation in the labour force. According to NSO 1990 Population Census figures youth unemployment and participation rates in the labour force are calculated as follows:-

Urban (%) Rural (%)

Unemployment

Youth Male 50.5 7.1

Youth Female 47.1 5.6

Labour Force P.R

Youth Male 50.1 61.2

Youth Female 28.0 56.7

Youth programmes is Sandaun Province have been planned and implemented by the Social Development Division usually involving the Non Government Organisations although the Non Government Organisations have been more active in their programmes.

The Sandaun Provincial Youth Office has a Five Year Programme which has projects and activities ranging from Provincial Youth Council Meetings to Internal and External Programmes. Funding however is never always total due to cuts in the recurrent budget.

The Divisional allocation had been reduced from K82.00 in 1995 to K79.00 in 1996. There have been no grants and subsides given by the Sandaun Provincial Government in the past couple of years because of the shortfall in their National Government Budget Allocations.

Notable projects are:- Sandaun Youth Fishing Project This project is located in Aitape. K15,000 was used to set up the project which involves the buying and selling of fish which is an abundant resource in Sandaun waters. Line technical departments such as Commerce, DPI and Fisheries assist in the smooth running of the project. The youth office has pursued to find markets in and out of the province to sell its fish.

Coffee The division had also purchased five (5) coffee pulpers for purpose training in Wasisi, Nuku at a total cost of K1500.

Rural Water Supply Projects: Youths are directly involved.

Airstrip Maintenance Projects

Vegetation Control Programme - sponsored by the Department of Works also involves youth groups with cash returns.

Community Service Projects - The Provincial Government has also engaged youth groups n Vanimo Town Cleaning Projects. Over the last two (2) years contracts worth K38,900.00 have been given to youth groups to clean the town.

The Youth Office has also assisted District based youth groups in securing funds through potential donors some of which include foreign missions based in the country. Some examples in the past include the Fatima and Arkosame Walkabout Sawmills each costing about K10,000.

Non Government Organisations (Churches) have also assisted many youth projects in the province. For instance, during the year (1993) K6000 was used to set up Karaitem Water Supply involving the youths, another K2000 for Yambil Water Supply and K2000 for Fatima Community Centre.

CONSTRAINTS

The major constraints in the implementation of youth programmes in the Sandaun province includes the question of resource allocation. Funds, manpower and other vital resources appropriate in successfully implementing youth programmes are either insufficient or not available. Consultation and dialogue between the National Department of Youth and Home Affairs and Provincial Youth Offices. Other line department must be involved in the design stages so as to avoid unnecessary delays when it comes to implementing youth policies and programmes or projects. To date, young people in Sandaun Province have not benefited at all in the National Government's K1,000.00 Revolving Fund Subsidy to National Youth Service since inception in 1990.

Whilst there is much talk on the current reform programme we are yet to prove National Governments Commitment to the young people. It is hoped that this criticisms and experiences are considered in this forum to improve o our overall performances to assist the cause of youths at our various levels of implementation.

Gerald Towun, Chairman, Provincial Youth Council - 1996 Conference proceedings

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ORO PROVINCIAL REPORT

Francis T. Polume, Advisor

PROVINCIAL DEVELOPMENT VISION UP TO YEAR 2011 :

The Vision is in three (3) five (5) years stages 1997 - 2001; 2002 - 2007; and 2007 - 2011. The vision of the people of Oro are to fully meet basic human needs of adequate social and economic infrastructure and meaningful participation in the political process of decision making that must seek to enriched family values leading to enhanced socially responsible citizenship and greater scope of opportunities for individual growth and community development.

By Year 2011 Oro will :-

• Be peaceful, economically vibrant, self-reliant and stable province.
• Have an effective, responsive ethical public service which is professional staffed with up-to-date equipment and management information technology tools based information system.
• Have a dependable, workable and effective policy, planning and budget system.
• Adequate and reliable infrastructure and communication support system to all sectors.
• Have effective Human Resource Development Policies and a Personnel Training Programme.
• Have an effective secretariat services to the Provincial Executive Council and the Provincial Assembly.

SECTORS

The vision shall be to increase income earning opportunities and substantive reduction of unemployment for all, stringent control of conservation and natural resources, better quality services in all aspects of Education and Health Care.

The vision of local level governments and districts administration shall be to empower people and community for meaningful participation in area development planning and the timely delivery of services and goods to the people.

ORO PROVINCIAL ADMINISTRATION MISSION STATEMENT

Initiate, plan, develop and implement local level, provincial and national government reform policies to improve the qualities of decision making participation in socio-economic life of the people.

SOCIAL SECTOR MAIN VISION  In the next 15 years, the Oro Province shall have better quality of social development services with the intention to achieve universal primary education, health services and better quality of life for all. Sub Sectoral Visions are:

• Achieve Universal Primary Education for all.
• Achieve better Primary Health Services for all.
• Achieve better Quality of Life for all.

SOCIAL SECTOR CORE ISSUE - Lack of Provincial Development Policies and Directives for Social Services.

SOCIAL SECTOR POSITIVE STATEMENT - There exists Provincial Development Policies and Directives for Social Services.

SOCIAL SECTOR FUNCTIONAL STATEMENT - To develop, endorse, and facilitate the implementation of a suitable set of Policy Guidelines for the delivery of basic Social Services to the people of Oro Province.

SOCIAL SECTOR PROBLEM STATEMENTS :

1. Poor nutrition combined with lack of personnel and community hygiene and sanitation have contributed to a low standard of health. People in the rural areas are suffering from poor health services.
2. Lack of supportive resources made available which create ineffective services being provided to the community and there is an increase in social disharmony.
3. Difficulty of access to schools, inappropriate curriculum, inadequate supplies and facilities, poor staff performance and lack of support from the community, all contribute to a poor standard of education in Oro Province.

SOCIAL SECTOR FUNCTIONAL OBJECTIVE - Plan, facilitate, co-ordinate efforts to Social Sector agencies like Health, Education and Home Affairs to enable effective implementation of planned policies, strategies, programmes and projects to improve and enhance Social Development Service and life style in Oro Province.

Common Social Sector Problem Issues are:-

• Lack of general maintenance of all Social Sector Institutions.
• Lack of manpower for Social Sector Extension.
• Lack of information and Communication Services.
• Lack of Training.
• Lack of Transport and Support Services.
• Non availability of Land.
• Inadequate Staff Housing.
• Poor Administration and Management.
• Inadequate Infrastructure Support.
• Lack of Policy Directives.
• Poor Field Extension Services.
• Lack of respective of Leaders and Elders.
• Lack of Survey and Research.
• Inadequate Drugs, School Materials and other Supplies.

SOCIAL SECTOR PRIMARY OBJECTIVES

Education: To develop an education system to meet the needs of Oro Province and its people, which will provide appropriately for the return of children, students and trainees to village communities, for formal employment for continuation to further education and training.

Health: To improve a healthier life-style for the people of Oro Province through, preventive and health education, curative health services and equitable distribution of services.

Home Affairs : To improve the basic quality of the lives of the individual, families and groups (women, youths and sports, etc.) within village communities, through the provision of an effective participatory of social service delivery system.

Home Affairs Problem Issues :

a) Break down in family and traditional values.

b) Lack of training support for women.

c) Lack of organisation responsible for women affairs.

d) Lack of training of youths and other support.

e) Lack of youth participation in socio-economic development.

f) Deterioration of cultures and traditional values.

g) Lack of sports and recreation facilities.

Home Affairs Enabling Objectives :

a) Improve family and traditional values.

b) Improve training support for women.

c) Improve effective liaison of organisation responsible for women affairs.

d) Improve and provide appropriate training of youths and other support.

e) Provide and assist youth participation in socio-economic development.

f) Improve of cultures and traditional values.

g) Improve of sports and recreation facilities.

YOUTH SECTION REPORT

Oro Province is bounded by Morobe, Central and Milne Bay Province and it lays along the Owen Stanley Ranges with its very significant creation as the land of most unexpected with very unique cultural diversity and heritage. The province is notable for its dense, rugged terrain, mountains and fertile valleys down to wider fjords, which made the province very difficult in terms of transportation and communication. The climate is uniform throughout the year with cool nights and warm days. Annual rainfall is recorded with two (2) season, wet and dry with the latter extending from July, August and October - January. The provincial headquarters is Popondetta located on the Killerton Road. There are seven (7) sub-districts with two (2) district headquarters at Sohe and Ijivitari and council areas.

Oro Provinces similarity, as in other province is now under-going changes to implement the "REFORM". The Home Affairs Branch is one of the two (2) newly established function and the smallest within Department of Oro. It is a young branch with a very significant task to implement under present reform changes. Prior to that, the branch was a section under the division provincial affairs and district services. The branch has an approved staff ceiling of fourteen (14). Currently, staff on strengthen is eleven (11). All positions are approved and funded position under the present arrangement with Department of Oro.

PROVINCIAL YOUTH FUNCTIONS AND ROLES :

Provincial Youth Section The Provincial Youth Section is one of the eleven (11) section under the Home Affairs Branch of Department Oro, Division of Social Services. The others are community oriented section established with similar objective performed by each respective sectional heads. As a social development oriented agency, particularly concerned with the development of young people, the community and social services section strives to provide the kind of services that would create opportunities for youths to participate in planned community programmes and projects. All programmes are communities based.

The aim of the Branch is to improve the basic quality of the lives of the individual, families and groups (women, youth and sports etc.) within village communities through the provision of an effective participatory of social services delivery system.

Branch Objectives are :-

• Improve and maintain overall administration services of the division.
• Establish and strengthen communication reform structure and network in youths, women, sports and other government agencies and non government organisations.
• Encourage communities, youths, women, and families to engage in income generating projects.
• Improve women, youth and sport and adult literacy administration in the province.

POLICIES AND PROGRAMMES

Although some ground work has been done to collect basic data and information on the formulation of a Provincial Youth Policy, lack of direction and programme has been a major contributing factor to the non implementation of this planned activity. With the reforms becoming a reality now and that youth programmes needs to be addressed properly the need to have a provincial policy in place is considered as priority.

The National Youth Movement Programme (NYMP) which the province also implemented from 1983 and onward was phased out in 1990 and the National Youth Services was introduced then.

Between 1990-1995, the transition period left provincial offices and youth networking (groups) in darkness as no project funds were forthcoming from national level.

The small allocations received from Provincial Government was not sufficient to keep the project previously funded by National Department continue. Morale of youth groups were very low, most group were becoming defunct, because most depended on project/grant scheme which infect was handout from the government. Youth groups did not have the capacity the carry-on.

Provincial Youth Advisory Committee :

Oro Province was one of the few to come up with a policy submission to establish the Provincial Youth Advisory Committee. Oro Provincial Executive Council (PEC) endorsed the establishment of this body however, failed to financially honour this commitment, for reasons unknown. We have not been able to hold regular meetings which we have liked due to financial constraints.

Youth Projects - Oro Province was very fortunate under mini loan credit scheme in 1995, whereby fifteen (15) youth projects were funded with a total of eighteen thousand and eight hundred kina arranged under the rural development bank, mini credit scheme funding.

Youth Registration - As per recorded and registered there are three hundred and four youth groups registered in Oro Province.

DISTRICT SUB-DISTRICT LOCATION FIGURE

Sohe Headquarters Ioma 33
Kokoda 37
Popondetta 123
Ijivitari Headquarters Oro Bay 70
Afore 10
Tufi 13
TOTAL REGISTRATION 304

Youth Network - Under the present reform programme Oro Province has sub-divided its boundaries to accommodate, Department of Oro approved structure. [Organisation chart has been left out for brevity copies available from the author.] The Oro Provincial Youth Federation Interim Committee was formed during the completion of two (2) workshop of on Youth Sport Leadership at Kokoda Sub-District. The full federation will be elected into office after proper consultation and direction is maintained from National Youth Services, Network and Communication Division.

Youth Training The Provincial Youth Office with National Sport Commission conducted two (2) weeks workshop on Youth Sport Leadership at Kokoda Sub-District. There were forty six (46) participants including four (4) resources personnel attached in running and co-ordination of that workshop. It was a success and an eye-opener for participant because most of them are from rural area specially sub-district and rural areas throughout Oro Province. The workshop was mainly designed for sport administration and improvement of skill level and codes development.

Non Government Organisation - The branch has provided administration and financial support with certain NGO's especially Scout Movement in the province. Since, then Oro Scout Association has established a network of twenty four (24) scout troops and clubs throughout Oro Province with Scout Movement strengthen of approximately two thousand (2000) members. Had been effectively with activities such as :-

• Environment awareness.
• Spiritual development.
• Social development.
• Cultural development.
• Morale & value development.
• Law & order awareness.

Drug Survey and Awareness - The branch has always played an significant role especially with drug abuse and used through its welfare network. Recently the youth section was entrusted to coordinate drug campaign throughout education institutions and late with pre-urban drug survey which was success in the province. It was determined after the survey that Oro Province has an escalating drug problem among the teenage population with a greater consumer demand.

Francis T. Polume, Advisor

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EAST NEW BRITAIN PROVINCIAL REPORT

Alice Pawa, Advisor

This report is an overall summary of youth programmes, situation and perspective in East New Britain. Failures experienced and hindrance in the effectiveness in Youth Development as members of Family Unit are highlighted and proposals are made in the light of the problems towards improvement in the youth development arena. Goals and Objectives of Youth Development have been adopted from the National Youth Programmes. As most provinces, East New Britain have not had a Youth Policy in place. A long period had been spent on funding effective means by which youth can be addressed without being divorced from it's base, the Family Unit.

Youth Development in East New Britain had been part of the Ministry of Churches since the proper establishment of these churches. It has always been an integral part of the whole body and was never divorced or segregated from the whole church. It's programmes was always in relation to the whole community. Men and Women were included in it's ministry and development.

In the traditional setting of East New Britain, Youth was a part of the adult men and women who trained them on carrying out their roles and responsibilities through participatory involvement in both the family and the communal activities. Youth remained an integral part of the family. He was never segregated into a completely new setting, he was never doing things alone but with the adult of the family and the community.

For Example - He/she would make his/her garden, but with the helping hand of his/her father and mother, his/her brothers, uncles and aunts assisted him/her to success. He/she would built his/her house with the support of his/her family. His/her parents will make a garden for the family with his/her assistance.

This integrating activities continued even side by side with the Church Integral Development Programme for the community.

This youths integrated programme for the families, community and church was being carried out with due respect of the fact that parents are the greatest single influence in the life of the youth. Whether the youths successfully makes the transition from childhood to adulthood depends mostly on them. The youth is a permanent and biological part of the family and the parents must strive constantly to understand their growing children.

As the basis of the youths, parents must make certain adjustments so as to allow for youths to develop socially and begin to become responsibilities adults. Parents must provide a secure, happy and understanding home where the young person can find acceptance of themselves and their friends. The parents need support to achieve the growing demand place on them by the youth. Other agencies involve which provide a supplementing and support hand to the parents is the church, the government and community. The support should aim at integrating the youths into meaningful and relevant activities into their own family setting; making the parents carrying on their responsibilities, the men and women towards taking their young through transition successfully.

AGENCIES AND OTHER AIDS TO YOUTHS :

The school supplements the home in many ways. It provides knowledge, the interest and attitude necessary for adult, opportunities for developing physical, skills and personal social relationship. The church promotes the moral and religious development as well as satisfy any social needs and develop and foster values.

The community can help youths develop socially by providing recreational facilities and social activities. Funds should be made available to create projects which can be knitted into the family to support parents to bring youth into successful independence and responsible adult.

The school, the church, the community, the government, the non-government organisations are agencies that provide support in providing such appropriate climate and environment upon which the youth can make a complete and successful transition from childhood to adulthood.

THE NATIONAL YOUTH MOVEMENT PROGRAMME

Under the old National Youth Movement Programme, East New Britain established a Provincial Youth Structure. Twenty two (22) Community Youth Association was established under the Provincial Youth Council. Youth Programme developed was mainly on

• training.
• networking.
• administration.

Numerous projects were funded and a healthy funding of the National Government and supplemented by the Provincial Government. The Projects was of a large variety e.g. piggery, poultry, bakery, tank making, sewing, brick laying, fuel sale, cardamom drier, copra haus, fishing, furniture, farming, screen printing, sea transport. The distribution of Project Funding covered the whole province. The then East New Britain Provincial Government committed itself to support the National Youth Movement Programme implementation in terms of resourcing in the following :-

• manpower.
• logistics.
• funds.

By 1984 we first experience the death of the first project. This was poultry project. The chickens were only six weeks old when they were ransacked by the member and non member due to personal differences; and so projects went down one after the other.

The common cause experienced was personal differences, lack of commitments and cooperation by members and executive of the groups. Management skills was not appropriately practiced by Managers. Marketing of products was another major problem and still is an existing problem. Lack of proper land agreements was one of the pressing problems that knocked out many projects. Few projects which were family made up, survived the land problems because the ownership of the land was the family itself.

The project trend went down hill as problems invaded the projects and funding also slowed down and gradually phased out. At about the same time the then East New Britain Provincial Government ceased it's funding and took a new direction which is the Family Unit.

NATIONAL YOUTH SERVICE

With the introduction of the National Youth Service; a Provincial Youth Advisory Committee was formed in 1993. Women and Youth Mini Loan Scheme was also available. Women went ahead and access the funding while youths got missed out due to changes in procedures. The loan procedures of youths came with the same direction where the Family Unit was seen as an important agency and the fundamental instruments to Youth Development.

A total of 40 Family Youth Groups have been registered while application form are still to come from others. Until today; the youths of East New Britain have not access the Mini Loan Scheme.

EAST NEW BRITAIN PROVINCIAL YOUTH ACTIVITIES

The East New Britain Provincial Government recognises the church as the organisation to which youths have permanent affiliation and also has youth development as an integrated component of it's overall programme. Support therefore was committed to the Church Youth Development Programme through an annual grant to the main churches starting in 1993. However the East New Britain Provincial Government acknowledges and recognise the Family Unit in our traditional and modern society as the agency within which Youth Development and Advancement could appropriately be addressed. Other agencies as discussed above are the supplementing, supporting and facilitating agencies of the Family Unit.

SUMMARY :

East New Britain Province has actually participated well in the National Youth Development Programme implementation and supervision monitoring. We have supported Church Youths, Programmes and have knitted the Youths into our Ward Women Development Projects in which funds are given through grants to each Ward for the Women to use in Women Development Projects in each Government of Communities.

However, we have gone through the bitter experience with the projects which were established under the National Youth Movement Programme funding, the frustration of waiting for Youth Registration and the National Youth Service Loan Scheme.

It is our strong conviction therefore, that the youth must not be segregated from the Family Units (parents) which is the fundamental and biological base for it's development.

A future scenario for East New Britain is to support and facilitate the Family Unit, creating that desired climate and environment upon which the youth can make a complete and successful transition to a respectable, responsible and worthy citizen of society.

Alice Pawa, Advisor

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GEORGE H. WRONDIMI, Conference Facilitator

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