11 December 2001

Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea: UN Volunteers, in collaboration with the Connect UK office in Papua New Guinea (PNG) organized a special writing workshop on the 'importance of volunteerism' in early December. More than 30 youths from Port Moresby were told to share the knowledge and skills they learn from a mini writing workshop during the week.

The new Commissioner for the National Youth Commission (NYC), Bruno Kakalave said this during the official opening ceremony on 6 December. He told the young people that after the completion of the weeklong workshop they should at least feel that they have achieved what they would be taught.

The Curriculum Development Coordinator for NYC, Mrs. Winnie Safkaur said the aim of the workshop was to teach youths about writing skills so that they can draft a booklet called the 'Importance of Volunteerism' in Papua New Guinea. She said they have the capacity to write but they need the skills to confidently write. "Papua New Guinea must have a heart to write their books," she said. "The youths participating are from Pom Youth Training, PNG Youth Care, Niu. Look in PNG Youth, PNG Youth Movement, YWCA, Cross Road Shelter Youth Group and Lutheran Church," she added.

Mrs. Safkaur said more than K2,000 was jointly set aside for the workshop by Nelson Anciano of the United Nation Volunteers office. The National Youth Commission thanked Pablo Ganguli and Carole Grotrian of the Connect UK office for organizing it and bringing up the idea.

Mrs. Safkaur and the Commissioner appreciated and thanked the donors and the NYC officers for their contributions towards the workshop.

The UNV office organized the International Volunteers Day event in collaboration with National Volunteer Service, National Events Council and Connect UK on the 5 December at the Granville Hotel. The event was opened by Lady Carol Kidu, MP for Moresby South. Speeches were given by Judge Timothy Hinchliffe, Chairman of the National Volunteer Service and the American Ambassador to PNG, HE Ms Susan Jacobs.

Diplomats, Government officials, Volunteers and hundreds of people from all walks of life attended the event to celebrate and support volunteerism. Various singers and dancers from different countries performed, too. The event made it to the National TV news and also the two main newspapers of the country. The Connect UK office organised a 'Music Concert' to close the event. The musicians were Papua New Guineans and they all played in different bands.