KAINANTU, Eastern Highlands Province — Youths from the ELC-Kainantu’s Ataru congregation in the Kingston area of Kainantu town have been working on improving their community through a beautification program and drainage work, following Social Accountability (SA) training conducted in 2023 in Kainantu.
ELC-Kainantu District Youth Training Facilitator 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 Church Partnership Program (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.
The Social Accountability training is supported through the Church Partnership Program (CPP), an initiative funded by the Australian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). Since 2023, CPP has been supporting Social Accountability work within ELCPNG to help equip youths and communities with practical skills to engage constructively with service providers and contribute to improved service delivery.
