Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel from the Defence Cooperation Program (DCP) and the Australian Olgeta Aviator Mobile Training Team from Australia recently visited Cheshire Inclusive Education Resource Centre in Port Moresby.
During the visit, ADF members donated books and toys and spent the morning playing games, reading stories and sharing laughs with the children. Cheshire Disability Services provides inclusive education for children living with physical and intellectual disabilities.
DCP Warrant Officer Class 2 Andrew Henderson reflected on the significance of the visit to the ADF personnel.
“Community connection is the highlight of living in PNG. It’s easy to get caught up in the operational side of our work, but days like this remind us why we’re here. Building relationships, sharing kindness and learning from the people around us, that’s what makes the experience truly special,” said Warrant Officer Henderson.
A volunteer at Cheshire Inclusive Education Resource Centre Kylie Jenkins, said “the school, operates largely through the dedication of volunteers and donations. The generosity shown through simple gifts like books and toys means the world to the children. It’s not just about the items, it is about the children seeing they are valued.”
The DCP has long been a cornerstone of Australia’s partnership with Papua New Guinea. Community engagement initiatives like this visit underscore the Program’s commitment to not only defence cooperation, but to Australia’s broader partnership with PNG.
