Getting up to speed

Trip Start Feb 06, 2008
1
7
22
Trip End Ongoing


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Where I stayed
The Women's Country Association Lodge
(Port Moresby hotels)

Flag of Papua New Guinea  ,
Monday, May 5, 2008

We are back in Madang until Monday morning when we go to Karkar Island for the last of our school visits.  We leave here at 8.30 in the morning with Marshall one of our programme organisers.  he comes from the island is excited about going back and showing us around.  we have had good reports about this school and look forward to the visit.  We have already drafted a report with the team on the basis of what we have seen so far.  There are 7 of us and we have covered 10 schools so far in the province looking at leadership and management and delivery of the new national curriculum.  There is a great deal of work to do at every level, if they are to reach their millennium goals.

Between us we have done a fair bit of travelling and there are major problems getting about.  No motorways here! Infrastructure is in need of major repairs, maintenance does not seem to be planned here. Too much aid has left them dependent on outside aid and that often doesn't reach it's destination! Bob resting in Manus
Bob resting in Manus
 !

There has been very heavy rains for the last 2 weeks and we love it.  Just like England in July.  We can cope with this kind of humidity. Madang town has had some major problems with power cuts over the fortnight and as this affects water supplies there is an additional problem with health.  Luckily things have improved for our weekend stay and we are staying in 'The Women's Country Association Lodge'.  It is run by a group of women who work to support and raise money for nationals who need help with education for themselves and their families.  They have coffee mornings knit, sell jam....does it ring any bells?  The accommodation is basic, it's close to town and the harbour, so very convenient and we fend for ourselves which is much better than being waited on at Madang lodge, although a bit of pampering is good once in a while.

For us coming to towns means a change of diet and different company.  It is good to catch up with other volunteers and to find out how their programmes are developing. Life  in Bogia is very relaxed. 
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