The second District Community Development Center (DCDC) combined workshop for Highlands and Momase regions began in Lae yesterday.
The three-day workshop was opened by the Minister for Youth, Religion and Community Development, Jason Peter.
It followed the first combined workshop for the Southern and New Guinea Island Regions, which was held in Central Province last month.
More than 30 participants attended the workshop and were informed on the DCDC concept, challenges, and programs to develop strategies on effective grounding and to enhance stakeholders’ collaboration, and staffing arrangements.
Minister Peter said the workshop would shape the future of sustainable, inclusive, and community-led development across our nation.
“By the end of this workshop, we will have a roadmap, one that ensures DCDCs become engines of opportunity, and every policy reaches the last mile,” he said
He added that DCDC would be a game changer, bringing services, training, and opportunities directly to the people.
“We will identify gaps, listen to grassroots experiences, and craft real solutions, because development must be rooted, not just theory. From provincial leaders to village elders, success depends on unity. We must align our efforts, resources, and hearts to make this work,” Mr Peter said.
Following Parliament’s passage of the Community Development Bill, Secretary Jerry Ubase said the new legislation enforced community development as a national priority, empowered local leaders to shape their future, and ensured accountability so promises become progress.
He added that the Disability Services Bill was ready to be presented in Parliament.
Morobe Provincial Administrator Max Bruten welcomed the participants and thanked the department for hosting the workshop in Lae.
The workshop also aims to finalise a well-informed Program Implementation Framework that can be replicated throughout the country.