Happy New Year from Restoration PNG

Ministry Update

 

As the need for crisis counseling increases, we are putting together a guide for local pastors to use as an intervention tool for those seeking help for abusive situations.  Once the guide is complete, we will hold a training for these pastors in order to equip them to counsel both the victims and perpetrators of violence. With the majority of the perpetrators being men, this guide will focus on recovery and accountability for men who see their need to change and have a desire to change. We will educate them and guide them to become safe, healthy men. For the victims (most of whom are women), we will focus on their healing and educate them on what safe and healthy relationships look like, and how to know that their partners are making the positive steps to change, rather than continuing in a cycle of abuse.

Pray for myself and my translator as we translate these guides and training materials into the national language, Melanesian Pidgin. Pray that we can accomplish this in a timely manner, as it is a desperately needed tool, which will save lives and positively impact current and future generations. Pray that lives will saved, both physically and spiritually, as we infuse God’s Word and the Hope of the Gospel into the pages of this manual.

Recent News

Daniel is here with us for the holidays! It is wonderful to be able to spend time with him. These days he is working with YWAM in Australia, doing Christian radio and media, and serving in many other ways.

Gender-Based Violence in Papua New Guinea

In Papua New Guinea, the intersection of gender-based violence and poverty forms a complex and pervasive challenge that significantly impacts the lives of many, particularly women and children. Gender-based violence is a deeply rooted issue, encompassing physical, emotional, and economic abuse, often exacerbated by cultural norms and limited resources. Poverty exacerbates this problem, creating a cycle that is difficult to break without targeted interventions.

One of the key contributors to the perpetuation of gender-based violence in Papua New Guinea is the lack of education. Limited access to quality education denies individuals the tools and knowledge needed to challenge societal norms and advocate for their rights. In many instances, women and girls who lack education are more vulnerable to abuse, trafficking, and enslavement, with their economic dependence on others often leaving them with fewer options to escape violent situations. Breaking the cycle of poverty and violence requires addressing the root causes, and education is a fundamental catalyst for change.

By offering free educational classes taught by volunteers as well as educational tuition fee assistance, we can help vulnerable populations in Papua New Guinea.

How We Make a Difference

• Crisis Intervention for Vulnerable Women and Children: We rescue women and children who are homeless or fleeing trafficking/enslavement situations, providing them with safe shelter and education. Many of these people are affected by HIV?AIDS, and have suffered abuse. Our partnerships with local entities ensure these women and children find hope and a new beginning.

• Support for Women Facing HIV and TB: Recognizing the plight of homeless women battling HIV and TB, we offer them a sanctuary. Here, they receive medical care, learn vital life and job skills, empowering them to support themselves and their children.

• Educational Initiatives: We plan to fund school tuition for students, aiding families who struggle with education expenses. Our efforts are particularly focused on remote areas where access to education is a challenge. Offering free education classes led by volunteers is another initiative of ours.

Educational Volunteer Opportunities for 2024

 

Volunteers can be remote or in-person, but they are essential!

Consider teaching one of the following topics;

1. Budgeting and Basic Math: Empower individuals with essential financial literacy skills, supporting them in making informed decisions and securing a stable future.

2. Running & Starting a Small Business: Share your expertise and guide others to turn their dreams into reality.

3. Health, Hygiene, and Nutrition: Contribute to the well-being of families by educating them on essential health practices, hygiene, and nutrition, laying the foundation for a healthier community.

4. Men’s/Women’s/Family Health Awareness: Be a catalyst for positive change by participating in awareness campaigns that promote overall health and well-being within the community.

5. English Literacy: Help bridge communication gaps and open doors to opportunities by teaching English literacy, a skill that is key to unlocking educational and economic potential.

6. Computer & Smartphone Literacy: Empower individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the digital world, fostering inclusivity and access to information.

7. Internet Safety: Join us in educating the community on safe internet practices, ensuring that individuals, especially youth, can navigate the online world securely.

8. Gender Equality: Contribute to the creation of a more equitable society by participating in initiatives that promote and uphold gender equality, which will lessen the risk of women becoming enslaved, trafficked, and abused.

If you are interested in volunteering or have any questions about how you can get involved, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

Thank you so much for praying and giving to support our work amongst PNG’s most vulnerable population.  

God Bless,

Jennifer Wesner

Director of Restoration International