Gary & Helen Wolhuter volunteering in Papua New Guinea

Callan Services for Disabled Persons, Papua New Guinea

In many parts of the majority world, people with disabilities have little or no access to basic services which would enable them to improve their way of life. Ironically, the number of people with disabilities in countries such as PNG is disproportionately high due to issues of nutrition, malaria, basic hygiene, HIV/AIDS, violence and lack of early intervention. The rugged geography, traditional spiritual beliefs and many languages exacerbate the difficulty of providing necessary services, training and resources.

Callan Services for Persons with a Disability is a Papua New Guinean NGO founded by the Christian Brothers in 1991. Originally based in the town of Wewak, there are now nine Callan centres around the country helping people with disabilities.

Callan Services trains people all around the country in areas such as disabilities, community-based rehabilitation, eye and ear health and special education. They have numerous resource centres and clinics which provide physical, eye and ear care.

Gary & Helen Wolhuter

Palms will place Helen and Gary Wolhuter to work for Callan Services for Disabled Persons for two years.

Helen brings with her over twelve years of experience as a physiotherapist. She has training in all aspects of physiotherapy including sports medicine, aged care, rehabilitation, women's health and musculoskeletal care. Helen's role will include extending physiotherapy beyond the main centre of Wewak and also in training local staff in Community Based Rehabilitation.

Gary has worked since 1997 providing therapeutic massage, pilates and personal training. He has previously worked in the construction industry where he developed administrative and management skills. As Logistics Manager he will provide training local staff in finance matters, specifically in project funding. He will assist in the coordination of some building projects.

Together they will contribute to reducing poverty in Papua New Guinea, by increasing services available to people with disabilities, reducing stigmas and misunderstandings associated with disabilities and training local staff to continue the work after they return home.