Government Supports Church Workshop to Protect Children

Port Moresby: The National Office of Child and Family Services (NOCFS) has presented a K65,510 cheque to the Family Life Commission of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands to support a special workshop focused on protecting children.

Dignitaries from the National Office of Child and Family Services (NOCFS) with the CBC Family Life Commission team and CBC Commission Heads.

The week-long workshop will bring together Family Life Coordinators from dioceses across Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. It aims to equip them with the knowledge and skills to address serious issues affecting children, such as drug and alcohol addiction.

Mr. Jerry Wap, Acting Director of NOCFS, handed over the cheque during a small ceremony. He said the Catholic Church is a trusted and reliable partner in supporting children, particularly in remote areas of the country.

Mr. Wap also commended the Family Life Commission for its efforts in running Positive Parenting programs. He urged families, churches, and the government to work together for the betterment of Papua New Guinea’s future, stressing that raising children with ethical values is a shared responsibility.

“The Catholic Church is already doing good work through the Lukautim Pikinini Act. This support demonstrates the government’s commitment to working with the Church to care for children and families across the country,” Mr. Wap said.

Sr. Lucy D’Souza, Secretary of the Family Life Commission, thanked the government for its generous support. She emphasized the Church’s presence in areas beyond the government’s reach and called for continued collaboration.

“This partnership will help us build stronger support systems for families, especially in rural areas where help is most needed,” Sr. Lucy said.

The Catholic Church continues to work closely with the government to bring hope, healing, and care to children and families in need.