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Our village friends welcoming us!

Our village friends welcoming us!


During this year’s outreach in the Bamu River region of Papua New Guinea (PNG)’s Western Province, one of the things that we repeatedly heard was that villagers were amazed and thankful that we returned.
They are so isolated that receiving services or resources for community development in the region is a distant, seemingly unattainable, dream. The fact that the YWAM Medical Ship returned a year after our initial visit was not only critical in the health and wellbeing of these communities, but was an extreme boost to morale.
Our presence helped to communicate important messages: You are valuable. You are not forgotten. There is hope for your future.
The Bamu River area is incredibly difficult to get to. However, there is a river just “next door” that’s even harder to reach- the Gama River. As much as we would love to sail our ship into the Gama to provide key services, the conditions of the river make it impossible for our current ship to navigate. At this point, the only way in is to take a small zodiac.
During the early hours of one cold and drizzly morning, we loaded up a zodiac with two of our most experienced crew, a midwife, a nurse, a translator/cultural expert, a photographer/writer, and our outreach leader. After journeying over two hours, we arrived in Nemeiti, the largest village of the Gama River.
A Zodiac carrying our mobile team into the village.

A Zodiac carrying our mobile team into the village.


Nemeiti is a village of 155 people with no water tank, no school, no marketplace, no health care worker, five short drop toilets, and one functioning radio. In many ways, walking through the village feels like stepping back in time a few hundred years.
Patrols come through every two to three years from the health centre in Balimo to drop off supplies and administer immunisations. If someone has HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, or any other serious illness, it would take them two weeks paddling in a dugout canoe to reach a hospital. Not only would it be a dangerous journey, but it would be rare that a village could scrape together enough provisions to sustain a journey of that magnitude.
A dugout canoe, the only form of local transportation in the Gama River.

A dugout canoe, the only form of local transportation in the Gama River.


In short, when emergency care is needed in this area, families instead prepare to bury their loved ones.
It was an ordinary Tuesday morning when our zodiac arrived laden with medical supplies, mosquito nets, and friendly foreigners. The entire community assembled to eagerly watch us set up our clinic in the church hall. Over the course of the day our small team preformed 33 baby checks, administered 92 immunisations, and cared for a total of 56 patients.
In addition to teaching about hygiene, nutrition, and malaria prevention, we handed out mosquito nets, soap, clean birth kits, and newborn clothes and blankets.
During our clinics in Nemeiti, we were called to another near-by village to help a mother who had given birth the day before. Although her baby had been delivered safely, membranes were still attached to her placenta, which weren’t completely delivered. This left her exposed to a high risk of haemorrhaging and infection.
While half of our team continued with immunisations and administering de-worming tablets, the other half embarked on a twenty-minute journey up river to offer services.
We found the young mother in a dark hut, curled up by a fire. She was laying on boards and a few scattered bits of cloth, smeared with blood and dirt. Her placenta hung on the wall next to her, still connected to her by long, thin membranes. They had taken measures to ensure a successful delivery, but were unsure how to detach the placenta without causing haemorrhaging (postpartum haemorrhaging is one of the leading causes of maternal death in the developing world).
Lydia, our midwife, swiftly sprung into action and was able to complete the placenta detachment with little trouble. Having volunteers with expertise in their fields is an immeasurable blessing! She then administered immunisations to both the mother and the baby and we left the small community among warm smiles as villagers waved farewell, thanking us and imploring that we come back one day.
The young mother and her day-old baby after being cared for by our midwife.

The young mother and her day-old baby after being cared for by our midwife.


Back at Nemeiti, the village leader told us that the most common causes of death in the area are sorcery, snakebites, crocodiles, malaria, poor quality drinking water, and unknown pains and sickness. When asked what the greatest needs of the village are he spoke about needing a school, an aid post, a water tank, a tin roof for their church, and teaching how to make sails for their canoes.
Our day trip into the Gama was a successful one – a mother’s life sustained, more than two hundred families served through various health care services and mosquito net distribution, and hope instilled in a people often forgotten. On our way out of the Gama River we stopped by several villages leaving mosquito nets for more than 150 families, and dreaming of the day when we would be able to further navigate these difficult river systems and reach more people with life-giving services, encouragement, and hope!

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Discipleship Training School - Townsville Campus

Our Discipleship Training School (DTS) gives you the opportunity to set aside five and a half months of your life to grow in your faith while serving the world around you. After 13 weeks of training and discipleship at our campus in Townsville, Australia, we take you on nine weeks of cross-cultural outreach. The DTS is a life-changing experience!  

Dates
  • 13 October, 2024 - 14 March, 2025
  • 26 January - 27 June, 2025
  • 13 July - 12 December, 2025
  • 19 October, 2025 - 20 March 2026

 

10802NAT - Certificate III in Discipleship (Non-Current - in transition period)

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Discipleship Training School - Port Moresby Campus, Papua New Guinea

The DTS will run from our satellite campus in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. The DTS will include a unique combination of discipleship, hands-on missions experience during both lectures and outreach, and the opportunity to make history as we establish a new campus in Port Moresby for generations to come.

Dates
  • 26 January - 27 June, 2025
  • 13 July - 12 December, 2025

 

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Introduction to Global Health & Development

Be immersed in a powerful combination of essential basic healthcare knowledge and community development training, with a focus on preventing illness, promoting holistic wellbeing, and empowering communities to develop their strengths.

Townsville Campus

To be announced

Port Moresby Campus
  • 14 July - 13 December, 2024
  • 13 July - 12 December, 2025
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HLT31220 - Certificate III in Basic Health

HLTAID009 -  Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

HLTAID013 - Provide First Aid in remote or isolated site 

HLTAID014 -  Provide Advanced First Aid

HLT31220 - Certificate III in Basic Health

HLTAID009 -  Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

HLTAID013 - Provide First Aid in remote or isolated site 

HLTAID014 -  Provide Advanced First Aid

 

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Global Health & Development Gap Year

Our Global Health & Development Gap Year calls those whose heart beats to see communities thriving - physically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. The Global Health & Development Gap Year is designed for both those that have experience in the health / community development industry, and for those who are starting out on their journey of healthcare in missions.

10802NAT - Certificate III in Discipleship (Non-Current - in transition period)

HLT31220 - Certificate III in Basic Health

HLTAID009 -  Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

HLTAID013 - Provide First Aid in remote or isolated site

HLTAID014 -  Provide Advanced First Aid

Dates

26 January - 12 December 2025

 

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Discipleship Bible School

During the course, you will have an opportunity to dig deep into the Bible, reading through all 66 books, gaining an overall perspective of God’s story. You will learn techniques for effective Bible study, and your speakers will help unlock the Bible’s fascinating content.

You will also be taught on topics. For example – you will look at Worldview and Origins as you study through Genesis, Exodus, and Job. Or you might look at Leadership and Worship as you study the life of David in 1 & 2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Chronicles, and the Psalms. Each book is filled with insights to be discovered!

Dates

26 January - 27 June 2025

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Introduction to Radio & Media

Good communication is essential for strong relationships, healthy families, and communities! Our mission is to train and equip effective communicators to share good news and influence positive community growth.

CUA31020 Certificate III in Screen and Media

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All Courses

Our wide range of registered training courses are designed to help equip you for your field of passion.

We combine elements of informal, formal, and non-formal education to not only impart knowledge and skill, but also good character, important life skills, and the motivation to serve and invest into the lives of others.

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Join YWAM Staff

Our volunteer staff team is a diverse mix of different nationalities, ages, skills, giftings, and backgrounds. Their dedication and passion makes what we do possible and we are always looking to expand our team!

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Pathways with YWAM

We have a range of pathways within our training and ministry that allows you to specialise in your area and grow your skillsets. From Hospitality to Global Health you can upskill yourself while impacting those around you

 

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Resources

Joining us for a Discipleship Training School (DTS) or Gap Year with us soon? We have compiled a few resources to help prepare you for the amazing journey that’s ahead!

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For Parents

Do you have a child that is interested in a YWAM DTS or Gap Year? We have created some resources for you as your child navigates their YWAM experience. 

Canvas Online Training

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YWAM Precinct

Our recently developed YWAM Precinct located in Townsville’s CBD is the perfect hub for youth to find belonging and empowerment. A high, medium and low ropes course, brand new cafe, and multi-purpose warehouse space for seminars and other activities allows youth the opportunity to flourish through adventure based learning.

 

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Youth Ambassadors

As a Youth Ambassador you will have the opportunity to lead your peers and the wider community in helping to support the work of YWAM Medical Ships in Papua New Guinea.

 

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Work Experience

We offer the opportunity for students to complete their work experience at our city campus in Townsville. This unique opportunity gives students the ability to not only explore a future career pathway, but also get a taste of working with a local charity that is dedicated to serving the community.

 

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Schools & Youth Leaders

We know that really quality, committed youth workers, teachers and families are some of the best things young people can have in their formative years. Our hope is to make your job a little bit easier by offering adventure based learning, mentoring resources, leadership and training pathways, and service based learning opportunities for youth. 

 

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Transitional Accommodation

YWAM operates a home in Townsville for at-risk youth. YWAM receives tenant referrals from local collaborating youth support organizations.

 

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Vision & Approach

We have the hope to create a safe environment for the youth of Townsville to be, believing everyone has the right to hope for an abundant and healthy life physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually. YWAM works in partnership and by invitation through Australia and Papua New Guinea.

 

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School Seminars

Our school seminar programs are designed to empower and motivate youth to live full and productive lives. Book these engaging and interactive seminars to strengthen your young people. 

 

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Youth Adventures

Youth Adventures is the ultimate service based learning opportunity for young people. We do all the work for your school or youth group so you can do the mission!

 

Pre-Register for Impact Summer 2024

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Impact Summer

Make an Impact during your Summer as you engage in epic adventure, learning and serving. 

Gain valuable skills through hands-on learning experiences at The Stable and the new YWAM Precinct, complete with hiropes and rock climbing wall.

 

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VET in Schools

Vocational education is one of the best ways for young people to explore their passions and get equipped. We offer several registered training programs for youth. In addition to all of the expected elements of a training program, our courses have an emphasis on building good character and the soft skills needed to be employable, while also giving students the chance to practice their skills within our organisation. 

 


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Adventure Based Learning
Adventure based learning programs are complete with a high, medium, and low ropes course, cafe, and multi-purpose youth space to run programs with a ‘learn by doing’ and ‘challenge by choice’ philosophy.
 

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Precinct Cafe

Help build healthy lives and communities in Australia and Papua New Guinea while dining at the YWAM Precinct Cafe

YWAM Precinct Cafe is a not-for-profit cafe located at 312 Walker Street in Townsville’s CBD.

 


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Dental Trailer

YWAM Medical Ships is now operating a Dental Trailer in collaboration with key stakeholders in Port Moresby with the purpose of providing dental services, training opportunities, and health education to schools in the National Capital District.

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Ship Outreaches

YWAM Medical Ships - Australia & PNG has been operating medical and training vessels in PNG since 2010.

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Our Footprint

Delivering basic services in Papua New Guinea (PNG) poses enormous challenges with 84 percent of the population living in remote, rural areas.

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Advocate

Join the YWAM Medical Ships team by becoming a Community Ambassador or Youth Ambassador in your local community.

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Mission Build
Mission Building is a volunteer program that gives you the opportunity to experience life at our campus all while supporting our work in Australia and PNG. Join us for two weeks to three months at a time that suits you!
 
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Youth Adventures
Youth Adventures is the ultimate service based learning opportunity for young people. We do all the work for your school or youth group so you can do the mission!
 

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Townsville City Campus - DTS, Volunteer, Donation
Support our community service projects and youth work in North Queensland by giving a donation to the YWAM Townsville City Campus. The campus also serves as the headquarters for the YWAM Training and Medical Ship, 99.9 Live FM, all training activities, youth work, and a home-base for all of our volunteer staff and students.
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Donate to support the work in Papua New Guinea
Join us in the vision of building healthy lives and communities for a healthy Papua New Guinea by giving a tax deductible donation that has the power to change lives!
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Ship Outreaches, Dental Trailer Outreaches, and more!

Joining us on outreach in Papua New Guinea soon? We are looking forward to having you! Your volunteer fees can be paid online on this page

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YWAM Medical Ships - Port Moresby Campus

Payments are in Papua New Guinean Kina (PGK) currency. Volunteer payments, donations, and projects in Port Moresby, PNG.

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Support Our Volunteers
All of our staff are full-time, self-funded volunteers, including our Managing Director! Each of our volunteers raise their own financial support outside of the organisation. This includes essential living expenses, outreach costs, and travel expenses.
Our staff include accountants, cooks, administrators, mariners, outreach leaders, medical personnel, trainers, housekeepers, program developers, communications officers, youth workers, and so many more! It truly does take a dedicated and diverse team to make what we do possibl

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Join us in the vision of supporting healthy villages in Papua New Guinea by giving a tax-deductible donation that has the power to change lives!