Kerowagi District in Chimbu Province has become the first district this year to sign the District Community Development Centre (DCDC) agreement with the Department for Community Development and Religion (DFCDR).
The agreement was signed by Kerowagi MP Francis Kikin Siune and Minister for Youth, Religion and Community Development, Jason Peter, in Port Moresby last week.
The partnership paves the way for the establishment of a people-focused facility to deliver community development services at the district level.
Minister Jason Peter congratulated the Kerowagi District Development Authority and the local MP for the partnership forged.
He said the agreement is a step forward in bringing services closer to the people, right down to the district and ward levels.
Mr. Siune commended the Minister and the Department for the initiative, saying it marks an important milestone for the district.
“It is a privilege to sign this agreement for a key development in my district,” said Siune.
“After 50 years of Independence, this is a milestone achievement that will improve service delivery to our people.”
He added that the DCDC will support the district in addressing social issues and strengthening existing programs.
“We have been running a number of community initiatives, and this facility will help accommodate and coordinate many of our programs,” he said.
“It will add value to the development work already happening in the district.”
Once established, the DCDC will serve communities across the district, including ward-level populations and vulnerable groups, through the Department’s empowerment and protection programs.
Key programs to be replicated through the DCDC include GBV prevention and response, women’s empowerment, informal economy and financial literacy initiatives, disability and elderly support, community learning, community environment programs, as well as youth and children’s programs.
Meanwhile, the DCDC Team and the DDA will facilitate a Sanapim Pos ceremony soon after the signing.