Caritas Australia and its PNG partners are helping communities turn challenging life circumstances and relationships into more positive and harmonious ones with the Caritas Australia supported Centre of Hope.
Dominic, 47 is a former teacher and father of six from Papua New Guinea, living in Madang province on the north coast of mainland Papua New Guinea with his wife and children. Two of his children live on their high school campus where the costs are high and Dominic is struggling to afford their expenses.
Forty per cent of the PNG population are living below the poverty line. Domestic violence, drug and alcohol abuse and limited employment opportunities are making it very difficult for people to meet basic family needs.
Dominic faced enormous challenges getting an education himself. Intent on completing his Diploma in Teaching, Dominic moved to Port Moresby and looked for work to complete his education. With fortitude, Dominic eventually qualified as a high school teacher.
Sister Thecla, Centre of Hope’s Director, said: “Dominic was a violent man and most times used verbal and physical abuse in the presence of his children”.
In 2016, Dominic was invited to join PNG’s Centre for Hope, Safe House programme, soon after turning his difficult life circumstances around. Now a community trainer, Dominic helps other men change their behaviour and build more harmonious family relationships.
Dominic and his wife, Christophylda, took part in the “Family Anonymous” programme, which helps people tell their stories confidentially, supporting them to transform their behaviour.
“After entering the Caritas programme, I have actually changed some of my bad attitudes. It has really opened my mind and heart to see where my weaknesses are and I’m trying to improve,” Dominic added.
“Having people talking from their experience of violent backgrounds into becoming a changed person is worth more than person talking from theoretical knowledge,” Sr Thecla said.
“This can challenge other men to believe in changes or to admit their own situation and work towards change.”
Dominic’s advocacy and training work with other men in the community is bringing in a good income, helping him to afford his children’s school fees, as well as increasing tolerance and unity amongst different ethnic groups.
“I would like to thank people of Australia for your tremendous support. Without your assistance the Safe House programme would not reach out to the poor and marginalised of our communities to help minimise social issues affecting families and communities.” Sr Thecla continued.
Please help support the Safe House project and help bring greater harmony to families in Papua New Guinea. A brighter future for men, women and their families can start today.
To donate to Project Compassion, visit Caritas Australia’s website: www.caritas.org.au/projectcompassion or call 1800 024 413.