KAINANTU, Eastern Highlands Province — Youths from the Ataru congregation in the Kingston area of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Papua New Guinea (ELCPNG) Kainantu District have improved their community through a beautification program and drainage work, following Social Accountability (SA) training conducted in 2023 in Kainantu.
ELCPNG Kainantu District Youth Training Coordinator Grace Yagara said the youths, equipped through the SA training, began with awareness in the church and wider community, which led to strong participation in a general clean-up. Activities included cutting tall grass, clearing rubbish, making minor improvements on public access roads in and around the area, planting flowers, and encouraging members to keep their homes clean.
“Our first general clean-up was well organised, with every community member participating. After that, they ensured there were no tall grasses, rubbish, or overgrown plants left in their surroundings.
“They ensured our community is clean, healthy and welcoming,” Ms Yagara said.
The clean-up initiative also opened doors for community projects with business houses and other stakeholders. One opportunity came during ongoing drainage construction along the road to Aiyura Valley, where Ms Yagara approached the contractor and requested that the drainage work running through their community be done in partnership with the Ataru congregation.
“Our discussion was successful and the contractor agreed for our youths and community members to do the drainage work.
“Funding given for the work done will be used to build our congregation pastor’s house and support other church activities,” she said.
National Youth Director Tony Kundang said the Social Accountability (SA) training equips youths with the knowledge and skills to identify community issues, understand their rights and entitlements, and know who is responsible for delivering public services. He said it also strengthens youths’ ability to assess whether services meet community needs and to engage service providers through lawful and peaceful pathways, using three key tools: the Community Score Card, advocacy, and citizen journalism.
Mr Kundang said phase one of the SA training has so far been conducted with youths from Kainantu, Goroka, Madang and Jabem districts since 2023, with monitoring and evaluation carried out in November this year. He said, with the next phase of CPP support, the National Youth Office will advise on the next phase of the SA training in consultation with CPP and the respective district youth coordinators.
ELCPNG Kainantu District Youth Coordinator Hans Mala called for similar training to be rolled out to youths across the seven circuits of ELCPNG Kainantu District, describing youths as the next generation in the church.
ELCPNG CPP MERL Officer Shane Binabina described Social Accountability as a “game changer,” saying communities can contribute to improved service delivery when they apply it effectively.