A workshop campaign against violence is set to get underway this week from November 22-25 at Karizokara Village in rural Bundi, Madang Province.
The workshop is expected to attract over 500 participants from all over Bundi with presenters from Port Moresby, Ramu, Goroka and Chimbu.
The workshop is organised by Vincent Kumura, who does community work and was awarded the 2016 Digicel PNG Foundation Men of Honour Community Ingenuity Award.
The theme of the workshop is “Yes We Can” and is aimed at building a better, progressive and violent free Bundi and a similar workshop was held at Yandera in June.
Violence and lawlessness were norms for Yandera and Bundi over the last decade which Kumura believes are results of the Marengo Mining exploration boom.
It had a big impact on nearby villages triggering a lot of youths to be involved in the consumption of homebrews resulting in violent behaviours affecting the whole community.
Kumara said that for remote communities like Bundi, people are desperate for any major impact projects such as mining.
He explained that youths are not prepared to manage themselves properly in the process of change therefore the communities are in dire in of positive change.
By hosting the major workshop, he hopes to see a better, progressive and violent free Bundi for the future generation.
Era Resources Yandera Mining Company will be assisting to airlift guest speakers and presenters for the workshop due to poor road conditions in the area.
Kumara thanked Era Resources for their continued effort in supporting his community services.
Meantime, about 800 medical prescription glasses will be distributed freely to eye patients after testing during and after the workshop.
Picture courtesy of Vincent Kumura, caption: Group Discussion by participants at the Ruvakangi Workshop, Yandera