Achieving selfreliance, health and quality of life in Papua New Guinea’s Western Province communities

The Wai Tri Women and Children Association funded a two-week Personal Viability (PV) Training ending with the graduation of 26 local participants on June 13, at the Kiunga Vocational Training Centre.

The participants originate from Middle Fly, Tutuwe, and Wai Tri regions enrolled in the training, with 26 proudly receiving Level 1 Certificates in Personal Viability from The Human Development Institute (HDI), marking a transformative journey in personal and community development. This training was facilitated by the Community Development Team of the Ok Tedi Development Foundation (OTDF) in partnership with HDI.

The Personal Viability program is widely recognised in Papua New Guinea as a life-skills and mindset transformation tool, equipping participants with practical competencies in personal discipline, self-reliance, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and goal setting. Participants spent two weeks immersed in 17 interactive group topics designed to challenge their thinking and help them build the foundation for long-term personal and economic growth.

The General Manager and lead Trainer Mr. Grand Wavine, shared a powerful message with the graduating class:

“This training has been about learning to think for yourself as an individual, to better improve yourself. With the 17 group topics, I continuously told you all to challenge yourselves to be a better version of yourselves.”

His words captured the essence of the training and empowerment from within, through reflection, courage, and discipline.

A Male participant from Ambaga village, Mr. Alexius Misimbi, in an interview shared his thoughts about this training, he said, “This training has opened my mind to do more with the little I have, to start small and have a goal and vision to work towards achieving big with my poultry project and small vanilla farm. With the small profit I earn from this, I will look at it positively and give enough room to grow financially. After this training, I am confident that I will have a renewed mindset and think differently, change my mindset and attitude personally to become a better version of myself”

Pictured is Miss Rhonda Karung sharing her story during an interview

Female participant, Miss Rhoda Karung from Ieran Village in an interview shared her story of the impact of this training, “I have co-managed my father’s trade store and through this training, I have learned the importance of customer service. It is my attitude toward the customers that matters, I must treat each customer as a priority and with respect. Also, to always challenge myself to become a better version of myself, to be self-reliant and less dependable on others for what I want and need.”

The participants, some of whom had never had access to formal education or training before, expressed newfound hope and confidence. The opportunity not only provided essential life skills but also fostered a sense of self-worth and direction among participants.

The Chairlady of the Wai Tri Women and Children Association, Mrs. Ruth Ukins applauded the efforts of both the participants and OTDF for the successful delivery of the training. She highlighted that this initiative is in line with the association’s vision to invest in people, particularly at the grassroots level, and to promote inclusive development:

“We believe empowering individuals with the right mindset and skills is key to unlocking sustainable development in our communities. This training is a beginning, we are confident these participants will go on to lead and inspire others in their villages.”

She also emphasised that this initiative is not a one-off, but part of a long term plan by the Association to promote human resource development within the Mine impacted areas.

The partnership between the Association and OTDF once again demonstrates the impact of working together for a shared vision, “improving the lives of the people in the CMCA region.” OTDF’s involvement through its Community Development team ensured the training was well-structured, culturally appropriate, and inclusive.

Mr. Moses Kalup – Manager Program Services Sustainable Development, during the graduation encouraged the graduates to receive their level 1 certificate with a vision for a sustainable future after mine closure. He said, “This training is to teach you sustainability in preparation for life after mine closure. To shift from a dependable state of mind to a self-reliance, it takes consistency and discipline to see change.”

“We are proud to support such initiatives, and even more proud of the participant who showed commitment and embraced the learning process. It is through partnerships like this that true change happens at the community level,” he added.

Following the success of this training, the Wai Tri Women and Children Association has indicated plans to sponsor additional training programs in the future, with an emphasis on entrepreneurship, leadership, and small-scale income generation initiatives. The hope is that graduates will form community groups, start small businesses, and pass on the knowledge and values learned to others.

For now, the newly certified graduates return to their homes with heads held high and a renewed sense of purpose, ready to become agents of change in their families and communities.