Comments

From Max Kuama Inia on Papua New Guinea’s National Standard for Community Development Workers
Is there re-validation of accreditation going on and how often?
From Rohan Sweeney on Health SWAps work
Thanks Albert and sorry I missed your comment earlier. The fundamental issues with aid that you raise are of course real and I suspect you know more about the in-country operational realities (e.g. in PNG). Evaluations have shown that SWAps can be useful tools for increasing accountability and transparency of health aid funding allocations, both of recipients and donors alike. Our research supports this, showing that health SWAps have on average, improved the efficiency of development partnerships. We’ve found that even with mixed levels of donor engagement, SWAps have had impact. With effort and engagement, this evidence provides compelling evidence that can work again. Kind Regards, Rohan.
From Bill Vistarini on International development research impact: 10 key insights
So good to see these common sense, practical approaches to aid articulated clearly and succinctly. I started work on aid programmes in 1970 and this is the best summary of best practice that I have seen. One suggestion: 1. Partnerships- understanding of local language should be included.
From allan karum on Low demand for microcredit in Papua New Guinea
Microfinance is the right choice, it helps poor people who are in need. Unlike other banks in Papua new Guinea they say the provide service but as for me they don't, they only want to make money, that is why the rich are still rich and the poor are still poor. I would like the microfinance management to operate in an honest way in order to change life. I am struggling too, I want a good future for my children and us as clients we must be honest especially in borrowing, please do not be selfish because it will affect everyone.
From Jeremie Kaltavara on Localisation in Vanuatu: insights from the response to a cyclone
Article does well to describe one of the the first localized response program in Vanuatu. In 2020 besides COVID-19, our islands were affected by TC-Harold in northern Vanuatu and volcanic ashfall in Tanna. The positive response of both State and NGOs in post-disaster activities was possible because of coordinated efforts by both State and NGOs. To me, one of the crucial component to the somewhat successful response was the assured on-site leadership by the Community Disaster Committees (CDCs). CDCs an NDMO initiative consistitues of village chiefs or elder, community leaders and village representatives (men, women and youths). Through CDCs, the state and NGOs were able to distribute relevant aid in a timely and fair manner.
From Vee on Why didn’t you just book a flight back?
Well I’ve been in Canada for 3 years, the same amount I haven’t seen my family, and almost 2 of those years I’ve spent just trying to get a flight back home. As I am single and not considered vulnerable I have been bumped off every DFAT flight I have tried to get to, to either accommodate someone more vulnerable than I or repat flights aren’t available on the east end of Canada where I am and only available on the west. Meaning I have had to wait for borders to open between the east of Canada to enter to the west of America just to catch the only available flight heading back home. Just feel like giving up and becoming a citizen in Canada already. Maybe by Christmas or New Years I’ll be back home.
From Martin on University drinking: why students drink, and the consequences
Good work, looking forward to check the next post
From BILL LATA on PNG LNG landowner royalties – why so long?
Great read Sam Koim!
From Rebecca Robinson on Papua New Guinea’s National Standard for Community Development Workers
Hi Yanny, it's great to hear that CDA and the development institute they are developing will use the manuals (also check out the other training resources you can download from the website - these are regularly updated). You have some terrific people involved in CDA who will be able to use the materials and approaches really well. Keep safe and well.
From Michael on Reserved seats in PNG: lessons learnt
Hi Nellie, Thanks for the comments. I don’t know of any study that documents the reasons for MPs’ reservations. As you say, it needs more studies. The issue was not extensively debated in parliament as well. That would have given MPs the chance to stated their reasons. Also, studies on this topic, so far, only focus on women. Researchers talk to former female MPs, female candidates etc. It will be interesting to see how this proposal goes. Regards, MK
From Juliet Hunt on Localisation in Vanuatu: insights from the response to a cyclone
The Vanuatu Women's Centre published a report on its own response to TC Harold in December 2020 - let me know if you would like to see a copy of this, and I will provide an email address for VWC, if you don't already have one. Thanks for the analysis in your blog.
From png is the best on Papua New Guinea is not Pasifika
PNG people do not want to be Pasifika. We are the biggest island in the Pacific (bigger than New Zealand). Why would we want to be part of other little islands?
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