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CommUnity Support
CommUnity support is necessary for Palms Australia to prepare, send and support our volunteers, but it also has benefits for the Australian community.
CommUnity Partners receive regular updates of Des' placement, so you too will learn about life in PNG as Des experiences it, part of a community of people committed to a more just, sustainable, peaceful and interdependent world.
Sacred Heart High School, Tapini, PNG
Tapini, in Papua New Guinea's Central Province, is located 180km from Port Moresby and is only accessible by small plane. As in many parts of PNG, Tapini's isolation makes it difficult to develop adequate services and attract skilled professionals. Many of the staff at Sacred Heart High School, though qualified teachers, are younger and relatively inexperienced.
The community in Tapini and the surrounding Goilala region are significantly disadvantaged by their isolation. The lack of affordable transport has cut off a major source of income by placing Port Moresby's markets out of reach for local producers. This has also led to an urban drift away from the area, creating many social problems. Sacred Heart High School is now aiming to provide vocational and practical skills in areas such as trades, agriculture and home economics, in order to develop skills which will remain useful in this rural setting. Such skills will provide more stability and sustainability for the communities in Goilala region.
Due to the difficulties associated with running a remote rural school with many inexperienced teachers Fr Brian Cahill MSC placed a request with Palms Australia for an experienced teacher to act in a teaching and mentoring role at the school.
Des Hansen
Palms Australia recruited Des Hansen, a retired teacher to work in Tapini for two years. He will work closely with local staff, sharing skills and expertise and contributing to the long-term vocational and academic education development of Tapini.
Des has over 35 years experience teaching in rural schools in Victoria. He has taken leadership roles at a number of schools and has experience in mentoring and assisting colleagues.
In letters of recommendation, Des has been described as a "caring, compassionate and hardworking teacher, whose greatest satisfaction came from doing his job well..." Des' positive example will complement the formal and informal mentoring he will provide.
CommUnity Support
Des' placement will not be easy but with the assistance of CommUnity Partners he can make a long-term difference for the people of Tapini.
Palms Australia and Sacred Heart High School need your help to meet the costs of sending and supporting Des. We must raise $12,800 to cover costs such as airfares, insurance and support in the field.
To send a message of support to Des or join the list of schools, community-groups, organisations and workplaces supporting this placement, please use the form below: