Sustainable Development Goals
The Challenge
The Diocese of Kundiawa manages and implements several services including health and education, however the Diocese currently lacks a local employee with the skills, experience, and workplace readiness required to sustainably fulfil this position. Auxiliary staff need strengthened technical abilities, improved work discipline, and a more positive attitude toward employment. Without structured mentoring and ongoing skills development, local personnel are not yet able to independently meet the demands of the role or support consistent workplace standards across the Diocese.
How We’re Helping
In August 2026, Les Hartwig, a Palms returnee volunteer and an experienced , has joined the Diocese of Kundiawa in Simbu, Papua New Guinea as a Station Manager. His role will include:
1. Developing plans for regular maintenance of facilities and infrastructure, teaches fills in gaps in technical knowledge and skills and promotes local staff adherence to planned activities by way of supervision and working with them.
2. Establishing and maintaining good working relationships between employees on the same team by providing tailored technical guidance through “on the job” practical training.
3. Developing plans to empower local employees to maintain efficient, daily routines in attending to their daily task with commitment and pride and taking responsibility for their performance.
4. Modelling sense of responsibility and accountability on local employees to take care of their tools of trade.
5. Documenting the progress and impact of mentorship program by collecting evidence from individual performances and stories of change from the mentees.
Is the Project Sustainable?
The role leans strongly centres on building systems, habits, and confidence that continue long after the mentor leaves. By focusing on local ownership of maintenance plans, modelling consistent responsibility, and delivering practical, on the job training, the role strengthens long term capacity rather than creating dependency.