HIRI Koiari District is set to train and prepare more locals through a leadership program before they leave for seasonal work in Australia.
Hiri Koiari MP Keith Iduhu witnessed the graduation of nine coordinators from Upper and Lower Koiari, Goldie Ward, Barakau, Tubusereia, Hiri East, Hiri West, and Vavapa Brown Ward from the Senisim PNG Program under PNG Tribal Foundation.
Eligible applicants travelling to Australia under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme will undergo the Senisim PNG Program by attending an 11-week transformation table facilitated by the nine ward coordinators working under the district’s Labour Mobility Unit.
Mr Iduhu said development should not only be measured by the amount of physical infrastructure but also by human development through training and capacity building.
He said it is important to transform the mindsets and character of people before sending them into the workforce.
The district plans to have more than 200 people trained under the leadership program to become catalysts for change in the district and in their own lives.
“I am hopeful that the program has imparted a great deal into your personal wellbeing as leaders, and that every participant is a leader in your community who will continue to show up and apply what you have learned through this training,” he said.
He said the PALM recruitment process includes examinations, and literacy is very important for meeting job requirements. Having programs like this also helps applicants prepare for employment.
Senisim PNG National Coordinator Phillie Julai said the transformation table ran for 11 weeks, and the ward coordinators who successfully completed the program are now certified facilitators who can form new transformation tables and deliver the value-based sessions.