Robert@PNG

Why did I become a volunteer ?

This is a question that I first asked myself late 2000 early 2001 when I first applied to be a volunteer with Australian Volunteers International (AVI). I put the application on hold in May 2001 due to Dad passing away. Then again in the middle of 2004 when I re-applied, I pondered this question again.

Today, after living in PNG for 2x months and working as a volunteer I still ask myself this question !

At a level I wanted to “escape”. I knew though that escape doesn’t work. The “I and me” follow me everywhere I go. So I had to search for genuine reasons.

I have thought about this questions many times and will continue to think about it. At this point in time the following reasons hold true:

1) A break/rest from the corporate machine and the stresses that go along with middle management.

2) It’s been a dream of mine for many years (since 1988) to live and work with indigenous people. There have been times in PNG when I reflect on this and realise that living and working here is a dream come true.

3) Because I could.

4) I craved adventure as far back as I can remember. Got tired working 9 to 5 and in an office environment.

5) Wanted to get out of my comfort zone and confront some of my personal fears. This has certainly happened.

6) I live with the hope that somehow… I can make a difference.

7) Still thinking about ‘7′….

How am I making a difference ?

It’s interesting coming from a country where all of our basic needs are met, for most people anyway and moving to a country (PNG) where many people strive to survive from day to day. This means that there are many people still being challenged by not knowing where there next meal will come from. Many people sleep on the floor becasue they cannot afford bedding. Clothing is also an issue for many people. There is a sttlement right next door to UNITECH called the Madang Compound, well over a 1000 people live here and many of these people work on campus. The housing in this compound or settlement does not have running water or sewerage, for light people use kerosene lamps or candles. There are families with kids that live here. Survival.

So as a volunteer how can I make a difference ? This is a question that has confronted me many times over the past two months and one I’m not sure I can answer. I arrived with the hope of being able to “help” and make a difference. The problems here in PNG are complex, besides change is never easy or simple and has a life of it’s own. Change just happens. Change is inevitable. Change is a fact of life. But how to assist with this process of change in a positive way ? This is the 64 thousand dollar question and not an easy one to answer.

Ways that I have discovered so far how I can assist with this process of change in a positive way:

1) Guide my students towards thinking in a “western” or structured way and instill the confidence in them that they can and will have a positive impact and influence on the challenges facing PNG today as they are the future leaders and decision makers of this country.

2) Interact with the locals (as an equal) and learn to converse in Tok Pisin. Kaikai buai sampela taim wantaim menmeri bilong dispela ples.

3) Assist local business and community leaders in establishing a web presence. (Eg: Killen Technologies)

4) Supply current information to the locals that do not have access to books or Internet. I have met a national called Jerry. Jerry works in the library and lives in the settlement adjacent to UNITECH. I have been passing some information Jerry’s way which he he is taking back and sharing with people not only from his settlement but also from other surrounding settlements.

Rob