Port Moresby, the capital of PNG, only accessible by air and therefore cut off from the rest of PNG will be my home for the next two years. Arriving back at my port of entry into the country after 3 weeks in Madang I feel the dryness rather than the heat and whilst waiting to be collected it occurs to me that this is actually the first time I have been on my own since I've been here and it feels quite liberating.
Dr Neofa, Director of PNGEI (Institute of Education PNG) and Lucy Naka (Head of the Elementary (infant) Strand) meet me at the airport. I have met Lucy before in Madang when she came to take me to POM but I couldn't go as there was no accomodation ready for me. This is the first time I have met the Director and I am impressed by his easy manner, his unreserved welcome and of course by the fact that he is there at all. I can't imagine the director of the IoE in my country coming to meet a volunteer at the airport!
POM is a rapidly growing city within which almost anything is obtainable at a price. There is a cinema, a mall (small but it is there), many large supermarkets, household stores, computer stores, hardware stores and of course markets. Fruit and vegetables are particularly expensive for example I bought 2 carrots in the market for k1 (35p) each. This is because they are flown in from the Highland Regions, no roads come into POM. Most things are imported and cotton is particularly hard to come by and very expensive, I bought a sheet and 2 pillowase set for k118 (approx £40), I won't be buying any more I will be buying online from Australia. Why is this the case?
As far as I understand it aside from the import issue there is also very rapid growth in PNG greatly influenced by the LNG project which is distorting the economy to such an extent that the government is keeping money from the project off shore to minimise the impact. This is all a little beyond me as a bear of little brain but it is definitely food for thought!
”Helping to bring Papua New Guinea’s natural gas to market while balancing economic growth, environmental protection and social development demands the integration of ingenuity, integrity, innovation and reliability with an unwavering commitment to delivering on our promises.”
Such is the mission statement from Esso.
Back to PNGEI. As I write there is no electricity, the computer block built by AusAid for PNGEI is occupied by the DoE as are houses belonging to PNGEI (hence I don't have one), course materials remain unpublished and students continue to arrive. Term started a week ago but lectures are not expected to get going for another week or two electricity dependent as it is too hot to be in class without fans. My main objective as part of the LSP (Language Support Programme) team is to review the teacher training materials for elementary teachers and try to connect the training materials to the elementary schools curriculum which at present are two separate entities. However for now I will focus on building relationships, looking for areas where I may be able to make some impact and generally taking stock. I have started by baking some biscuits!
It does seem a bit odd that they chose as the capital a city no-one can get in or out of unless they fly!
ReplyDeleteI hope the biscuits came out okay!
It is odd but there is an historical reason for it which escapes me right now - I will look it up and let you know.
ReplyDeleteBiscuits ok but a bit soft, I think I put them in the tupperware too soon (any other suggestions?)
I gave them to the Director of PNGEI who seemed happy - he doesn't know what they should be like anyway. (He had to take me home again today because both the college buses filled up with the wrong fuel and now they are bagarup! Tee hee)