A welfare officer at Child and Family Services in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (ARoB) shared that many clients who came to him were traumatised by experiences of the Bougainville crisis.
“It is very challenging to rebuild a society that was traumatised by civil war,” Donavan explains.
“We are faced with many behavioural issues that transpired from the crisis. Many of these issues are affecting the lives of families, children and women in Bougainville.”
Donovan Tami’s role is to prevent and respond to any abuse, violence, discrimination and exploitation of children or family members.
He provides referral services to clients by helping them to access legal services and psycho-social services and issuing protection orders to victims of violence and abuse through the courts, under the Lukautim Pikinini Act 2015 and Family Protection Act 2013.
Donavan’s passion to contribute towards rebuilding his society has driven him to take up studies in counselling to empower himself to address these problems. He was one of twenty-four Papua New Guineans to study a Graduate Certificate in Counselling short course under the Australia Awards Scholarship program in 2021.
He says the course has equipped him with crucial knowledge and skills in counselling and has boosted his confidence when listening to clients and helping them according to their needs.
His counselling service has also gained trust from his clients.
“I am happy to be a male counsellor amongst many female counsellors. Men cannot deny the fact that they have emotional and psychological problems. Seeking help from male counsellors can be helpful for male clients, especially in a male dominated society.
“I would encourage a lot of men and women to be advocates against any form of violence that are affecting our families and society.
“The most vulnerable people being women, girls and children.
“We need to look after our families. There are services available that can help us. Protecting our nation is everyone’s business.”