Projects in PNG
Aitape Disaster Relief
Subsequent to the catastophic Tsunami when more than 2000 people died and many more were injured, MOM rapidly provided $10,000 directly to Fr Austin Crapp, administrator of the Aitape Diocese. In addition, four hundred and seventy kilograms of supplies were immediately flown to the disaster area. These supplies included medical items such as bandages and dressings as well as clothing.
St Paul’s Overseas Aid collects these items, packs them and arranges transport to the missions. Fr Austin Crapp has acknowledged this rapid financial and material help and asks for Prayers in the difficult time ahead.
Kanabea Community Development
Since 1968 MOM has been involved in assistance in the development of infrastructure at Kanabea. This has included the construction of an airstrip, schools, fresh water supplies, hydro-electric scheme, a medical centre and outstations to neighbouring villages.
There are over 40,000 Kamea people in this rugged , mountainous area where distance is measured in how many hours it takes to get from one place to another.
The Kamea people receive very little financial assistance from the Central Government. Literacy is rated at no more than 2 or 3 per cent with perhaps 10-15 percent of children now attending schools. One of the original students has now completed his education which started at this mission and has returned as a priest to minister to his people.
There have been many events occuring during1999. Mountain schools are struggling with insufficient teachers and yet progress is nether the less being made. The political scene is becoming a lot more stable than in the past and holds much hope for the future.
Bema Community Development
Since 1968 MOM has been involved in assistance in the development of infrastructure at Bema. This has included the construction of an airstrip at Howabango, schools, fresh water supplies, hydro-electric scheme, a medical centre and outstations to neighbouring villages. A high school to serve the Mountain People has also been established at Bema.
Most of the parents of the 250 students are subsistant farmers so financial support is necessary for the school to continue. It is difficult to obtain sufficient support from the provincial government.
One of the major objectives of the High School is to increase the number of girls receiving education. Currently there are about 60 girls of which only a handful will graduate. Because of the isolation of Bema, food and supplies must be flown in, thus almost doubling the cost of providing even the most basic materials.
