A change is underway in Hela Province, where young men are being supported to find new pathways away from violence and drug abuse.
Led by Sister Claire Lembo of the Hela Family Support Centre, the “No Health Without Mental Health” program is delivering targeted training to promote wellbeing, behavior change and resilience.
In late October of this year, the Hela Family Support Centre, supported by the Australia–PNG Law and Justice Partnership Community Justice Fund, delivered its latest “No Health Without Mental Health” training in Hiwanda Village, Tari-Pori District for 41 participants, including youths and two women.
Sister Claire was joined by co-facilitator Mr. Luke Ango, known locally as ‘BigBook’, whose deep knowledge of Hela’s history and culture helps guide participants through difficult truths.
“Community Justice Fund brukim history blo Hela lo bringim kaikai go daun lo ol ples lain,” (“Community Justice made history in Hela by training to the villagers”) said Sister Claire, reflecting on the significance of bringing mental health education directly to village communities.
Delivered in the local Huli language, the training helped participants explore mental health as a holistic concept and to reflect on their role within their families and communities.
“This is the best description of mental health I have ever heard,” said one male participant.
Another, aged around 14, shared: “I smoked marijuana, consumed homebrew and assisted the fighting, but now I am going to change and go back to school.”
The training’s impact was immediate and visible.
By Day Two, participants arrived clean, well-groomed and focused.
Many of the weapons carried for protection were left at the door, and phones were silenced, so everyone could focus on the training.
One man, who left mid-session to join a nearby fight, returned the next day to apologies.
“I realized I did the wrong thing. I will not do that again.”
In addition, women also played a vital role in the success of the training, both as attendees and in encouraging male family members to join.
“As a mother, I plead for my sons to change,” said one female participant, who encouraged youth to attend church and seek peace.
Meanwhile, in November 2024, Hela Family Support Centre received a K25,000 grant to pilot the mental health training in Hela.
Following strong community engagement and positive outcomes, the program is now being expanded across more communities.
Australia is proud to support locally led initiatives like this, to strengthen community resilience, promote inclusive development and contribute to safer, healthier futures for all Papua New Guineans.
