We will get back to you in 48-hours or less!

It was a late Sunday afternoon in Karati Village when the YWAM Medical Ship had arrived. The Primary Health Care Team had started to bring supplies ashore to the Health Centre to set up the clinic when Clinic Leader, Alana, noticed a woman sitting on a metal bed with a tiny bundle in her arms.
Curious, she went over and enquired if the baby was new. Although baby Molly looked like a premature new born baby, Molly was actually already one month old! When Alana looked at the little baby’s face she knew something was horribly wrong. After talking to Molly’s mum through the local nurse who interpreted, it was discovered that Molly had been unwell with diarrhea and she had only been brought to the health centre the day before. But looking at this tiny little girl, Alana knew she did not look like this because of 24 hours of diarrhea and dehydration.
After saying a prayer for tiny Molly, she raced back to the ship to get a hot water bottle to keep Molly warm, a new jumpsuit and blanket and warm milk. The local nurses had begun treating her for the diarrhea already and her Mama was trying her best to get some milk to her – Molly had stopped suckling days ago.
Returning with the milk and clothing, Alana and the team helped change her. Looking at her tiny, bony frame, Alana thought to herself that she had never seen anything like it. This little girl was so malnourished and it broke her heart. She weighed just 2kg. The Size 0000 jumpsuit swam on Molly, she was just so, so tiny.
Then more and more of the story emerged. It seemed that Molly’s mother had difficulty producing enough milk and so she was also giving Molly formula. It’s hard to know if they were giving her enough, and often to make the formula last, parents will make a weak mix to make the formula last longer.  After asking why they had not taken Molly to hospital in Kapuna as soon as the nurses suggested it, the mother told Alana that the family could not afford to go. They also did not have the food to provide for them while away from their village and home. The child was apparently born at a healthy weight and yet with her decline over her first month of life, the parents never brought her to the clinic until now.
Sadly, it was looking much too late for intervention. Returning to the ship again, Alana and the team spread the word about Molly and discussed how we could assist in getting this family to a hospital. Excited to be able to offer the fuel to get the family to Kapuna and with the idea of getting the local villagers to donate food to the family, they raced back to the clinic. As they arrived, they started telling the nurses the plan, hardly stopping for a breath! They were shocked when finally the village nurses had the chance to tell them that just minutes after they had left for the ship, baby Molly had passed away.
Alana and the team were heartbroken and had so many questions about why a baby who was born healthy had her life cut so incredibly short. Even if answers were available, they would not reduce the grief of her parents and family.
Later that night, Alana thought to herself, “How does this happen in our world today?” She thought of her own little niece, Stella, who was born in Australia, a good healthy weight and is absolutely thriving as a now seven month old. “Stella never would have been put in that situation. So how is it another little girl in a nation just next door, dies of malnutrition?”
Stories like Molly’s are what the ship is determined to see less of which is why they not only treat, but educate as well. Health education is one of the greatest gifts that can be given to the people in Papua New Guinea.
With a broken heart for Molly, Alana is hopeful for others; “I know we could not save Molly, but I am thankful for all the lives I know we can assist and save through the work of the YWAM Medical Ship.”

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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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Small Boat Patrol Outreaches

YWAM Medical Ships is collaborating with key stakeholders in the nation by utilising small boats to bring health and training services right to the doorstep of those who need it most. These patrols have a specific focus on empowering the youth of communities to live healthy lives to contribute to a healthy nation.

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Recent Ship Developments

We are excited to share developments on what the future of Medical Ship looks like in Papua New Guinea.

 

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Ships

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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Annual Reports

Read or download our annual reports. 

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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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Discipleship Training School
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. You will also have the option of choosing an elective, giving you the opportunity to explore your passions and calling. The DTS is a life-changing experience! 10802NAT - Certificate III in Discipleship 
Townsville Campus
  • 29 January - 30 June, 2023
  • 16 July - 15 December, 2023
  • 22 October, 2023 - 22 March, 2024
Port Moresby Campus
  • 29 January - 30 June, 2023
  • 16 July - 15 December, 2023
 
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Apply Now  (Port Moresby Campus)
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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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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! 

10802NAT - Certificate III in Discipleship 

 

Dates
  • 16 July - 15 December, 2023
  • 22 October, 2023 - 22 March, 2024
  • 28 January - 28 June, 2024
  • 14 July - 13 December, 2024
  • 13 October, 2024 - 14 March, 2025

 

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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
  • 16 July - 15 December, 2023
  • 28 January - 28 June, 2024
  • 14 July - 13 December, 2024

 

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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. 

 


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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

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

28 January - 13 December 2024

 

 


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!

Townsville Campus
 Port Moresby Campus
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Communication

Good communication is essential for strong relationships, healthy families, and communities! Our mission is to help mobilise effective communicators to share good news and influence change. Our communication pathways are tailored to suit your level of experience and the time you are willing to invest.

 

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Global Health

Our global health pathways include options for both experienced healthcare professionals, and those who are looking to be trained. Whether you are supporting logistics or in the thick of treating patients in a remote village, you can be assured that you will play a vital part in helping to build healthy lives, communities, and nations!

 

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Hospitality

Hospitality is a powerful gift that helps build community and shows care for the individual. Our hospitality pathways are designed to help equip you to deliver various aspects of hospitality with excellence.

 

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Events

Events have the power to strengthen hope and build community. Our events pathways will equip you to create unique events with excellence and a bit of pizazz!

 

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Training

Training is the key to multiplication! Our training pathways are about equipping others with the skills, knowledge, and character they need to serve communities.

 


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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!

 

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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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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. 

Apply Townsville

Apply Port Moresby

 

Discipleship Training School

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 one of our campuses, we take you on nine weeks of cross-cultural outreach. You will also have the option of choosing an elective, giving you the opportunity to explore your passions and calling. The DTS is a life-changing experience! 

10802NAT - Certificate III in Discipleship 

 

Townsville Campus
  • 16 July - 15 December, 2023
  • 22 October, 2022 - 22 March, 2024
  • 28 January - 28 June 2024
  • 14 July - 13 December 2024
  • 13 October, 2024 - 14 March, 2025
Port Moresby Campus
  • 16 July - 15 December, 2023
  • 28 January - 28 June 2023
  • 14 July - 13 December 2023
Learn More Learn More

 

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Apply Port Moresby

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
  • 16 July - 15 December, 2023
  • 14 July - 13 December, 2024
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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

 

Apply Townsville

Apply Port Moresby

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 a series of speakers will help unlock the Bible’s fascinating content.

 

Townsville Campus

To be announced

Port Moresby Campus

To be announced

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Purpose & Leadership Development

An internship with a difference! This is a two year, hands on course that trains you in the core aspects of being a full-time volunteer with YWAM anywhere in the world. The skills and knowledge you will gain during the two years apply to much more than just the missions context, they can be transferred to your next job, ministry opportunity, or further study. 

10899NAT Certificate IV in Christian Missions

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Advanced Leadership Development

The Advanced Leadership Development  is a hands-on, two-year course that gives you the opportunity to develop your understanding of leadership from a Biblical perspective. The training includes a combination of classroom-style learning, practical application, and mentoring. 

10944NAT Diploma of Christian Missions Leadership

 

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Introduction to Radio & Media

Introduction to Radio & Media will equip you as a radio announcer, podcaster, or audio producer. As part of your training, you will be working at 99.9 Live FM where we are announcing to over 26,000 listeners in North Queensland with the message “It's Good to Be Alive.” 

CUA31020 Certificate III in Screen and Media

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Provide First Aid

During this course you will be equipped with the skills to respond and provide first aid for accidents and injuries, provide life support, provide CPR and manage a casualty’s condition until further help or assistance is available. Your training will be a combination of theory and practical hands-on experience to equip you to assist others in need.

HLTAID011 Provide First Aid

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Our Training Approach

Our vocational training is designed for those who are seeking not only a qualification, but also an opportunity to use their vocation to serve others. 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.