Hereparu Village, Central Province: On January 18, 2025, a dedicated team from the Catholic Bishops Conference of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands (CBC PNGSI) made a significant donation to Hereparu Village, Kivori, in Central Province, following the destruction of 15 homes due to a malicious attack on December 14, 2024.
The donation, valued at around K8,000, was composed of food, canvases, and clothes, and house hold items to help the villagers recover from the devastating attack that left many families homeless and vulnerable. Ms. Stephanie Gerep, the Child Protection Officer of the Catholic Bishops Conference of PNG SI, along with Ms. Helen Oa, the CBC’s Human Resource Manager, and Mr. Terence Gumsusupa, the Project Officer, were the dynamic team that pulled together the small donation drive to help the village through such time.
The villagers expressed their deep appreciation, as CBC PNGSI became the first organization to offer substantial assistance. The team’s visit was warmly welcomed by the village, and a short speech of thanks was delivered by Mr. Mana Miria, the village Catechist.
The help also came with contributions from neighboring villages and the working-class elites of the area, who rallied together to support their affected neighbors. However, it was through the persistent efforts of Fr. Bernard Boem, the Vicar General of the Bereina Diocese, that the connection between CBC PNGSI and Hereparu Village was established. Fr. Boem worked behind the scenes to facilitate communication and bring the two parties together, ensuring the villagers received vital aid.
During the donation ceremony, Ms. Stephanie Gerep made a heartfelt statement that resonated with all in attendance: "The whole reason we came here is because of the children," she said. Ms. Gerep, who serves as the Child Protection Officer under the Family Life Commission, expressed her deep concern for the children of the village, who have been affected particularly hard by the crisis. "As the Child Protection Officer, my sole responsibility is to make sure the children are okay. And that is why we’ve come to support the village because we know many children will be suffering too."
Indeed, the children of Hereparu Village are bearing the brunt of the tragedy. Many have been forced to live without shelter, and their education has been disrupted, with no clothes or educational materials to allow them to go to school. Furthermore, the loss of homes has meant that many children no longer have adequate clothing or a balanced diet. The situation remains dire, and the need for continued support is vitally needed.
The villagers, still reeling from the attack, expressed gratitude for the help they have received so far, but their needs are far from over. As part of their recovery efforts, the community has requested prayers from fellow Catholics, hoping for continued support and divine intervention. Additionally, they have asked for small donations—food, clothing, or other essentials—that can help ease the hardship they face in the aftermath of the attack.
The team’s visit and donation now stand as a powerful reminder of the Church’s role in supporting the most vulnerable members of society. Through the generosity of organizations like CBC PNGSI, communities like Hereparu Village will surely find hope in the midst of such tragedy.
The road to recovery will be long for the people of Hereparu Village, but with the continued support of the Catholic community and other stakeholders, there is hope for a brighter future. The people of Hereparu will surely rebuild their lives and their homes again.
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