THE Papua New Guinea Correctional Services (PNGCS) has taken a major step to make its institutions safer and more inclusive by delivering a three-day Gender, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) Sensitization Training for Welfare Officers.
The training held recently in Port Moresby, brought together 23 officers from correctional institutions across the country. It focused on practical skills to help officers bring equality, dignity, and respect into their daily work, while tackling barriers faced by women, persons with disability and other vulnerable groups.
Course facilitator Father John Madigobuma commended PNGCS for their commitment to the training.
“The engagement from the Correctional Services officers throughout this program has been outstanding. It is clear that these officers are dedicated to strengthening their workplaces and uplifting the people they serve. Their participation gives me great confidence in the positive change ahead for Correctional Services,” Father Madigobuma said.
Supported through the Australia–Papua New Guinea Law and Justice Partnership, the training follows PNGCS’s launch of its new reform roadmap, RESET@50, which marks 50 years of service and set a new direction for the service.
Australia is a long-standing partner for PNGCS, supporting it to enhance leadership capacity, build staff skills, and upgrade infrastructure and equipment.
Acting Commissioner Bernard Nepo reflected on the Australian partnership and his experience with GEDSI, stating, “In PNG we come from strong traditional backgrounds, and training like this helps us recognize and address the challenges that arise as our world continues to evolve. I thank the Australian Government in supporting our efforts to strengthen gender balance and progress key GEDSI priorities across Correctional Services. I am pleased to see representatives from all provinces and encourage everyone to speak up and help drive positive change.”
Through this long-term partnership, guided by PNGCS’s own ambitions, Australia is proud to support PNG to build a correctional system that is fair, effective, and helps people return to their communities and rebuild their lives.