YWAM Medical Ships is working together with YWAM – University of the Nations Kona Hawaii to expand their operations in Papua New Guinea (PNG) this month by exploring the feasibility of establishing a youth training campus in Alotau.
YWAM has been invited to establish the campus by the Member for Alotau Open and Minister for National Planning & Monitoring, Honourable Charles Abel.
The purpose of the YWAM Alotau Campus is to create opportunities for skills-based training, character development and volunteering in PNG’s rural areas; contributing toward the broad goals and principles of the National Youth Policy and the Higher and Technical Education Plan of PNG.
YWAM Medical Ships Managing Director, Mr Ken Mulligan, said that the YWAM Medical Ships Alotau Campus is an exciting step toward helping to empower PNG’s young people.
“YWAM’s unique training approach focuses on developing young people holistically – hands-on opportunities are matched with character development, Christian values and application that directly benefits not only the student, but entire communities.
“We are looking forward to expanding our work to a greater level through this new campus,” said Mr Mulligan.
The first programs to commence at in Alotau include pilots of two-week introductory seminars, covering a range of topics including basic health care, women’s empowerment, micro enterprise and community technology.
YWAM – University of the Nations Kona Hawaii Executive Director, Mr Paul Childers, said the seminars will help provide direction on a long-term strategy and approach for the new campus.
“These initial introductory seminars will help us gauge the appropriate style for training delivery as we progress toward delivering nationally accredited training in the future.
“Our desire is for the training to be culturally relevant and engaging – to help young people not only attain skills, but a true understanding on their value and their part to play in building their nation.
“These first few months are really about hearing from the students and the local community as we get to know each other in this context, and together explore the best strategy for long-term results,” said Mr Childers.
The YWAM Alotau Campus would attract and include people from all over the world, helping to create a vibrant environment for young people to grow and flourish.
The campus would also serve as a support-base for YWAM’s Medical Ships, serving in remote communities in PNG.
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