written by Salimah Samji
31 Developmental Leaders from across seven provinces in Papua New Guinea (PNG), working to reduce Sorcery Accusation Related Violence (SARV) and other complex problems, who successfully completed the PDIA online program were honored at an event held in Port Moresby on August 23, 2023.
The program was offered by The Voice Inc. (TVI) through its Local Leadership and Collective Action Program (LLCAP) funded by the Australian Government through the PNGAus Partnership Building Community Engagement in PNG program.
This was a significant occasion for TVI as this is the first cohort of PDIA leaders under the LLCAP which aims to support a network of groups and leaders acting on PNG’s most challenging problems. The program works on reform in three ways; growing dialogue, knowledge and debate on an issue, then supporting leaders and organisations taking action on that issue and, around these leaders, encouraging a broader coalitions of actors to bring increased resources to the reform objective.
Speaking at the event, Minister Counselor for the Australian High Commission Paul Lehmann commended TVI for its continued efforts in building coalitions and empowering local leaders to create local solutions for some of the country’s most complex issues. He urged the graduating cohort to continue their critical work to effect sustainable change.
The graduating cohort was represented by Dr. Preston Karue who thanked TVI for providing a platform for local leaders through the LLCAP and the opportunity to participate in the PDIA course. “Through the PDIA course, we were able to fully understand the problems in our local context and learn strategies to better address these problems. The PDIA is extremely valuable as it allows you to create solutions using the skills and resources that you have available to you”, shared Dr. Karue in his speech.
TVI has now commenced its second iteration of the PDIA program, bringing together a total of 38 developmental leaders after a rigorous application and selection process. The second cohort will focus on the issues of Taxation, Early Childhood Learning, Drug & Alcohol Abuse, Youth Employment and SARV. A two-day introductory workshop for the second cohort commenced on August 24, 2023. They are currently in week 8 of the program. Stay tuned to learn more about this program!