By Lilian Sopera Keneqa – EMTV News, Port Moresby
The Leitana Nehan Women’s Development Agency’s Human Resource Development Center was officially opened in Buka, last Tuesday, 22 January.
This project was a tripartite collaboration among the Embassies of Japan, US and New Zealand High Commission.
Officiating the ceremony was President of AROB, Chief John Momis and Deputy Chief of Mission of Embassy of Japan in PNG, Hiroshi Nawata.
A tripartite partnership where the Embassy of Japan funded the construction of the Center while the US Embassy provides support for the organization’s activities and New Zealand High Commission contributed some equipment.
The centre, with 10 officers and over 2,000 users, provides counselling to victims of the Bougainville crisis, victims of gender based violence and training on gender and human rights issues.
With the completion of the project, the Agency now has a facility to conduct their activities in a safe and secure environment.
Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of Japan in PNG, Hiroshi Nawata said the center accommodates rooms for counselling, training and a safe house.
He is confident the organization will make the best use of these facilities.
The grant amount was over K200,000 with the shortfall amount covered by the support of Volunteer Service Abroad New Zealand.