Generator repurposed for training and community radio station in PNG

A generator that once served Vision Christian Media’s Brisbane radio studios is now in Papua New Guinea (PNG) ready for use at the new YWAM Medical Ships Australia & Papua New Guinea (YWAM MS) training campus in Port Moresby.

After ten years of operation in PNG with medical ships and land-based teams, YWAM MS is now in the process of establishing a satellite training and outreach campus in Port Moresby for the facilitation of vocational training in a range of areas; including healthcare, hospitality, management, and media.

The generator will be utilised not only to power the training campus, but eventually a Christian-based community radio station that will serve Port Moresby and beyond. The station will broadcast uplifting and positive content throughout the region, while providing students undertaking media-related courses with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience.

YWAM MS Managing Director, Ken Mulligan, said the generator is an important piece of infrastructure for the campus’ development.

“Port Moresby’s power supply can tend to be inconsistent with regular blackouts. The generator is in great condition with minimal hours and is perfect for what we need to keep our power supply stable. 

“It takes a whole team of people from a range of areas to make what we do possible. We are grateful for the relationship we have with Vision Christian Media as we take this next step of growth – we are laying the foundations for exciting things to come,” said Ken.

There is a huge need for vocational training in PNG, particularly in Port Moresby where, in 2011, 90% of young people aged 15-24 were unemployed.^[1] YWAM’s training programs will combine skills training with character development and service opportunities, helping to instil a passion within young people to build their nation. 

Vision Christian Media CEO, Phil Edwards, said he was pleased that the generator is helping to support young people and the growth of Christian media, which was the very reason it became available.

“To facilitate our own growth, in 2020 Vision moved to bigger facilities which also meant we needed a bigger backup generator. Our old unit had pretty low hours so I was really thrilled when Ken let me know it could continue to be used to enable Christian ministry work at YWAM MS in PNG” Phil said.

The generator was transported from Australia to PNG by the YWAM Training and Medical Ship, MV YWAM PNG, last month. The MV YWAM PNG and her crew of volunteers are currently docked in Port Moresby, getting ready to deploy to Western Province to reach remote communities with healthcare and training.

For more information on YWAM Medical Ships, visit www.ywamships.org

 For more information on Vision Christian Media, visit www.vision.org.au

^[1] World Bank (2019); Papua New Guinea Urban Youth Employment Project: 2018 Impact Evaluation and Results (English). Washington, D.C; uddWorld Bank Group, pg 10.

Campus development will include student accommodation, training facilities, radio station, medical centre, and outreach support centre.