We're a small group of Australians who want to improve the health of a remote community of 2,000 people in Papua New Guinea.
We're a group of 11 builders, other professionals and retirees who want to improve the health of a remote community of 2,000 people in Papua New Guinea. These people rely on one small health post (in Kokorogoro) to facilitate everything from giving birth to immunisations, first aid to malaria treatments. The closest hospital is three hours away in Port Moresby, which can be inaccessible by road du
11/09/2017
The adventure continues. We had lunch with the Isumo family in June valley on Saturday, we went out on Papa's truck which was great. Then headed out Sunday to Milne Bay Province and Tawali Resort. Today we visited some local skull caves and swam in a waterfall. It's been good to relax and enjoy our surroundings.
09/09/2017
The transformation of a health centre. I haven't got the perfect shot of the finished product but you get the idea.
08/09/2017
Last day... a combination of smiles and tears. The team expressed being humbled by the experience and also very satisfied with what they had achieved. By all accounts we will never forget the people in the village and the guys no doubt every inch of the health centre. Today Stu & Bill were able to upgrade the water pump and Bill install it whilst also going into Theodist (a stationary supply shop) and buying some great supplies for Kokorogoro primary school which was in desperate need of some teaching resources. Grahame got busy tiling although that want in our scope of works. So a great day all round. Words result cannot describe they joy we experienced in fulfilling our goal and working with the locals to meet the need in the community. Amazing. 💚👍💛
07/09/2017
Our last full day on the job. The water tank arrived yesterday with much excitement. Had we not raised so much money that would not have been possible to purchase. There is a big push to finish. Last night the local church put on a thank you program for us and gave us gifts. It was overwhelming. This morning there has been preparations since 4 am for the finish mumu or feast. The 2 pigs were killed and prepared plus 11 chickens plucked and chopped. Therese loved that. Hope the photos give the picture.
05/09/2017
improvised paint implements and Terry in action. Lastly a selfie by Stu.
05/09/2017
Its day something or rather... we have lost track. Its all going well although some of the team have battled colds and flu. We have finished 2 rooms - fitted out and painted. Quite a few to go. The team have worked hard replacing the floor, walls and ceiling and now painting. The place is beginning to look transformed. We are getting quite comfortable in our lodgings. Who needs a shower🤣.
01/09/2017
Day 5... what a day. Started off well with building jobs and then came some torrential rain. The girls went to port moresby for supplies and a shower 😁. We couldn't be happier. It's great to be working alongside so many great people. The village people have really been generous and kind to us ... we have also shared many laughs
31/08/2017
Day 4 and there is progress on the building but here are dinner pictures of village life
30/08/2017
Day 3... so much happening. Building going well although some fiddly work for the guys. Our first days for girls presentation with school girls today. 30 girls got kits.
29/08/2017
Day 2 at the job in Kokorogoro. So far most of the floors are in and we have started to put the external aluminium cladding on. We have volunteers from this village and surrounding villages helping. It's been very hard work but a fantastic experience.
25/08/2017
All 9 of us are on the flight and ready to fly to PNG. As Terry said we are all feeling a bit like Big Kev... we had 360 kilos of cargo. A logistical exercise but all good. No excess baggage. Will report more from Port Moresby.
02/06/2017
Here's another dedicated member of our group who will be working hard on the health centre in PNG later this year:
* Name: Ian Archer
* Experience in PNG:
I worked in PNG about 15 years ago for 2 years helping the Salvos run their education services and get funding for projects.
* Why are you participating in this trip:
I love PNG and the people and always want to help out when there is an opportunity. Also, when two of my good mates heard about the project and were keen to help out and experience PNG, I couldn't let them go without me!
* Biggest challenge:
Having already lived in PNG, I know labouring in the heat for 2 weeks will be really hard for me.
* What are you most looking forward to:
Enjoying the laid back PNG people and culture which includes plenty of communal singing.
* Any special skills/interests:
I'm a civil engineer and project manager who has renovated one house and built another, so I'm hoping all this experience will contribute to the team.
