Desk for Migrants and Refugees Holds First Orientation for Refugees TVET Subsidy Program

The Desk for Migrants and Refugees held its first orientation on the 23rd of February

2026 for its project funded by MISEREOR (the German Catholic Bishops

Organisation for Development Cooperation).

The orientation program marked a significant milestone for the Desk as it begins the

implementation of its first TVET program aimed at empowering marginalized refugee

communities in PNG.

Migrants Officer (front right), Rainbow Community Chairman (front left) and the Director for the M&R Desk (back right) with four of the five students participating in the school fee subsidy program.

The project includes providing financial assistance to West Papuan students from

three different dioceses: Port Moresby, Lae, and Kiunga. During the orientation

program, students signed a deed of agreement which commits them to successfully

complete their TVET courses and to remain good citizens in their schools and

community.

Under this initiative, the project will support students by covering 75% of their school

fees at any recognized TVET institution located in the three project locations.

The orientation program officially inducted five West Papuan students—two males

and three females. Beyond sponsoring their education, the program aims to assist

students in securing employment after their studies.

Director for the Migrants & Refugees desk, Mr Jason Siwat.

This will include training sessions on how to write application letters, create CVs, and demonstrate general work etiquette expected by organizations. The M&R Desk will also explore partnership with potential employers to create opportunities for training and entry level employment to support the students enter workforce.

The Director of the Desk for Migrants and Refugees, operating under the Catholic

Bishops Conference of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands, delivered a bold

message challenging the students to view the program as an opportunity to equip

themselves with skills and knowledge to help lift themselves and their families out of

poverty and become productive members of their communities.