Griffith University is currently hosting 25 Australia Awards recipients from Papua New Guinea (PNG) who are working towards becoming global leaders in the field of counselling.
The awardees are studying a Graduate Certificate in Counselling and a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment at Griffith University, which has been designed to develop participant’s knowledge and skills to expand and support the sector in PNG.
Having commenced the program in late January, Wilson Wilo, Child Protection & Welfare Officer from the Sandaun Provincial Administration, said that he was excited to be chosen to take part in this course, particularly as it is the first of its kind in PNG.
“The course has been a lot of hard work, but it is manageable and rewarding,” he said.
“While the culture in Australia is quite different to that in PNG the theory will be applicable in my work at home.”
“I will use the skills I have learnt to advocate, intervene and to help tackle domestic violence and child abuse in my community.”
Some of the key courses covered during the program include counselling theory and skills, hidden victims — family/sexual violence, ethics, and person-centred planning.
The Australian Government funded scholarship allows recipients to partake in short-term study, research and professional development opportunities in the country in support of shared key development priorities of PNG and Australia.
On completion of the course, the awardees will return to PNG and their practice to share their knowledge and skills within the sector, while also improving the lives of their clients and community.
Australia Awards PNG short course opportunities build valuable people-to-people links both within Australia and within the Indo-Pacific region, enabling mid-career professionals and emerging leaders to tap into Australian expertise, gaining valuable skills and knowledge.
To find out more about Australia Awards PNG visit Australia Awards in Papua New Guinea.