The Department for Community Development and Religion, through the National Gender-Based Violence Secretariat (NGBVS), is rolling out a series of Basic Counselling Trainings to strengthen frontline response to gender-based violence across Papua New Guinea.
On behalf of Secretary Mr. Jerry Ubase, Acting Deputy Secretary Ms. Jenny Kila, opened the first workshop in Wewak, East Sepik Province and commended the commitment of participants.
“This work is at times heavy, lonely and bigger than one person – hence this gathering here today – a moment to pause, to connect, to understand and grow together as a collective group.
“Each of you carries stories, experiences, capabilities and compassion – you deserve to be here in this workshop,” she said.
The week-long program equips caseworkers with practical skills in counsellor self awareness, ethical practice, survivor centered approaches, confidentiality, and referral pathways.
NGBVS Director Ms. Diane Kambanei stressed the national impact of this program will help us reach the MTDP IV target of ensuring 60% of survivors have access to counselling services by 2027, and contribute to the establishment of 80 safe houses nationwide.”
The Wewak training, which began on 14 January, is the first in a three-province rollout.
The second program concluded in Madang last week, while the third will commence in Bougainville in February 2026.
Together, these efforts reflect the ongoing work of the National Gender-Based Violence Secretariat’s commitment to strengthen community level response, and ensure survivors across PNG have access to safe, professional counselling services.
The program is facilitated in partnership with PNG Counsellors Association.
At its conclusion, 23 participants from ESP and 24 from Madang received counselling certificates, recognizing their enhanced capacity to provide trauma informed psychosocial support to survivors of GBV.