The Department For Community Development has undertaken a major process of consultation and research, together with global research institutes and local communities, to develop Papua New Guinea’s first comprehensive government policy concerning community development.
One of the Department’s greatest moments was having the policy framework, the Integrated Community Development Policy, endorsed by the National Executive Council in January 2007.
What do we mean by Integrated Community Development?
Development that is owned and driven by the community, with people developing skills and applying these to development activities that meet the needs of their communities where they live
Development that addresses the needs of families in a holistic way, and
Development that pays special attention to all groups in a community -women, men, children, youth, persons with disabilities, older people etc
What does the Integrated Community Development Policy aim to do?
Work with communities by promoting ‘inside out’ development and enhancing community access to learning and development opportunities; and
Contribute to government goals of empowering all Papua New Guineans to drive and benefit from the development process, as set out in the Medium Term Development Strategy and the District Services Improvement Programme
How will this happen……..Community Learning and Development Centres
At the village and urban settlement level, many communities find they need a dedicated place for their learning and development activities. These are ‘community learning and development centres’ (CLDCs) and already operate in many villages under various names. Examples are community resource centre, womens’ group, youth group and community learning centre.
Key features of CLDCs are that these:
Make use of local resources – this might include local leaders, membership fees, community trainers, bush material to build a CLDC and local labour (sweat equity); and that these
Draw on external resource people for support, programs and materials.
How will CLDCs be supported……..District Focal Points
District focal points are being established throughout Papua New Guinea to provide support to the village CLDCs. District focal points are central points for coordinating the delivery of training, services and community development resources to village CLDCs.
A district focal point coordinator will provide regular outreach to village CLDCs and work with communities so that they access the services, training and other support they identify for themselves from non-government organisations, churches, local businesses, government departments and other development partners. The district focal point coordinator will act as gateway for government and non-government service delivery and will be supported by a district advisory committee and a provincial advisory committee.
The Department For Community Development aims to have 45 district focal points operating throughout PNG by 2010, with all districts to be covered by 2016.
In 2007, four district focal points are being established in the following provinces. These are: West New Britain, Sandaun, Oro and Simbu.
For further information about the Integrated Community Development Policy, please contact Ms Molly Willie, the Chair of the Implementation Steering Group, at (675) 325 4537 ext. 865 and fax: (675) 325 0133 or email mdaure@pngfamilies.gov.pg.
