WEST NEW BRITAIN ET AL reports Youth Conference 1996 of Papua New Guinea - 1996 National Youth Conference

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National Youth Conference 1996: Provincial, NGO & Private Agencies

West New Britain Provincial Report: Thadeus Bera, Advisor
Eastern Highlands Provincial Report: Tonkon Nonau, Chairman
EAST SEPIK PROVINCIAL REPORT: Desley Paanasae, Provincial Youth Co-ordinator
MADANG PROVINCIAL REPORT: Lambi M. Karop, Provincial Youth Officer
BOUGAINVILLE PROVINCIAL REPORT: Jobson Misang, Youth Co-ordinator
GULF PROVINCIAL REPORT: Hicks I. Mekere, District Co-ordinator
OK TEDI MINING YOUTH REPORT: Nanu Sekele, Youth & Sports Officer
SIMBU PROVINCIAL REPORT: John Sil Kumul, Executive Officer, Provincial Youth Advisory Board
ORO NGO REPORT - REPORT ON CHURCH RUN YOUTH: Rev. Johnsford Tura, NGO Representative
SANDAUN NGO REPORT - (OL WOK OL YUT I SAVE MEKIM): Gerald Towun, Catholic Co-ordinator
KIUNGA NGO REPORT (DIVISION OF ST. GERARD PARISH): Conrad Akope, Co-ordinator Social Services
--------------------: Papers presented at Papua New Guinea Mini-Conference on National Youth Service - Youth In National Development: 1996 conference proceedings

West New Britain Provincial Report

Thadeus Bera, Advisor


The purpose of this  report is to contribute by providing information on the
constraints, achievements and recommendations relating to the implementation
process of the National Youth Service in West New Britain in preparation for
the PNG  Youth towards the 3rd Global  Conference on National Youth Service.

Since the  inception of the  National Youth Service in  1991, a transitional
package for  National Youth Service  in West New Britain  was formulated and
was estimated to cost K54,472.00 for a transitional period of 18 months. The
package was  then placed with the  Department of Home Affairs  and Youth for
considerations.

The content  of the  package included all  the NYS component  and activities
which included the following.

Youth  Training  Scheme  This  scheme consisted  of  6  activities being  :-

i) Vocational Training.

ii) Certificate Course.

iii) Distant Education.

iv) Leadership Training.

v) Church Youth Living Assistance and

vi) Discipline Training.


Youth  Entreprenuership Scheme  The  Scheme involves  3 activities  being :-

i) Capital Assistance.

ii) Advisory Services and

iii) Youth Enterprenuership Award.


Law, Order and Community  Services The scheme consists of 2 activities being
:-

i) Law and Order.

ii) Communication.

iii) Youth Exchange.

iv) Urban Youth and

v) Volunteer Services.

PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION

Awareness Campaign :

An extensive awareness programme,  the District Youth Councils (Forums) were
revived and registration of Youth Groups began. By end of December 1992, the
first lot of 67 youth groups paid registrations. A total of 109 by 1995. The
establishment of  the Provincial Youth Advisory  Committee took effect after
appointment of  members in Gazette No. 22 of date  11th March 1993. The PYAC
consisted  of 10  members and  10 alternate members,  representing churches,
women, business  community, urban youth, Home  Affairs and Youth, 4 District
representatives and  other Non  Government Organisation. The  performance of
both the Provincial Youth  Advisory Committee and District Councils were not
to  expected standards since  establishment and  by end of  1994, operations
came to a stand still. It is evident that the trend of registration of youth
groups declined by mid - 1995.

With  regard to  Communication, information  was disseminated  through radio
programmes,  staff  meetings, correspondences,  Community Youth  Association
meetings  and  patrols. The  Provincial  Youth  Office being  the centre  of
communication and  at District level are  the District Community Development
Office.

West New Britain participated at the 1993 Lae National Youth Forum and since
then there was no follow up and clear directives as determined by the Forum.

The volunteer  service was  implemented but were  laid off in  1994; however
West  New Britain  retained  3 volunteer  until end  of 1995.  The Community
Government system have taken this activity in to their programme and to date
it is  not clear as to how many Community  Government still engaged in Youth
Volunteer Services.

The Church Youth Wing with Government funding support have been carrying out
spiritual oriented Youth Exchange Programmes.

The Urban  Youth in West New Britain consist  of Kimbe Town Youth Population
and the Oil Palm  resettlement scheme youth population. The urban drift rate
is increasing  at an alarming  rate since the 1994  Rabaul volcanic disaster
and law and order problems have also increased.

Youth Training The Vocational  Training and Distant Education programmes are
on going as co-ordinated  by specific agencies. There was very little effort
put  in  by district  based  staff of  Home  Affairs and  Youth on  training
programmes apart from a Leadership and Project Management Certificate Course
in April 1994 and specific skills in Awareness Community Theatre Training in
1994 and 1995.

Youth  Entreprenuership Under this  component, a  total of K17,000.00  - was
made available out on loan to youth groups through the RDB credit facilities
in 1995. The advisory services on this capital assistance programme was very
much lacking  at District level which  resulted in only 9  youth groups that
received credit facilities -  1995 from the Rural Development bank in Kimbe.

Law, Order  and Community Services - The law and  order problem in the urban
centre  of the  province  is frightening  and  urban drift  from within  and
outside the  province has been increasing for the last  2 years going to its
3rd year  since the 1994 Rabaul  Volcanic Eruption. West New  Britain is the
connection point  between New Guinea Islands and the  main land of Papua New
Guinea.  This has  a  big impact  on the  law  and order  situation  in this
Province.

On the  other hand  community services programmes  are coming into  place to
address  unemployment  issues,   health  issues,  environmental  issues  and
spiritual programmes.  A specific  programme on Awareness  Community Theatre
through financial  support from  the Foundation of  the People of  the South
Pacific now  in place to work  with youth groups is  dramatising issues with
emphasis placed on health issues.

FINANCIAL STATUS

The Provincial  Youth Development  Programme have been allocated  funds to a
maximum amount  of K7,000.00 in 1993 and then  reduced to K5,000.00 in 1994.
In  1995,  the  programme  received  the  highest of  K30,000.00  which  was
allocated to  Districts and in 1996 the  allocation is K30,400.00. The other
financial  support was  through credit  facilities of the  Rural Development
Bank Youth  Mini Local Scheme. The  NGO programme is being  sponsored by the
Foundation  of the  people of  South Pacific  in the  form of  materials and
services.

CONSTRAINTS

The  implementation of  the National  Youth Services encountered  some major
constraints including :-

• lack  of financial support for the provision  of all required resources to
enable full implementation of NYS programme.

• lack of awareness  on the implementing procedures by Community Development
Officers at District level.

•  NYS  network   is  ineffective   at  Provincial  and   District  levels.

• lack of continuous  awareness and communication links on the programme for
National, Provincial down to District level.


COMMENTS AND RECOMMENDATION

The National Youth Service  programme in West New Britain seem very relevant
and appropriate  since its inception in 1991.  It is highly recommended that
the Mini  PNG Conference  on National Youth  Service critically look  at the
constraints outlined in this brief report.

------------------------------

EASTERN HIGHLANDS PROVINCIAL REPORT

Tonkon Nonau, Chairman

This report  is the Eastern Highlands Provincial  Youth Profile on the Youth
Programmes  implemented  in  the  Province.  It  will briefly  look  at  the
Provincial Government Goals as enshrined in the Provincial Constitution, the
Mission Statements of the Division of Home Affairs and Youth, the objectives
of the Division to  fulfil the Mission and attain the Government Goals, some
facts  and  figures  on  Youth, the  Programmes  implemented  which will  be
discussed  under  four main  topics.  These are  Network and  Communication,
Training, Projects and Law  and Order. The report will touch on the failures
and successes  of the  Youth Programmes, followed  by the possible  trend of
Youth  Development  in Province  in  regard  to the  Government Reforms  and
finally the Conclusion.

Eastern Highlands  Province is bounded by four  (4) Provinces in the Morobe,
Simbu, Gulf, and Madang  Provinces. It is the second largest Province in the
Country.  The  Province is  notable  for  its rugged  mountains and  fertile
valleys. The  valley floors are generally  covered with grass, the foothills
with light  scrubs and grass and the  mountains with dense forest graduating
to sub  alpine on the highest peaks. The altitude  varies form 600 metres in
Southern parts  to 3,760 metres at Mt. Michael,  in Lufa District. The total
area is  approximately 11.347  square kilometres. The  population of Eastern
Highlands according to the 1990 Census is 300,648. There is an estimated 2.1
percent growth  per year.  The climate is  uniform throughout the  year with
cool nights  and warm days. Annual  rainfall is between 1,520  and 3,300 mm.
There  are 2 seasons,  wet and dry  with the  latter extending from  June to
October.


The Provincial Headquarters is Goroka located on the Okuk Highway. There are
8 districts, each district  with its district headquarters and council area.
The districts are:-


DISTRICT POPULATION

Goroka (Headquarters) 99,665

Henganofi 37,685

Kainantu 83,014

Lufa 30,933

Okapa 38,933

Wonenara (Marawaka) 11,933

Two  (2) new  districts having  recently been  gazetted are  Unggai/Bena and
Daulo  (Asaro/Watabung). Population  is  evenly distributed  throughout with
Goroka District  being the largest and Marawaka  the lowest. With over 1,500
km of road, the  Province has one of the most extensive road networks in the
country. All districts are  accessible by road, except the Marawaka District
which is  only accessible by air.  Recent network of roads  from Menyamya in
Morobe to  Marawaka has  made it possible  to travel by road  via Bulolo and
Menyamya.

Eighty percent  (80%) of all Eastern  Highlanders depend wholly or partially
on agriculture  for their  livelihood. The illiteracy  rate of the  women is
much higher than  that of men. During the last 4 years,  out of the 3,150 or
so students  who sat for grade six exams, only  1,000 managed to continue on
to grade 7, because  of no spaces in the 8 Provincial High Schools, although
over 2,000  of them  passed the exams.  The remaining either  continue on to
CODE, or become part of the growing number of unemployed youth.

Eastern  Highlands  similarity,  as in  other  Provinces  is now  undergoing
changes to implement the "Reforms".


PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT GOALS

The five  Principle Goals as enshrined  in the Provincial Constitution are:-

a.   "Maintenance  of  Peace, Unity  and  brotherhood  amongst out  people".

b.  "Enhancement   of  dignity  of  people   through  Universal  Education".

c.  "Promotion of moral,  cultural, economic  and social advancement  of our
people".

d. "Safeguard of land and natural resources".

e. "Maintenance of rights of individuals".

f. The  people also adopted:-"Integral  Human Development" and Equality and
Participation" as  stipulated in  the National Constitution as  a basic also
for development of this Province.


MISSION AND OBJECTIVES

To provide  and encourage  Community participation in  Community Development
and Social  Welfare Programs to improve the well-being  of the people of the
Eastern Highlands Province.

There  are nine  (9) objectives  set out  to accomplish  the mission  of the
Division  of Home  Affairs and  Youth. The  particular ones which  relate to
Youth Programmes are:-

1  To   develop  and   implement  Community  Development   training  towards
improvement of basic needs and skills.

2  To  facilitate Community  Participation  in all  aspects of  development.

3  To  encourage  the  involvement of  the  Community  in income  generating
projects and employment opportunities.

4 To  maintain liaison  and co-ordination with  appropriate organisations to
provide assistance to Community Groups.

5 To  provide administrative back  up services to the  Department of Eastern
Highlands  in  the  implementation  of  Youths, Women,  Welfare  and  sports
functions.

6  To provide  Executive back  up services  to the  Youth, Women  and Sports
Councils (Networks).

7  To   create  awareness  on  law  and   order  and  build  better  working
relationships    with    Communities    and    law    enforcing    agencies.


FACTS AND FIGURES ON YOUTH

The Eastern  Highlands Province does  not have a Provincial  Youth Policy to
date. An attempt was made this year, 1996 and the result is a draft on file.
5.2  Youth  Population in  the  Province  make up  about  60%  of the  total
population. 35% of these are female while the other 25% are male.

Records show  that previously  under the National Youth  Movement Program, a
total of 1,500 plus Youth Groups throughout the Province registered with the
Provincial  Youth  Office.  With  the  introduction of  the  National  Youth
Service, the number dropped drastically to less than four hundred (400). All
registration  under the NYMP  were cancelled  and considered Null  and Void.
Registration Fees under NYS are K50.00 for Urban Youth Groups and K30.00 for
Rural Youth Groups. Our number of registered Youth Groups jumped the highest
between June  1994 and June 1995.  The same time the  Youth Mini Loan Scheme
was in full swing.

Our records show  23,015 young people are members of registered youth groups
which  receive  some  assistance  through Government  Youth  Programs  while
143,293 do not benefit  at all or are yet to receive some sort of Government
Services.

Between 1991 and 1993,  the Youth Section had two Permanent officers and two
casuals, 1994-1995  one officer,  and two casuals and  1995-1996 one officer
and  one   casual.  The  work  load  is  high   but  the  manpower  is  low.

Figures of young people being pushed out of the Education System and looking
for jobs  is rising every year. Less than 1/3 of  the Grade six (6) students
who sit  for their final exams  are given a place  at High Schools while the
remaining 2/3 are left out.

Since the introduction of the Pokies Machines in the Eastern Highlands, more
and more children are  skipping classes or absconding. A lot of young people
are taking drugs in schools and in homes and villages.

TYPES OF PROGRAMMES

As  mentioned  in  the  Introductory  part  of this  paper,  the  Programmes
implemented will be discussed in four main sub-topics. These are Network and
Communications, training, Projects and Law and Order.

Network  &  Communication We  still  maintain Communication  with our  youth
networks. These are the Provincial Youth Advisory Committee, the Urban Youth
Management  Team, District  Youth  Forum and  the Community  Development and
Social Welfare Programs. At times we use the Youth Network to carryout women
and sports activities. We  also have a good working relationship with church
youth groups, NGO Groups and other appropriate Government Organisations. Our
Provincial Youth  Advisory Committee was formed on the  25th of May 1991 and
endorsed by the PEC on the 17th of July, 1992. Our Provincial Youth Chairman
and Urban Youth Vice Chairman are here with us today.

Training Between  1991 and 1995, we  had a number of  Training Workshops but
these are not many. Beginning of 1992, there was the 1st Phase Induction and
Training for  Community Development  Volunteers, Book-keeping, Drug  and STD
Awareness and Trukai Leadership and Youth Sports - Besides these, there were
no major training workshops: However, we do carryout Education and awareness
on  various issues  related to our  field of  work when asked  by individual
Youth    Groups   and    Church   Organisations   on    special   occasions.

Projects Under  Projects, our Office  assist the youth Groups  in three main
ways. The three are Spiritual, Social and Economical.

(i) Under Spiritual Projects,  we give mainly financial assistance to church
youth groups  to help them carryout their spiritual  programmes or to set up
small   projects  to   earn   some  income   for  their   youth  activities.

(ii)  Social projects  refer  to such  things as,  construction of  a school
classroom,  a  new airstrip,  upgrading  a sports  field; purchasing  sports
equipment and trophies for a village youth sports tournament, engaging youth
groups  on Contract  work  with the  Youth office,  Town Authority,  and the
Provincial  Government Works  Unit. Adult  literacy and  Tokples Pre-schools
Programme is  now an integral part  of our Office and  a lot of young people
have shown  some interest. When  we have funds available,  we give financial
assistance to these above mentioned projects.

(iii) Economic Projects are greater in number compared to the other types of
projects. During the NYMP  Period a lot of economic projects were funded. In
the early years of the Introduction of the National youth Service, we funded
17 Youth  Projects with some funds  that the NYS gave.  Following this there
were very few or  no projects funded, until the birth of the youth Mini Loan
Scheme in 1994. Registration  began soon after June 1994 and a Committee was
formed to screen Project  Applications. Between June, 1994 and October 1995,
when  the funds were  exhausted, Rural  Development Bank records  show that,
Eastern  Highlands Youth  Groups  took out  a total  of K94,874.00  in loan.


Problems associated with the Loan Scheme have been:-

1. There  was a influx of Youth Groups wanting  to register during this mini
loan scheme period.

2. Wantok  System and  Bribery were mingled  with work to  approve projects.

3. Loan Repayments are not up to date.

4.  No clear  guidelines on  how to  lay charges  against Youth  Leaders who
misappropriate funds.

5. No  funds were  given for administrative  and transport cost  incurred in
actually implementing the scheme and its requirements.

6. Technical Support Staff  on the screening Committee and doing feasibility
study  reports gave  first  priority to  their professional  and  paid jobs.


Solutions suggested are:-

1.  The Rural  Bank Manager  has called  for the  Screening Committee  to be
revived  and  that,  all  heads of  Technical  Divisions  should  be on  the
Committee with  a Senior Officers.  This goes also for  Private and Business
Organisations on the Committee.

2. Youth  officers will  now look at  suing leaders of Youth  Groups who owe
money  to the  scheme.  This means  physically  going out  and visiting  the
Project sites and the Youth Members.

3. Proper  Organisation and planning  has to be done  between Youth Officers
and Technical Officers and  Bank Officers to share resources and costs to do
pre-funding and projects funding Project visits.

Law and Order Activities  under our Law and Order Programs mainly come under
the Drug  Education and Awareness Program. The  Office has conducted a Youth
Drugs and STD/Aid workshop  at NSI in 1994. From this workshop, about two or
three youths  have taken on the  challenge to carry out  their own Education
and  Awareness in  the Community which  they live  in. An AOG  Youth Leader,
frequently gives  talks on the Provincial radio Station  - on the Youth Work
Segment to educate young people on the dangers of Drug.

On many occasions, we  have been invited to give talks at Youth gathering on
Law and Order issues. Welfare and Drugs being the main issues on discussion.

The Eastern Highlands province has a Drug Education and Awareness Committee,
in which Youth is a member. Through the Youth Office awareness has spread to
settlements. The Office has helped set up"Youth Drug Enforcement Committee"
made up of unemployed  and ex-criminals living at the Goroka Settlement, and
the  other 6/9 settlements  in and  around Goroka Town.  Awareness campaigns
carried out  by the group is  guided by the Office,  and the groups leaders.
Most business houses in  Goroka have assisted with small amounts of cash and
by donating  sugar, coffee and other food times  and materials, to assist in
operations of the awareness  campaign. Due to in-fights and misunderstanding
amongst the members of the groups, the office has advised the group to cease
activities, and  re-organise themselves. This project  we hope will continue
next year, once all their problems are fixed.


POSSIBLE TREND  ON YOUTH  DEVELOPMENT IN RELATION TO  THE GOVERNMENT REFORMS

(i) In  line with the"Reforms"  Provincial Departments have restructured to
cater  for  all  government  functions  to be  decentralised  to  districts.
Provincial  Divisions of  Community Developments  have undertaken  this task
however, infrastructural  developments and improvements need  to be in place
before  staff  can  be  physically located  in  the  districts. Manpower  is
currently inadequate  to implement the reforms,  unless the new structure is
implemented. Lack of finance  to implement the structure is another concern.

(ii) The  Youth Network under the NYMP, now NYS  already"in place" seems to
be a step in the right direction of the reforms. However, the following must
be addressed:

1) Provincial Youth Policies to be in place, in consistent with the National
Youth Policy. The National Policy needs to be responsive to Provinces and if
it is  still being reviewed Provinces to wait for  the final approval by the
proper authorities  before Provinces  do come up  with their own.  This then
will  ensure  and maintain  some  uniformity in  youth development  programs
throughout the country.

2)  District   Forums/Associations  must  be  reactivated/strengthened  with
possible funding;  some for administration costs  and programs. The chairman
of  District Forums,  be  a representative  for Youth  on  the J.P  & B.C.P.

3)  At  the Local  Government  Levels, the  Community Development  Volunteer
Scheme be reactivated, and the scheme be funded, whether by NYS or the Local
Level Government, so that youth programs are sustained.

CONCLUSION

Youth Development  is an  integral part of  the Nation's Development  and in
order for the nation to prosper, the Government must be willing to listen to
young  people and  act accordingly. This  has been  lacking in the  last few
years. Now  that the Government  Reforms are in a  transitional phase, youth
development programs expressing their  realities and needs of youth, must be
integrated in  all developmental  program at local  districts and provincial
levels. Youth  must be involved in the decision  making process at the local
district, and  provincial levels,  so that one  of the nations  preambles of
participation by all citizens  in the development process of this country is
achieved.

------------------------------

EAST SEPIK PROVINCIAL REPORT

Desley Paanasae, Provincial Youth Co-ordinator


The East  Sepik Province is now at the stage  of reviewing its past programs
with the  ultimate aim of providing new  directions for youth in development
and re-strengthening the 6 Districts, 1 Urban and the Provincial Level Youth
Network.

Problems associated  with the  National Youth Services  in terms of  lack of
funding  in  1992  onwards,  and  too  high  a dependency  on  the  National
Headquarters had  contributed largely  to the downfall  of youth anticipated
programs. East  Sepik has been  hard hit affecting delivery  of service from
its capital to districts.

As such, the Division  of Community Development and the PYAC Chairman are in
the  process  of  organising  its  first  workshop in  early  November  1996
beginning with Wewak Urban Zone Youth leaders. The theme"Youth for a better
Sepik" will be used overall in the review in the East Sepik Province.

It  is  anticipated  that  the review  carries  a  cross sectional  analysis
involving  parents,  village community  leaders,  school  age children,  the
unemployed, women leaders, youth leaders, etc.

The review  will re-look at the  current provincial network and  its link to
the National  Youth Service to make changes,  (which are long overdue) aimed
at relying  less on  National Headquarters and  geared towards strengthening
the Provincial base (which are the Districts).



a) Clear mission statements.

b) Strategic directions in responding to above (a).

c)   Knowing/Understanding  and   Acting  on  Youth   Socio-Economic  needs.

d) Key targeting result areas.

e)  Re-organising the  Urban,  six (6)  Districts and  the  Provincial Youth
Network. This  includes looking at alternative  means and sources of funding
apart from the government.

f) Programs to address  all other youth issues on health, education, law and
order, drugs etc.



In  its  review,  the  province  welcomes suggestions,  comments  etc.  from
participating provinces at this conference for our future use in our review.

--------------------------------

MADANG PROVINCIAL REPORT

Lambi M. Karop, Provincial Youth Officer

This  write up  is  to clarify  what forms  of developmental  programmes are
available in  the province  in so far  as youths are concerned.  At the same
time, this  will serve as a  document on youth development  in the province.
The Madang  Provincial Government under its  recurrent budget has funded the
1996 Youth Development Programmes  in conjunction with the Madang Provincial
Youth Movement Programmes. The figures are no different to 1994 and the 1995
financial  years.  The Office  of  Social Development  being the  monitoring
source didn't anticipate anything  more due to the changes being experienced
through the  reforms. Although  reforms at this  stage is a  cart before the
horse, we  are content with what was given to us  to continue our efforts in
youth promotion.



A  round figure  of twenty  thousand kina  (K20,000.00) was given  for Youth
Development Programmes under Item 144. In 1994 through to 1995, the province
assisted in  implementing the National Youth  Service (NYS) an initiative of
the  National Youth  Office  but due  to a  lot  of hiccups,  this programme
subsided totally in 1996.



Many groups  in the province participated by paying  in their fees to become
members,  but for  some  unknown reason  they were  never issued  with their
certificates  and with  that no  application were  given for loans  with the
Agriculture Bank.



1996 is  worse still  as groups are  still inquiring on the  progress of the
process  of the  scheme and  what is  becoming a  headache is the  fact that
groups are  now demanding refunds. What  can we do in  the province when the
fees paid  by the groups were on a national  revenue vote. This has resulted
in a total decline  and thus NYS scheme is more or less dead in the province
this  year.   This  is  briefly  the  State   of  Youth  in  this  province.



YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PLAN



The  information  given  earlier   does  not  necessarily  mean  that  Youth
Development initiatives are dead and gone. We have a plan is consistent with
the  reforms and  with the  push behind  the reforms, we  anticipate success
especially now that Madang  Province is said to be a model in this system of
Government.



POLITICAL PROVINCIAL YOUTH ADMINISTRATION YOUTH

STRUCTURE STRUCTURE STRUCTURE ADMIN.

PEC PYC PA ADDSS

JDBP & PC DYC DA PCSS

LLG LYC SDA YO

YGS



PEC PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

PYC PROVINCIAL YOUTH COUNCIL

PA PROVINCIAL ADVISOR

ADSS ADVISOR SOCIAL SERVICES

JDBP   &   PC  JOINT   DISTRICT   BUDGET  PRIORITY   &  PLANNING   COMMITTEE

DYC DISTRICT YOUTH COUNCIL

DA DISTRICT ADMINISTRATOR

PCSS PROGRAMME CO-ORDINATOR SOCIAL SERVICES

LLG LOCAL LEVEL GOVERNMENT

LYC LOCAL YOUTH COUNCIL

SDA SUB DISTRICT ADVISOR

YO YOUTH OFFICER

YGs YOUTH GROUPS



                              RESPONSIBILITIES

PROVINCIAL HEAD QUARTERS

CO-ORDINATOR

MONITOR POLICY IMPLEMENTATION

PROVIDE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE



DISTRICT HEAD QUARTERS

MONITOR IMPLEMENTATION

PROGRAM PLANNING



SUB DISTRICT OFFICE

IMPLEMENTATION

-------------------------------

BOUGAINVILLE PROVINCIAL REPORT

Jobson Misang, Youth Co-ordinator


This paper  provides  a brief analysis  on Youth Development  emphasising on
Changes  that have occurred  in Bougainville  in three general  time frames;
Youth  in  Pre-crises  Bougainville,  During  Crisis,  Youth  Present  Time.
Secondly  it highlights  the  current Programmes  we have  on the  ground on
Rehabilitation,  Peace,  Collaboration  and  Networking with  NGOs  and  the
Demobilisation  and Reintegration  of  Bougainville Youth.  This article  is
summary of the efforts and processes undertaken on various categories by the
different  players  on  Bougainville.  However  for  the  purposes  of  this
Conference the process is  narrowed down to that on the analysis of Youth in
three  general  time  frame  -  Pre-crisis  (1970  -  1988),  during  Crisis
(1990-1994) Youth  Present time (1995 current).  The paper will also attempt
to highlight  activities in which youth had tried  to involve in during each
given time Frame.

North Solomon Provincial Youth Council. (1980 - 1988)

Bougainville used to enjoy  one of the most successful Youth networks in the
country following  the years up to the  crisis. The Provincial Youth network
had even stretched down  to the very fabric of the community the family. For
instance  in 1987  we  were about  to fund  the first  six (6)  pilot family
projects  in  the  areas of  Agriculture,  small  scale logging,  fisheries,
poultry, piggery and handicrafts.  The philosophy of concentrating on family
groups  was prompted  by  the very  scarce Government  resources  which were
hardly  reaching the majority  of young  people in their  communities. Other
factors  would also  be levelled  at the  type of developments  taking place
then, which  concentrated mainly in the  industrial areas of Panguna, Arawa,
Kieta and other main centres of Bougainville.

Sadly the idea didn't  go too far as the Bougainville Revolutionary Army had
over taken the structure  and Network of the PYC overnight to carryout their
speedily  and destructive  maneouvers to  Government, BCL and  other private
Companies infrastructures and properties.

YOUTH (Pre Crisis 1970 - 1989)

Education  Activities -  The Post  Western Contact period  introduced formal
schooling, and  missions, both of  which taught a whole  generation of youth
that their  own cultural  foundations were"primitive" evil  and inferior to
the Modern  European ways. Youth learned to  distrust the local knowledge of
their parents  and elders. Some youth went  away to college and universities
and  then came  back to  try to  help their  communities with  education and
development programmes.  The majority dropped  out from grades 6  and 10 and
many of  them ended up in  towns trying to find  jobs which were not readily
available.

Community Involvement : Youth came to believe they knew more about the"real
world" than  their elders. They began to look  upon the authority of parents
and elders  and less and less and even  with disdain. Open rebellion against
parents and elders became common place.

Many  marriages  took  place outside  the  traditional  structure which  has
serious implications for land  tenure. Individualism replaced Communalism as
a prime  life guiding  value. (the"me  first" generation -  laik bilong way
wan.). Many  no longer vexed themselves as being  responsible to any one but
themselves.  Youth  no  longer  observed traditional  clan  obligations  and
customs related to marriage death and sharing wealth.

Economic Activities : Young people began demanding leadership roles, feeling
they knew  more about  the world of  Government and cash  economy then their
elders. In  some areas conflicts over  resources, development choice and the
distribution of  the benefits  of development arose. Youth  wanted a greater
voice and a bigger share of the benefits.

Youth  Structure/Programmes  :  Youth  Organisations (through  churches  and
government  agencies)  encourage peers  as  reference groups  (i.e. peer  as
primary influence in ones  life.) over clan as primary reference group. Very
few  programmes  addressed  youth needs  for  personal  growth, healing  and
on-formal learning for development.

Political Activities  : Youth felt  powerless in the face  of the Government
Political  leaders were  perceived as  reaping the benefits  of development.


YOUTH DURING THE CRISIS (1989 - 1994)

Youth Structure/Networking During the  Crisis youths went all over the North
Solomon and established a  wide and comprehensive network. This network must
now  be  harnessed  for  the  benefit  of  the  Province.  Youths  mobilised
themselves and even claimed the right to lead by force and terror. Using the
network many (male) youth took part in marauding gangs attacking villages in
other language groups, and often committing terrible atrocities such as pack
rapes, murder by dismemberment or burning alive, torture, beating or killing
of children, and the spread of terror.

Approach to Society : The frustration of large parts of the Youth population
explode into  violence. Power was seen  to come from the  barrel of the gun.
Retaliation  against any  form  of Government  (traditional or  Western) was
attempted by  Youths in the  name of freedom. During  the crisis traditional
leadership became  strong again. Youth came  into conflict with them because
the  young  had very  different  ideas  about the  future  then the  elders.
Violence as  a means  of getting what  you want or  solving conflicts became
acceptable and normal. Mental  attitude that having a gun gives the right to
power leadership and law.  Common belief spread that once you get a gun, you
don't need to respect elders or follow rules.

Youth Network/Structure Youth groups  need technical help and money to build
adequate youth  programme. They are now not getting  the help they need from
the Government. Youth unemployment is a very serious issue. It is widespread
and dangerous.

Education Most  youth desperately  need education in  many areas: spiritual,
personal,  social,  economic,  political,   education  to  prepare  them  to
participate in development. Now nothing is available to promote the learning
that is needed.

Youth view on Government  There's a high degree of criticism and frustration
at  the  way Government  Commonly  handles youth  affairs (unkept  promises,
misuse  of  youth  funds,  no  priority  or support  for  youth  programme).

YOUTH PRESENT TIME (1995 CURRENT)


The Department  of Bougainville in consultation  with the Department of Home
Affairs  have  developed  a Rehabilitation  package  aimed  at Physical  and
Spiritual transformation and personal  healing and Re-education. The current
tendency is to target  youth programmes to boys and to forget, the needs for
girls and young women.  Special attention is needed to developing programmes
that also address female  needs. The safety of girls is now a serious issue.
Many  boys  have no  respect  for women.  There  are lots  of rapes  teenage
pregnancies  etc.  Counselling sessions  and  trauma  healing processes  are
urgently required.


Youth  and  Peace Process  Many  boys learned  to  make their  own guns,  so
legislation against  may not solve the  problem we have to  reach the hearts
and  minds of  youth. Many  youth"grew  up" in  a war zone  (i.e.: becoming
adults) during the crisis.  These formative years have left dangerous habits
of  thought, as  well  as scars  for  traumas occurring  during the  crisis.
Healing Rehabilitation  and re-education  processes and critical  need until
many young  men (and women too, but especially men)  go through some kind of
healing and re-learning process,  they will not be able to participate fully
in the  development of  themselves, their families and  communities or their
country. The  war zone"software" now operating in  many kids heads needs to
be changed.

Trust Building  Through sports which draws youth  from old over the Province
for the  first time  to certain locations  to play live together  for a week
Linkage with trust building project - MRA - PNG, Milne Bay vs. Bougainville.
Buka,  Siwai 9  months  - Exchange  Programme between  people from  Kieta in
Alotau. A  need to develop a  bit more on trust  building perhaps with other
Provinces and abroad e.g.  Solomon Islands. Non Combatant Youths in District
Peace Committees (Develop on this).

REHABILITATION AND PEACE PACKAGE/PROGRAMME

1 Peace Development

The objective of the  Programme is to achieve full community reconciliation,
total  community healing,  imparting  skills to  mediate and  facilitate the
implementation  of Peace  process in  Bougainville. This  programme involves
carrying out:-

• Awareness programmes on Peace and Reconciliation

• Training  of Youths, women and other  community leaders on Peace Education
and Conflict resolution.

•   Constructing   programmes  on   healing   and   stress  management   and

•   Acquiring   skills    in   Dialogue,   Negotiation    and   Mediations.

•  Acquiring  skills in  facilitating  peace processes  in the  communities.

•  Acquiring  skills in  facilitating  peace processes  in the  communities.



The  Peace   Programme  is   consists  of  the   following  sub  components:


• Peace Education.

• Peace Meetings.

• Conflict Mediation and resolution...

• Trust building.

• Counselling.

• Healing and stress management.

• Research and planing into Peace areas.

• Recovery process including Disarmament etc.

• Awareness - Community.

• Peace Negotiations.

• Programme on Reducing Crimes (PORC)

• Moral Education

• Dialogue.



Major Performance Indications for the Peace Programme are people going about
their normal lives, characterised by:

•  Peace,  reconciliation  and  mediation  experienced and  lived  by  every
community,   village,   clans   and   individual  throughout   Bougainville.

• Peace  loving people linking  and collaborating with others  as they build
together an united Bougainville Community.

• Instil  new hope, love, trust and  respect for individuals and properties.

• All churches on the Island working together.

• Sound leadership and governance at all levels including the revitalisation
of social, economic, political and spiritual structures.



2. Youth and Women’s Entrepreneurship :

The major programme objective  is to achieve total participation of Youth in
basic income generating projects.


This programme involves three (3) fundamental areas:

• Identification of income generating projects.

• Prioritising  and allocating projects to  districts based on each district
needs.

•  Establishing  and  strengthening  effective  management  and  accountable
mechanism to facilitate the programme.


Programme Components are


•  Project   identification,  feasibility   study,   project  design   etc.

• Provision of financial support

• Project Marketing and funding

• Project monitoring and evaluation

• Skills in management and bookkeeping.


Major Performance Indicators are :


•  Viable  income generating  projects  identified  and Feasibility  studies
carried out.

•  Ongoing  basic income  generating  projects  strengthened and  supported.

• Financial supports resources  from National and Provincial Governments and
other donor agencies.

• More projects being implemented in the communities.

•   Effective    management   and    accountable   mechanisms   established.

• A pool of  skilled manpower and an effective and sustainable institutional
capacity  for  the  project  is  realised  and  utilised  in  the  Province.



3 Youth Development Programmes :


The main  objectives of  the programme is  to enable Youth  to literally and
practically  participate to  the best  of their capabilities  and capacities
both  in  shaping  their  own programmes  and  in  their  personal and  self
development.


The programme  involves seven (7) development  components aimed at achieving
the following skills:

•  Skills  in  mobilisation,  networking, collaboration  and  communication.

• Skills in implementing and hosting exchange Programme

• Skills in drafting, planning and formulating policies.

• Skills  in establishing  and managing small scale  businesses (e.g.) Youth
Development Foundation.

• Skills in developing curriculum for capacity building.


This   programme    has   six    (6)   sub   programmes    or   components:-

•  Youth  Seminars, Conference,  Forums,  awareness  festivals and  training
workshops.

• Youth Exchange Programmes or schemes:

-Faith and Cultural exchange scheme

-Work placement programme

-Skills exchange scheme

-Study tour.

• Youth Policy and Planing.

-District Consultation

-Provincial Consultation

-Drafting Policy documents

-Printing and launching.

• Youth Development Foundation.

-District Consultation

-Feasibility Studies

-Launching

• Youth Curriculum Development.

-Manual on capacity Building

-Manual on Youth programming

-Manual on Vision building

-Manual on how to conduct workshops

-Manual on recovery and peace education.

• Strengthening Capacity.

• Skills training in the following:

-Leadership

-Programme Planning and management

-Financial management.


Major Programme Indicators are :

•  Realising   effective  co-ordination,   collaboration  and   networking.

• Skills  in all aspects of developments  are raised high (e.g.) leadership,
management.

•  High number  of exchange  programmes and  proper management  and planning
courses implemented.

• Various Youth Development manuals written.


4 Spiritual Rehabilitation

The major programme objective  is that through the faithful preaching of the
Gospel of  Salvation in Jesus Christ  the foundation for true reconciliation
will be  established in  the personal relationship with  God. The Christians
and  churches  together as  the  Body  of Christ  find  the  ways and  means
acceptable  to  God  for  Peace  and  harmony  as  we  move  towards  a  New
Bougainville.

Programme Components are

• Evangelism

• Churches Dialogue (ecumenism)

• Training

• Administrative Co-ordination.



Performance Indicators are

•  Peace   of  mind   is  experience  by  Individuals   as  God  intervenes.

• Love is restored back into the families.

• Peace and reconciliation  that wells out of the inner beings as the result
of Gods transforming Power.

• Skills of evangelising, counselling and principles of Christian leadership
at family and congregational levels achieved.


5  Trust Building  Program : The  role of providing basic  services in trust
building.


Reconciliation and healing.

• At individual and community levels

• Churches in PNG vs. churches in Bougainville

•  Organisations  in PNG  vs.  communities and  individuals in  Bougainville
(e.g.) the Moral rearmament  group in Milne Bay having exchange Programme in
Bougainville.


Promoting a  type of  Development following the visions  of the Bougainville
People. (New Vision New Society)

•what are the people saying

•what need to be done about it

•and how is it important to trust building.


Examples of trust building initiatives :

The State :

• Basic Services - health, education infrastructure.

• Need for an equitable system of delivery.


Security Forces :

• Non - combat positions.

•  Use of  local  mechanism to  establish  Peace (e.g.)  Council of  chiefs.

• Peace Committees, women’s groups.


Bougainville Transitional Government :

• Negotiate a political future

• Amnesty and pardon

• Policy and Framework.


Bougainville Revolutionary  Army and  the Bougainville Interim  Government :

•  South, Central  and North  East factions  working for Peace  with Interim
Authorities and resistance Forces.


Interim Authorities (Peace Committees) :

• Basic Services

• Peace Committees.



NGOs and Churches :

•   Peace   Education;  Conflict   Resolution   and   Counselling  by   NGOs

•   Trust  building   between  Bougainvillians   and  Papua   New  Guineans.

•    Churches   -    Peace   Ceremonies   and    Spiritual   Rehabilitation.


Women

•  Act as a "Go between" the  BRA and  Interim Government, BTG  or Security
Forces.

• Peace  Ceremonies e.g.: Catholic women's Peace  Mass at Hahela in February
1996.

• Inter-church women’s forum  meeting in Arawa August 1996, and meeting with
BRA commanders at TOBOROI, Kieta.

•   Peace   and   Reconciliation    Missions   with   the   rest   of   PNG.


6. Healing: Trauma Counselling :
The  Programme aims  to bring  about insight  and an increased  awareness of
one's own  story and  the stories of  others. The programme  concentrates on
hearing the story and teaching the participants fundamental listening skills
as a priority.

7. Collaborations and Networking with NGOs
Due to  the Bougainville  crisis there is  a vast interest  for National and
International  NGOs wanting  to help  with the  restoration process.  On the
ground,  community  based organisations  including  church  groups are  also
emerging.   Therefore  a   co-ordinating  mechanism  has   been  established
comprising  of members of  major NGOs,  Churches and representatives  of the
Bougainville Administrations.  Currently there  is great need  to strengthen
the networking, and capacity building and of course the resourcing component
of the programme.

8. Demobilisation and Reintegration of Ex combatants and Non Combatant Youth:
This programme area is in the planning stage awaiting the endorsement of the
Policy   and    the   cessation    of   the   Conflict    on   Bougainville.

POLICIES

Youth

Women’s

Sports (draft)

Recovery process (draft)

Local Level Government.


SUMMARY/CONCLUSION

Bougainville crisis  has left spiritual, psychological  and social wounds in
almost everyone  both in Bougainville and  Papua New Guinea. The envisioning
of  an ideal  Bougainville which is  peaceful, loving  and caring has  to be
practically realised through sharing  of resources and developing programmes
based  on those  needs on the  ground. This  is what is  actually happening.
Perhaps  at the  end of  the day,  the Province  will once  again contribute
meaningfully to  the development  of our Nation with  much sensitivities and
cohesiveness.

RECOMMENDATIONS

1.  That a  National  Peace Development  Plan  or Action  Plan be  developed
through the Department of Home Affairs.

2.  That  Exchange  Programmes  be encouraged  supported  and  strengthened,
between  provinces   and  specially  between  Bougainville   and  other  PNG
provinces.

------------------------------

GULF PROVINCIAL REPORT

Hicks I. Mekere, District Co-ordinator

This  profile  is  intended  as  an  information  paper  with  comments  and
recommendations  anticipated  for  the  3rd  Papua  New  Guinea  Mini  Youth
Conference on  National Youth Services from 7th to  11th of October 1996, in
Port Moresby,  National Capital  District. The information  presented in the
profile are  facts and figures through  resources available at both internal
and external avenues, and  covers the whole scope of the Gulf Province Youth
Development  programmes.  It  also  covers  information  of  successful  and
unsuccessful youth  projects, reasons,  issues and problems  surrounding the
provincial youth developmental  activities, statistics and data, information
on funds and other related matters, plans and programmes and current raising
issues and problems.



The profile  is targeted  at certain level  of human resources  ranging from
sixteen  (16) years  old  to thirty  (30) years  old, at  all levels  of the
communities,  urban  and rural,  of  educated and  uneducated, employed  and
unemployed, male  and female; a clear sense of direction must  be a way of a
path to lead and guide the youths to prosper for the future, in province and
nation  building. This  component  of province/nations  population makes  up
ninety-five percent  (95%) needs and aspirations  are always year after year
not  properly addressed, due  to factors  of constant National  Youth Policy
changes which affects provincial policies. There must be concrete and stable
policy  which   must  be  the  working   foundation.  These  meaning,  youth
development services  which was first original  policy called National Youth
Movement    Programme    and   now    called    National   Youth    Service.



We  ought  to be  very  careful  in our  planning,  because in  the time  of
Independence  life style was  different, compared  today where life  is very
much different. New technology is creeping in very fast and developments are
taking place,  effects of  the developments are  now affecting lives  of the
young people. Where is  and what is the future of our young people. In other
words where are these group of people heading to? The question now lies with
us the decision makers, policy makers and implementors.



GULF PROVINCE AND HER YOUTHS

Gulf Province  is a complex  province, with a population  of 84,000; seventy
five  (75%) percent  of  the total  population is  made  up of  young people
(youths)  ages ranging  from  (16) sixteen  to  (30) thirty  years old.  The
geographical  formation of  the province  is slice  with rivers  and creeks,
swamps, hills and mountains,  isolates and parted villages from one another.
This makes it difficult to mobilises provincial activities, however despised
the  natural  geographical setup  attempts  of the  provincial authority  is
always anticipated.



Young people  today measured  in every community,  urban and rural  are very
sophisticated in Gulf Province.  Their behaviours and characteristics do not
warrant and apply to  the community cultures and tradition norms. It creates
conflicts in their beliefs.  To date when you are travelling to the villages
and urban  communities, this is what  you would hear"1942  IDEAS", from the
young people and"FULL OF KNOWLEDGE BUT KNOW NOTHING", from old people. What
does these two words  means; 1942 IDEAS simply means, ideas out of date, and
FULL OF  KNOWLEDGE BUT KNOW NOTHING,  meaning; knows too much  but does very
little  or  nothing.  Today  when you  go  through  every  villages of  Gulf
Province, twelve (12) hours of a day and eight (8) hours of a night is spend
listening to music from  stereo radio in groups of four (4) to ten (10). The
question now is"where are we heading to?"



GULF PROVINCE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT



Registrations Gulf  Province has a total of  One Thousand Six Hundred (1600)
youth  groups, from  the  last statistical  figures produced  in  1992, both
registered and  unregistered youth  groups. Since inception  of the National
Youth  Movement  Programme  and  until  now total  registered  youth  groups
throughout the province is  six hundred and thirty-two (632). The groups are
comprised of, Self-sponsored, (established of one or more common interests),
CHURCH  SPONSORED   (spiritual  development   interests),  CHARITY  (charity
interests). However, out of  the six hundred and thirty-two registered youth
groups, twenty-six  (26) have been funded  under the National Youth Movement
Programme.



These groups participate in various community oriented activities such as :-



a) Spiritual activities

b) Economic activities

c) Social activities, so far

d) Cultural activities



Many of this groups  have defunct due to lost of interest, others survive by
name, members  or leaders  all gone, few  exist by leaders  or members only.
However amongst  all the funded youth  groups only one survived  and that is
MILAKERA youth  group; registration  number (10) C/R 22/94,  ventured into a
timber project.  Today this  group supplies government  agents, residents of
Kerema town and nearby  communities. From the revenue raised, they have also
established canteen  and fish shop. The group  has employed youths of twelve
(12)  who are  paid  fortnightly, others  on hired  purposes  when required.
However, the last funding of youth projects was in 1993, until now from date
of this report is nil.



GULF PROVINCE YOUTH TODAY

A vision  is a plan of  action. Aim is a  direction of action and  a goal is
result of  a action. These three components of a  action is missing in every
single  villages of  Gulf  Province in  the hearts  of  a youth,  because of
following reasons :-

1   Sense  of  Direction  No  proper  directions provided  by  the  parents,
government agents, churches, decision  makers, policy makers, policy makers,
churches, NGOs.

2 Lack of  Care As mentioned earlier and above, nobody really cares, whether
a youth does right  thing or a wrong thing, no comments of appreciatation or
advice for improvement.

3 Lack of Resources : No avenues or facilities is provided for the youths to
obtain  for usage, meaning  funds, transport,  equipment etc. Example  for a
bank loan security is asked for.

4 Leadership Leadership is also lacking for mobilisation of young people, or
managing of activities.

5 Management Management  and controlling of projects lacks such personnel or
lack of  knowledge. These group of  people are lost, they  themselves do not
really know where they are heading to.



PROBLEMS AND ISSUES



As a  result of these, many have got  themselves involved in many activities
which  are unwarranted and  unacceptable by  the citizens of  the community.
When  I  am talking  about  problems and  issues,  I mean  the following  :-

1 Smoking  of marijuana in every villages  of Gulf Province and Institutions
(schools).

2 Drug  Trafficking - has rapidly increased in  the province, even going out
to overseas through Australia.

3 Raping is also increasing very rapidly.

4 Smoking Behaviours in every villages by very young ages is also a problem,
age ranging from ten (10) years and up.

5 Sexual assaults - with young age girls.



These  few major  alarming  problems or  issues  are now  creeping into  the
province, but experienced at low profile.



FUTURE PLANS AND ACTIONS



Currently the  province has not developed any  strategies due to the process
of reforms.  We want  to be very sure  of reform, because the  reform is not
properly  and  clearly  explained  and  defined  especially  on,  Political,
Administrative and Financial Structure. However, routine activities, such as
spiritual, cultural, social sporting, economic projects are assisted, not at
high rate.


FINANCIAL STATUS :

It is  very sad for the province, because  our Provincial Government in past
years  have been  funding youths  of the  province with five  thousands kina
(K5,000). It's impossible to  do anything with it for a year (12 months). We
were  covered up  by NYMP  but when  the policies  were changed and  NYS was
introduced,  we are clearly  seen handicap.  However, we have  been assisted
many times  by CHEVRON  NIUGINI (Oil Company).  I believe, under  the Reform
change  we  may  be  bailed  out  from our  current  financial  constraints.


COMMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

1  National Youth  Policies and Strategies  are in  dark. There is  no clear
direction, from the National level.

2 If  the youth  of today is  not carefully directed in  their attitudes and
approach today we are heading for disaster.

3  Consistent  and  uniform  planning  for  the  Nation  must  be  in  place
immediately   and   be  disseminated   to   provinces  for   implementation.

4  National Youth Office  should be  of assistance in  developing provincial
policies.

Lastly,  I  would  like  to thank  the  organisers  of  the  PNG Mini  Youth
Conference committee for giving us this great privilege to bring out some of
our hidden  issues to the light of this conference,  to be shared with other
sister provinces.

---------------------------------

OK TEDI MINING YOUTH REPORT

Nanu Sekele, Youth & Sports Officer

Under the Act of OTML the District Youth Forum was formed under the division
of Sports  and Recreation. The aims and objectives  were to assist the local
and surrounding villages and the dependent of the employers. OTML has funded
the Forum  and all its activities such  as Small Scale Businesses, Spiritual
Development Sports Development, Youth Projects etc.

Activities are:-

Sports are played every Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Other   Recreational  activities   to   keep  all   youths  busy   (engage).

Spiritual -  A/Convention and  gospel concert combine  youth fellowship etc.

Culture Activities and Exchange Programmes.

Registration

There are twenty nine youth groups. 18 Church Youth Groups. 16 Village Youth
Groups.

Training and  Sponsorship The OTML is  really committed in youth development
programmes, OTML has sponsored  many local youths to university and teachers
colleges, national high schools - training etc.

--------------------------------

SIMBU PROVINCIAL REPORT

John Sil Kumul, Executive Officer, Provincial Youth Advisory Board


National  Youth Service  implementation  eventuated after  the launching  in
early 1990. Simbu was  among other provinces in the country to establish its
Provincial  Youth  Advisory  Board  and  district  youth forums  in  each  7
districts  within the province  according to  NYS act with  endorsement from
Provincial Executive Council. The  Chairmen and Alternates Members were also
nominated  and endorsed  by PEC. (Refer  to NYS  Act Section 20  Sub Section
1,2,3,4&5).

Youth group and registration, awareness on the issue has been carried out by
Project  Section (Youth  In Business)  of National Youth  Service Commission
headed by Theresa Tabel. After that the awareness did not reach the isolated
areas after the mini  loan scheme due to poor administration and malpractice
within the Division of Youth.

Screening   committees   for  project   submissions   and  other   essential
requirements did not meet the criteria established.

Therefore with  the statements expressed  on behalf of S.P.Y.A.B  I beg this
conference  floor for  withdrawal  of all  applicant for  group registration
including  project  application  to rural  development  bank  for mini  loan
scheme.  The   document  be   withdrawn  for  reconsideration   and  special
recognition require to be  fair with other illiterate youths in the province
who were not aware of National Youth Service programme.

At the moment Simbu  Province is among those provinces still in darkness, as
it  has  no excess  to  reform  and re-structural  adjustment under  Village
Services Programmes. Funds and projects, these two words cannot be expressed
longer, since  the introduction of  NYS the administrative arm  of the Youth
Division was parasitic on  department of Simbu with an unattached Provincial
Youth  Officer while  the  executive arms  as PYAB  and DYF  executives were
sitting   idle   till  the   reforms   and   structural  adjustment   occur.


The  reform task force  with approval  of the Provincial  Executive Council,
Senior Bureaucrats headed by :-

- Mr. Bruno Garima as Chairman

- Mr. Alphonse Kee

- Mr. Mathew Keen

- Edward Kiza

Basing  their  submission to  national  executive council  referring to  the
original  constitution  adopted from  organic  law (Village  Services Act  -
Sector 29  - Subsection 2) that  does not mention youth  rep (Composition of
LLG) to be in  the government. Their submission to NEC for approval of local
level  government grants  was basing  on the  previous constitution  but the
recent one is yet to be considered.

The alteration of the constitution and the organic law by Hon. Ben Micah and
his  committee had  appeared  on the  National Government  Gazette (Thursday
February 3rd 1994). That mentioned under Section 19 Subsection 1 (c) (iii) -
(Composition of LLG). One shall represent youth appointed by the Local Level
Government  in  consultation  with  the  Provincial  Youth  Advisory  Board.

Therefore, on  behalf of  the SPYAB I  beg your co-operation  and assistance
from this  conference floor  in order to  make a submission  to the national
government, authorities (NEC) and department concern to re-instate the youth
service in province. To include the youth service into the reforms according
to the constitution (Alterations to the Constitutions - PNG National Gazette
- Published Thursday 3rd February 1994)

NYDF LIMITED SHARES

Simbu  Provincial  Youth Advisory  Board  has made  our  way of  a five  men
delegation  representing  each  several  district  in the  province  to  NYS
Commissioner's  office  and other  relevant  sources for  withdrawal of  353
ordinary shares  and its  dividend after 11  years of existence.  But due to
negative respond  obtain when notified by  the current Commissioner that the
business was liquidated during  the year 1991, that could also mean that the
shares are also dissolved for no value.

On  behalf  of  the  so  called  Provincial  Youth Advisory  Board  and  the
frustrated  share holders  would like  to appeal  strongly at this  Mini PNG
Conference  floor on  the  full progressive  report from  the  company (NYDF
Limited)  and  its financial  status  and  how to  benefit  the Simbu  share
holders. For your information,  Simbus and the Engans were the leading share
holders from  this particular company. I beg  the support of this conference
floor to support the move.

REFORMS AND STRUCTURAL ADJUSTMENT

Parliamentary  committee several  times when  touring the districts,  the so
called youth  leaders within the structure of  NYS Commission as Chairman of
PYAB and  DYF has contributed  with concrete information powers  in order to
abolish  the  provincial  government   system  and  to  adopt  the  national
government village services scheme  into new reforms and decentralisation of
powers to local level  government that youth representative a district youth
forum chairmen's  constituted under NYS Act Section 20  could also be in the
local level government constitutional amendments section 19 subsection 1 (c)
(iii) (Composition of local level government).

However,  the structural  adjustment been  managed by the  provincial reform
task  force consist  of senior  bureaucrats within  the department  of Simbu
nominated  by the  Provincial Executive  Council that made  arrangements for
approval to implement the reforms and its structural adjustment that exclude
the youth service in the Simbu Province.

Therefore  I  beg  this  PNG  Mini  Conference  floor  to  adopt  supportive
resolution for inclusion of youth service in Simbu and other provinces which
had  been neglected under  the reforms  and structural adjustment  that also
bridges  the organic  law  of the  country  in certain  areas. The  petition
containing  conference  resolution  and other  back  up  documents could  be
presented to the reliable sources for deep consideration. A petition be lead
by  the SPYAB  executive  to the  governor and  administrator  concerned for
inclusion of youth service  into their government re-structure. There should
be  six  months  again  for  re-structure  including youth  service  in  the
neglected province.

COMMENTS AND ISSUES

1.  The  charter  draft  is  recognised  and  fully endorsed  by  the  Simbu
delegation for  the 3rd Global  Youth Conference. Due to  poor management of
Youth Affairs, lack of  funds that effect the youth services in the province
and  country.  Therefore, suggestion  expressed  for NYS  to affiliate  with
international organisation  and be  the facilitator of youth  service in the
country.

2.  This  Mini  PNG  Conference  to  adopt  several  resolution  for  better
implementation of youth service in the country.

3. Why  is NYS in total darkness and all  major function within the province
cease for  further action. Fresh awareness to be  manage for youth group and
registration.

4. NYDF shares. Simbu,  353 ordinary share holders are alarmed by withdrawal
of its shares with dividend for the period of 11 years.

5. Reforms  and its  re-structural adjustment in  the Simbu Province  by the
provincial  reform   task  force   that  exclude  the   youth  service.  The
administrational structure  and the  executive arm was revoked  for no youth
service  and  other  essential  service  to  be  implemented  progressively.



The  resolution  of this  conference  would  endorse submission  by the  NYS
Commissioner  to  be  presented  to  the National  Department  of  Personnel
Management  for re-consideration  and  approval. A  petition is  also  to be
presented  to  the  provincial authorities  concerned  for  approval and  to
include youth  service in  the Simbu Province and  other neglected districts
and  community  to  cope  with the  reform  and  its structural  adjustment.











NEW IRELAND PROVINCIAL REPORT





Patrick Lewen

Provincial Advisor





This brief covers primarily basic data in relation to the development so far
on the staging of the PNG Mini Conference on the National Youth Services and
the stand of the province in relation to the same. To date, we have not been
briefed by staff of  the Secretariat, nor been informed of what is to happen
apart from what we have received by mail to date.



The conference  is staged  not as an  initiative of the  Government to bring
Youth Leaders in to  a forum to discuss issues as it should, but rather as a
special project  organised and funded  under the auspices of  the 3rd Global
Youth Conference.



The  Objectives  of  the Conference  are  multiple,  however primarily,  the
Conference aims  to be an avenue  for Youth Leaders to  discuss local issues
affecting them  and to assess their  status in relation to  the Global Youth
Movement.  The  Conference will  object  itself to  identify, formulate  and
finally endorse  a NYS  Local Action Plan  which should be  conducive to the
visions  of   the  current  Reforms  at   Local  Level  Government  Systems.



The Conference  has further objects  for the acceptance and  adoption of the
Charter on the International  Association for National Youth Service and for
a proposal that a  permanent Secretariat be established for the Association.



With the  above objectives in mind, this only  confirms the scenario that we
are not called in  to"discuss" local issues but to satisfy the requirements
of the staging of the 3rd Global Youth Conference.



It  has  been  said  that it  is  mandatory  that  every  province submit  a
provincial profile  on the  current programmes undertaken  to compliment the
Reforms.  New  Ireland could  not  come up  with  a profile  with the  basic
rationale that since the  Reforms were introduced and the issues relating to
the same  were realised, the province,  as in many other  provinces just not
had the  time or  the environment conducive  enough to formulate,  let alone
develop  and implement  new initiative.  The province however,  has examined
various avenues  it may pursue but this is still  subject to the approval of
the  Administration  and  the  endorsement  of  the  Provincial  Government.



Nothing very much can  be discussed in relation to the Charter until we have
been  fully briefed  on the  intention and  purpose of  the same.  The draft
Charter by an uneducated perusal, is nothing more than the repeat of the now
"defunct" National  Youth Service Programme  that we once had  in place. The
only difference  is that now we  are talking about a  Global approach rather
than a  Local one. The question that still lingers in  our Youths minds is -
"If we  cannot continue  to develop, maintain  and sustain our  own National
Youth Service,  established under  an Act of  Parliament, through continuous
funding of programmes etc., why go GLOBAL".

-----------------------------------

ORO NGO REPORT - REPORT ON CHURCH RUN YOUTH

Rev. Johnsford Tura, NGO Representative


Youth movement  was the term used after World War  1 for organised groups of
young people who began  to seek political influences through various planned
campaigns in Europe. In 1944 in U.S. Canada, Youth for Christ was formed. It
was a  non-profit organisation  by interdenominational group  specialised in
teen-age  evangelism. The  local interdenominational groups  sponsored youth
rallies, high  school clubs,  and camps designed  to supplement the  work of
local churches.

Since I  am an Anglican Priest  representing the Non Government Organisation
especially the 4 main  line churches operating in the Northern Province, and
the  Anglican Youth  that dominates  the Province,  I wish to  introduce our
Anglican Youth care Programme  Motto to the delegates have attending the PNG
Mini  Youth  Conference.  The  motto is "TO  LIVE  LIFE  IN ITS  FULLNESS".

As you  can see from the map attached, the  Anglican church covers the whole
Province  with its  youth activities  while our  other sister  Churches like
United, Catholic and Lutheran mostly involve with the urban youths. However,
my concern and recommendations in this report is on behalf of my 4 main line
churches and I also  represent them here in the PNG Mini youth Conference as
their    Deputy     Chairman    of    Popondetta    Minister's    Fraternal.

With  my  involvement  with  other  Churches  in  our  Ecumenical  Services,
workshops and  Crusades, I thank God,  that he has blessed  out youth groups
with men and women  gifted in so many different areas - preaching, teaching,
caring,   helping,    music,   drama,    dance,   administration,   language
translation..... the list is  very long in the Northern Province. Lets share
and grow  in the gifts that  God has given us  within our own church groups,
and  with other  Church groups in  the Community,  Province and Nation  as a
whole.


WHERE WERE WE IN OUR YOUTH MINISTRY IN THE PAST

Since  the establishment  of Youth by  the Government  and by the  Church in
1980s',  the National  Government  had played  its part  financially  and in
manpower for  the Youth  development. However, the  ups and downs  in Church
youth activities in the Province were;

(a)  No proper co-ordination  by the  NGO with the  Government Organisation.

(b)  Communication  break-down between  the  Government  and Non  Government
Organisation.

(c)  No  proper  accountability  within the  NGO  (i.e.  Church run  Youth).

WHERE ARE WE NOW IN YOUTH MINISTRY

According to  the 1990 census there  were 65,434 people in  the Oro Province
who  chose to  register  themselves and  their  children as  members of  the
Anglican Church.  (Short notice to collect  figures for other 4\3 Churches),
48,  099 of these  registered as Anglicans  were below  the age of  30 years
(29,290  in the  0-14  years age  group, and  18,809 in  the 15-29  year age
group).

The  Anglican  Church  in the  Northern  Province  (Popondetta Diocese)  has
thirty-two Parishes. Each of these has an elected"parish Youth Co-ordinator
and in  accordance with the new Reform System  of Provincial and Local Level
Government,  two Diocesan Youth  Co-ordinators have  been elected -  one for
Ijivitari and one for  Sohe. The Diocese of Popondetta also has the Diocesan
Youth Chaplain. The thirty-two Parishes have been grouped into twelve zones.

The  Goals  for Church  Youth  Ministry -  To  provide its  youth members  a
programme of  caring, nurture  and growth,, that  as a family  they may have
life  in all its  fullness in Jesus  Christ. The  major activity is  a youth
fellowship  which helps  its members,  turn away  from their bad  habits and
ultimately lie in good  life, of public worship, private and ultimately live
in good  life, of  public worship, private  prayer, bible reading  and bible
study.  It helps  to develop  values of  caring, sharing,  belongingness and
responsibility. We the church  run youth believe that youth fellowship calls
for  and makes  young  people disciples  to follow  and  serve Jesus  in the
family, in the community, in the church, in the Province and in the National
as a whole.

However, the  main purpose of the Church run  youth is to encourage, develop
and  resource the  Christian  faith and  life of  our  young people  in this
Nation.

CHURCH RUN YOUTH ACTIVITIES NOW

Since the  establishment of  Ecumenical meeting in  1990 by the  4 main line
churches  which  later  in  1991 changed  to  the  Minister's Fraternal  the
Churches  in the  Northern Province  grow in  understanding and  now working
closely with other groups e.g.. CRC, AOG etc.) Government bodies and private
enterprises in the spirit  of co-operation, mutual understanding and respect
for each others positions. The Church run youth work closely with each other
in activities such as:-

• Ecumenical Fellowship

• Ecumenical Crusades

• Ecumenical Services

• Ecumenical Workshops

• Guest Speakers from other Churches

• Youth Meetings

• Youth Retreats

• Youth Camps

The  above  mentioned  activities  especially the  Ecumenical  Crusades  and
Workshops are funded by  the Ministers Fraternal. I take this opportunity to
thank the  National Government through Hon. David  Unagi MP and Minister for
Home Affairs  and Youth for allocating K10,000.00  from this years budget to
the Ministers Fraternal.

Apart from the spiritual  activities, the Church run fundraising activities.
The main  fund raising  activities are; Chicken projects,  contract work for
Local  Level  Government, e.g.  grass  cutting, contract  work for  National
Works, selling  betelnut, selling garden produce,  taps cloth and necklaces.

RECOMMENDATIONS

The present law and  order problems in the Province and in our Nation of PNG
hindering  the  Nations'  development  is  not  caused by  our  fathers  and
grand-fathers in the villages. They are caused by our young unfortunate boys
and girls.  The Government cannot solve the law  and order problems with the
bullets. But  I am sure that the Church can do  better and at least minimise
the situation with the Word of God.

If the National, Provincial  and Local Level of Government work closely with
the  Church,  inject  more  funds to  the  Church  direct  to the  Ministers
Fraternal, the Church would be in a better position financially to solve the
Law  and Order  problems and  build our  National with good  Christian young
people.  The  following  programmes   are  recommended  for  National  Youth
Development.

5.1 Spiritual Growth :

To encourage  youths to  grow with grace  and love of Christ  by knowing Him
more  personally and  deepening our  Christian discipleship,  studying God's
will and  purpose revealed  in Christ ad  through His Church,  and by active
participation in  worship and Sacraments.  We also seek to  make Jesus Known
through  evangelistic   and  spiritual  renewal  programmes   and  share  in
fellowship with other Churches.



5.2 Social Maturity :

To encourage the youth  to grow in the grace and love of Christ and in their
relationship with  others in love and in fellowship,  teach them to be aware
of their social responsibility in promoting good Citizenship and brotherhood
among  people,   and  making   themselves  as  leaders   in  the  community.

Organise workshops and teach the young people on:


-Leadership

-Office administration

-Organising meeting

-Organise welcome parties for Church and Government

-Officials and VIPs

-To entertain visitors and VIPs.



5.3 Educational Enrichment :

To organise  educational activities  to grow in  knowledge and skills  as to
open the minds and  hearts of the young people to the rich opportunities for
learning  through  doing,   observing,  sharing,  self-teaching  to  develop
practical  skills and  leadership qualities.  To organise workshops  for all
young people  on certain topics beneficial  to the life and  interest of the
young people such as:-

-Counselling
-Family health, drug and nutrition
-Marriage, etc.

To organise debates, forum, panel/group discussions.

Community  Service and  Outreach  To encourage  young people  to  involve in
community  services  (labour of  love)  and  outreach to  grow  in love  and
sacrificial giving  through service, enabling people  to help themselves and
each other  in their  needs and to  help the community  advance through self
help and co-operation. To encourage young people to provide service to their
Local  Churches, Parishes,  in  cleaning, maintaining  the Church  building,
purchase   musical   instruments   and   provide  music   during   worships.

Cultural Emphasis  To encourage the young people  to grow in appreciation of
their rich cultural heritage through cultural activities, cultural workshop,
and  encourage the  young  people to  participate in  cultural celebrations.

To  encourage  the  young  people  the  traditional arts  and  crafts  using
traditional materials  and encourage the young  people to be creative enough
to produce attractive arts and crafts with designs.

Political Involvement  To provide  ongoing political education  to the young
people  and educate  them the  political party  system and the  formation of
Government and Opposition in the Parliament because the young people are the
future leaders of the Nation.

Under  the  National  Government  Reforms  on  Provincial  and  Local  Level
Government System, the International  Association for National Youth Service
if and  when established  recommend to the National  Executive Council youth
members from 20 Provinces  to be appointed to the Provincial and Local Level
Government,  so  that  the  young  people  may equally  participate  in  the
political development in the Nation.

CONCLUSION

As Christians  and when we are concern  with"Youth in National Development"
we  should look  to Jesus  Christ as our  Example our  model. And as  we get
involve with  young people we should look at and study  His youth and try to
pattern ourselves,  our young peoples  lives and the activities  they may do
for National Development.

The hidden years in Jesus life is what we as leaders should be interested in
because  as  Government  and  NON Government  Organisation  we  ought to  be
concerned about  young people  aged 13 to  29, if youth  is a  matter of age
ratter than a state of heart and mind.

Jesus  grew both  in body  and in  wisdom, gaining  favour with God  and men
(LK:2:52).  Here is  the young  Jesus growing  physically, in  body, growing
intellectually, in wisdom; growing  spiritually and growing socially gaining
favour with  God and  men. Jesus is  here described as  young man developing
into  a  full  example  of  well-balanced, integrated,  total  human  being.

Do we, the Government and Non-Government Organisations really care about the
country's  youth.  We  too often  call  them  lazy, aimless,  unenthusiastic
criminals, a  bunch of heartless robbers and rapists.  The onus of proofs is
on  the  leaders in  the  Church and  Government  and also  to the  parents.

Why should the youth seek to be part of a society that all too often rejects
them utterly?

Let us not just  stand and watch our young God created people going from bad
to  worse,  but  let's  do  something constructively  towards  the  National
development: (Read Matthew 25:31-46). "..... When Lord, did we ever see you
hungry or thirsty or a strange one naked or sick one in prison, and we would
not help  you?" The  King will reply. "I tell you, whenever  you refused to
help  one of  these  least  important ones,  you  refused to  help me  ( Mt,
25:44-46).

-------------------------------------

SANDAUN NGO REPORT - (OL WOK OL YUT I SAVE MEKIM)

Gerald Towun, Catholic Co-ordinator


 PROJECTS                Wok Gaden :             Narapela Wok

 Lifestock :             -Potato                 -Kontrak wok long taun
                         -Tomato                 -Bungim   empty  botol
 Pig                     -Kabis                  -Tyre repair
 Bulmakau                -Kaliflaua              -Salim fuel
 Kakaruk                 -Brokoli
 Fish                    -Juvini
 Honi - Bee              -Kapsikum
 Rabit                   -Letis
 Pato                    -Pyrethrum
                         -Onion
                         -Pinat
                         -Painapel
                         -Buai


 AKTIVITIS
 Social :                             Spiritual :

 -Pri Skul Tisa                       -Chairsmatic grup
 -Wok Marimari                        -Sande Skul
 -Komuniti Wok                        -Redim   na   go  pas   long   lituji
 -Sports                              -Wok Lijen
 -Ex-criminal task force              -As Katolik Komunity (BCC)
 -Miss Katolik quest                  -Ritrit
 -Culture show                        -Autim    gutnius    (Evangelisation)
 -Drama                               -Antioch
 -Visitim Kalabusman                  -Baibel quiz
 -Visitim Hausik                      -Gospel Drama
 -Exchange Visit                      -R.I.
 -Youth Rally                         -Outreach

 TRENING                              POSIBILITIS

 Pastoral Kos                         Vocation Campus
 Redim Marit                          Coconut Oil
 Autim Gutnius Kos                    Book bining
 Personal Integration P.I             Grafting, Budding
 Integral Human Developmet IHD        Kitting

 Lidasip Kos                          Mushrooms

 Music Kos                            Fruit Juices

 AIDS                                 Soft Drings

 Drugs                                Jam

 Enviroment Awarness                  Touch typing

 Political Awarness                   Brick making

 Wok Didima Kos                       Tile making

 Basic Book Keeping                   Sea Salt

 Sawing Kos blg ol meri               Library/Reading room

 Wokim Kendel                         Mobile library

 First Aid Training -  Luteran Church Keeping minutes

 Game Referee Kos                     Organisation building

 Comunication Kos                     Study  metods:  note  taking,  Memory

 Self Defence                         Mats  from:  Grass,  weeds,  plastics
                                      From   Coir:  Mats,  ropes,   carpets
                                      Hand pump
                                      Solar drier for fruits, fish
                                      Solar water heater
                                      Sport coaching
                                      Mobile X-Mas crib
                                      Child - care, nutrition
                                      Saving Banks
                                      Traditional sports
                                      Mobile Exhibition
                                      Examination techniques
                                      Public speaking
                                      Conducting meetings
                                      Computer literacy


 ORGANISATION :



 Nogat Komitment                      Gutpela relationship

 Nogat   wok    bung    wantaim/unity Wok bung wantaim

 Toktok nating - nogat wok            Action oriented programme

 Nogat komunikesen                    Selfrelince

 Nogat    selfsupporting     projects Outreach Ministry

 Nogat maket                          Daun pasin

 Komitment/kooperesen                 Laikim narapela

 Komunikesen                          Harim tok bilong narapela

                                      Bihainim tok - respect

                                      Pasin  bilong  skelim gut  toktok  na
                                      pasin

                                      Gutpela structure

                                      Coordination
 SIOS

 Nogat Komuniesen                     Financial  support -  Bishop,  Pater,
                                      Papamama
 Nogat wok bung wantaim
                                      Community i givem han
 Wantaim
                                      Sios  i  luksave  -  yut  em  i  sios
 Yut ban wantaim katekis              bilong tumoro

 Nogat  bung  wantaim  narapela  sios Sios i larim  yut long mekim pastoral
                                      wok
 Nogat pasin bung wantaim
                                      Wok bung wantaim chaplain
 Nogat responsibility
                                      Sios   i  sapotim  trening   programs
 Nogat Diocesan  Account blong  Youth
                                      Voluntia wok
 Nogat organisation na
                                      Catholic   youth   office    i   stap
 Nogat collaboration
                                      Strong    influence    long    gavman
 Ol arapela yut grup
                                      Trustworthy people

                                      Manmeri bilong wok

                                      Nogat wantok system

                                      Gutpela  transport -  2  - way  radio

                                      Gutpela structure

                                      Facilities to use

                                      qualified people

                                      Training centres

                                      Spirit of equality

                                      Justice and peace

                                      Work for poor and weak

                                      Contacts  with  other  countries  and
                                      organisations

 SOCIAL

 Nogat  awarness long  social  issues Music

 Nogat  support  blong   papamana  na Sports
 komunity
                                      Community wok
 Nogat moni blong mekim  wok awarness
                                      Awarness Campaign
 Mi no save long rit na rait
                                      Bung    wantaim    arapela    manmeri
 Sem pasin
                                      Skerim tingting na wok
 Nogat support - finance
                                      Helpim Wok bilong narapela
 Nogat"kisim save" trening
                                      Tokples skul
 Nogat support
                                      Laik long development
 Nogat formation
                                      Desire for peace

                                      Readiness to work

                                      Desire for self reliance

 GAVMAN

 Nogat komunikesen                    Helpim  i  kam long  catholic  public
                                      servants
 Nogat kooperesen
                                      Technical     assistence     officers
 Nogat support
                                      Financial support
 Wantok system
                                      Law and order awarness
 Baim   yangpela   long   mekim   wok
                                      Town  Commission  i helpim  yut  long
 Painim hat  long filim  project form kontract wok
 wantok system tasol
                                      Radio  programme  bilong   ol  yut  -
 Nogat support long selfreliance      Madang via Vanimo

 Nogat toktok long gutpela samting na National Memba support
 samting nogut (honesty)
                                      Road system
 Corruption/bribery
                                      Wireless communication
 Honesty
                                      Deocracy
 Media
                                      Freedom  to speak,  publish,  gather,
 Self support                         movment,safe travel

                                      Education facilities.

--------------------------------------

KIUNGA NGO REPORT (DIVISION OF ST. GERARD PARISH)

Conrad Akope, Co-ordinator Social Services


SOCIAL CONTEXT

 PROBLEM : Outside influence have brought many changes. Our opportunities
 are more limited and we feel rejected.

St.  Gerard  Parish  covers  approximately  one  tenth  of  the  Diocese  of
Daru-Kiunga.  The Co-Cathedral  of  St. Gerard  is situated  at  the Mission
compound  in  the South  West  end  of Town  and  Northern  part of  Western
Province. St. Gerard has  17 villages : 9 Awin, 7 Yongom and 1 Boazi. (Dome,
Tmoknai  and  Somoekwankia  Villages of  Matkomnai  Parish  have been  added
recently). There are 20 Corners divided into FOUR ZONES : 6 Awin, 10 Yongom,
1 Mandobo, 2 Ningerum and 1 of mixed tribes (Sawagos). Of these, 11 Villages
and 11 Corners have  been visited for the Parish Youth Movement Analysis and
Diagnosis questionnaires.

As youth  we easily leave our villages  for schooling. Living with relatives
in town or  in boarding schools, we spend a good part  of the year away from
our  family,  often returning  for  the  long school  break  only. Once  our
schooling is  finished, even if we return to our  village, we come into town
on weekends to spin around with friends or remain in town for a certain time
hoping to find a job.

Coming from  remote villages, our visits  to town are limited  : We come for
market, to buy goods and to return after a short time.

Gathering Places When  town, as youth, we gather mainly around stores during
the  day  and in  sport  areas  at the  end  of  the afternoon  but we  have
privileged  places  where  we  also  gather to  discuss  different  problems
concerning  ourselves.  We  often  spin  around town  without  any  specific
objective, hoping to meet friends.

In Corners, the canteen area is a gathering place; while in remote villages,
we meet  on the sport ground coming back from the  bush. A certain number of
us also  meet for church services  and with our communities  in villages and
corners,  sometimes for  small group  meetings or for  community activities.

Ethnic Groups  Being of the educated  generation, we are use  to mixing with
different ethnic groups. Our  common language is English although most of us
can speak  Pidgin, our own language,  and often one or  two other languages.
All can speak at least three to five languages.

Very  few of  us speak  Motu, which  is the  common language of  the elders.
Teachers  and Nurses,  who usually  come from  other provinces also  have an
influence on  us : our contact with their youth  opens us to other cultures,
but   the  influence  of   the  Western   Culture  is  our   common  ground.

Ecology  Awareness of  the  environment is  growing  among us  as we  better
understand the causes and  impact of the mining and logging companies on our
traditional  ways  of  living.  We  are  worried  and  concerned  about  the
destruction  of our  environment,  knowing that  pollution is  affecting us.
Water,  land and  air pollution  are a  menace to  our immediate  health and
future. Our water sources and gardens are wasted.

More and more, we  are able to discuss, with our communities, these problems
which affect  not only our  immediate environment but the  whole country and
future generations.


Demographic Situation :

Our Parish  is composed  of approximately 765 families  without counting the
two Matkomnai villages added  recently. We form about 50% of the population.

Some of our villages are left with elders only, for young schooling of their
children. We youth prefer living in Town where we have easy access to modern
facilities such  as hospital, stores and  gathering places for sports, disco
dancing and mixing with other youth and friends.

In  remote villages, we  are part of  the community  and share in  its daily
activities. Some  of us who have gone to school  have stayed in Town looking
for   jobs  and   return  to  the   village  a   few  times  a   year  only.

Some  of our  families come from  other provinces  because of their  work as
teachers, government  agents or company employed.  We live in town sometimes
for a  few months or a  few years and move  on. As for us  refugee youth, we
participate  in certain Parish  activities although  we are not  an integral
part of it.

SOCIO-POLITICAL SITUATION


 PROBLEM : We have lost trust in our leaders. But our limited education does
 not allow us to know and exercise our rights.

Awareness As youth, we are aware that the financial crisis and pollution are
the biggest  problems our  Country and Province  are facing today.  We would
like to discuss, among us, political issues that affect our people, land and
welfare.

We are also aware  of our rights and duties as citizens of Papua New Guinea.
We have the  duty to speak out for our rights and  to defend our country. We
are  free to  own  land, express  our  opinions, practice  our religion  and
traditions, vote, be educated, run businesses and move around freely.

We  are able to  change things in  our communities  when we get  together to
work, share  ideas, initiate projects and speak  out when there is injustice
or situations  that affect the good of the community.  But, many of us still
feel that we cannot easily share our thoughts or speak freely for we are not
respected  as full  members  of the  community because  we are  still youth.

Leadership We have lost  all trust in our Provincial and National Government
leaders who  do not work for  the people but misuse  public moneys and abuse
their power.  There is little concern  for youth: no funds  available and we
are easily forgotten in the Government planning.

State Structures

Education  is  very  important to  gain knowledge,  to  be useful  and bring
changes to our society.  It helps us to learn new skills and opens us to the
outside world.  Because of  this, our communities have  high expectations on
those  of   use  who  have   had  the  chance  to   further  their  studies.
Unfortunately, some  of us  are illiterate, have  never gone to  school, can
neither read or write.

We are also aware that our educational system does not meet our needs. Grade
six to grade ten leavers cannot get jobs. Higher education is needed to gain
the required skills. Few  High Schools and Training centres are available in
the Province and even in the Country.

If we had a choice, many of us would like to continue our studies to acquire
the necessary skills for  the work we would like to do. But, C.O.D.E. is our
only way to continue  our studies if we are not accepted into High School or
Vocational School.

We  have  dreams  of  becoming  Doctors and  Nurses,  Lawyers,  Politicians,
Business men and women,  carpenters, mechanics, technicians, secretaries and
teachers, so  as to  become better citizens  and help build  our country. We
realise   that   this   is    not   possible   for   us   without   studies.

We are  aware of  the Education reform  and this gives hope  for the future.
But, what is the  future for us, the youth of today who are limited in their
resources   and   cut   off   from  their   dreams   for   a  better   life?

Youth Office  The Youth office in Kiunga is unknown to  many of us. those of
us who  are aware of its  existence are not informed of  its use. Some of us
have tried to get services but it is not effective.

The Police  Force The  Police Force should  help to maintain  Law and Order,
protect people  and their property but they fail to  do their duty and abuse
of their power. There are often injustice and they are not very effective in
their duties because of the wantok system. Youth are often belted when taken
in for an offence  whether they are guilty or not. We have lost trust in our
Police force because many of them drink and are involved in drugs and crime.
The  administration of  justice  through the  Courts is  often based  on the
wantok system.

The  Law and  Order Committee The  Law and  Order Committee in  Villages and
Corners are  doing good work: they advise and  discipline us to avoid police
action when it is possible.

SOCIO-ECONOMIC SITUATION

 PROBLEM : We lack self-discipline and training. Few opportunities are
 available to us and we don't get involved.

Living  in  Town  Living  in town  is  very  expensive.  We  need money  for
everything. The majority of  us have no jobs, lack funds and skills to start
small  businesses and  often cannot even  help our  families to buy  food or
other essentials. Yet, it  is important to live in Town to be able to find a
job. Western  ways have  created needs that  we do not have  in Villages. We
dream  of  getting  many things:  tape  recorders,  radios, watches,  shoes,
clothing, sweets  etc. Often, when we cannot buy  these, we steal them. Some
of us are involved  in organised crime, such as break and entry, to make our
money.

Some of us have  to steal for food if family and relatives or friends cannot
feed  us.  Staying  in  Town instead  of  returning  to  our Village,  after
schooling, can be very  demanding on our relatives where often there are too
many  families in one  house. Some of  us return  to our village  because we
cannot  survive in  Town. Many  activities, such  as videos,  disco dancing,
organised sports attract us.  some of us from the villages come in regularly
to be part of these youth gatherings. On the other hand, where youth gather,
there is  often heavy drinking  and drugs (marijuana) that  lead to fighting
and rape. Some among us have even killed.

Dreaming If we had K1000 we would start small businesses or projects, invest
our money, buy a  motor, pay bride-price or share it with our family to meet
their needs. Some of us would continue our studies to gain skills for better
job opportunities.

Jobs Unemployment,  lack of  skills, of schooling  and often because  of the
wantok system,  we have a very  hard time to find jobs  in Town. Those of us
who have found jobs  often lose them or go from job to job for short periods
of time.

Youth projects  - Some  of us have  been involved in  small business through
special Youth Funding from  the Government and OTML; small canteens, fishing
projects, tire repairs, selling  kerosene, and organising youth bands. These
have not survived, except  the youth bands, because of mismanagement. Adults
have  often used  youth  funds for  their own  interests.  Today, government
funding for  youth has  been cut and  the new programs are  not effective or
have never been implement.

GEORGE H. WRONDIMI, Conference Facilitator

John Evans evansj@upng.ac.pg re conference address ver 2.1

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