A DONATION of K200,000 to the Cheshire Homes at Hohola in Port Moresby to run programmes for person with special needs was indeed timely.
Cheshire Homes and Disability Services PNG is a non-government organisation and charitable organisation that offers wide range of services to persons with special needs and relies on donations and generosity from businesses and society.
It was a relief when they were visited by the Secretary to the Department of Prime Minister& National Executive Council (PMNEC) Ivan Pomaleu on Thursday. The Secretary also presented the cheque of K200, 000 to the Board of Cheshire Homes.
Secretary Pomaleu said the Lord above has created persons with special needs who are equal as other abled bodied persons.
He said it takes people with an understanding and caring heart to care for persons with special needs.
The Secretary said it is an area that need more attention in our society today as he also has personal experiences.
‘’I am a father to a special needs boy and I have empathy for the things you do for our people with special needs here at the Hohola Cheshire Homes,” he said.
“There would be other families with a child or a person with special needs too in their homes and may not have the ability to care for their needs. That is the reason why we value the work Cheshire Homes do.
“Admittedly our society has not had the required adjustment to build facilities to cater for their needs, have policies and services that is inclusive, that includes those who need special care and attention.”
He said that such care and attention would come, but it will take time.
“As and when society matures and able to understand that everyone who lives in society are equal members of the society, we begin to have those adjustments like in other countries of the world have,” he added.
“There are certain things like access to walkways, driveways, car parks and curbs at shops and main buildings, are not necessarily designed for those people with special needs in our society at the moment.
“That is something that I personally recognise and hopefully within the course of my time as Secretary will ensure some changes are made.
“I want to say that there is a special attention to the residents, people with special needs here today at Hohola that they are equal members with equal and special needs of our society.
“In all aspects of work, our existence, in all aspects of our conversation, we are dealing with equal members of our society who are just different.
“The good Lord made them different to all of us and on that basis, we want to give the assurance that we will continue to help wherever we are able to and can.”
He said that ‘there are some of us who understand, there are some of us who are very clear of what the challenges are’.
Secretary Pomaleu said he was happy to present the K200, 000 on behalf of the Prime Minister James Marape who had prior commitments.
“The cheque that I am going to hand over is the Government contribution from the community and social services fund managed and controlled by the National Gaming and Control Board.
Prime Minister Marape was the Minister responsible for the National Gaming Control Board when the commitment was made but took a while to process as the Gaming Board has it processes.
“I am pleased to come and present it on behalf of the Prime Minister and Government. I am sure it will be put to very good use,’’ said Secretary Pomaleu.
Meanwhile, Kevin Buckby a board member of Cheshire Homes thanked the government for the support.
He said the Cheshire Homes relies on continued donations and the Government support through the National Gaming Control Board is a relief.
“We only survive through the generosity of the Government and business houses.
“This is a huge relief for us because it means that we have the ability to keep going and supporting our programs into next year 2023 and continue the work we do.
“On behalf of the Cheshire Homes Board of Directors, management and staff say thank you so much for the support.
“These donation means the world to them, our people with special needs here at Hohola,’’ he said.
