To work closely with the beautiful people of PNG, in one of the most remote places in the world, is the ultimate experience. This trek had everything you could want out of an adventure. Seven education and health professionals working together for seven days to give back to the locals living on the Kokoda Track. People that gave so generously in Australia's time of need during the Kokoda campaign in World War 2. People who now really need our help.
Volunteering is never easy work, but it generates a tremendous sense of achievement and fulfilment when you feel that you have made a difference to somebody, however large or small that might be. The act of volunteering has more meaning than the gift itself as this No Roads Education group discovered.
The schools that we visit are remote, and the teachers work with limited resources and very little assistance. Our team worked closely with the PNG teachers, delivering much needed professional development in Literacy, Numeracy and Health. The sessions were exciting for the PNG teachers as they learnt new strategies to help them with their ongoing teaching career. Working alongside the teachers in classrooms, sharing knowledge and skills that opened their eyes to different methods that will continue to benefit the children in this region.
Walking the Kokoda Track is a challenge, however this trek gives the perfect opportunity to experience it, without the exhaustion that comes from a full expedition. The group flew into the centre of the Kokoda Track and walked along the same path that those defending our country had walked over 75 years before. The volunteers were able to see the battle sights and listen to the heroic stories of our Australian soldiers. There’s no better cultural exchange as the shorter walking days gave the group the opportunity to spend time in the villages, meet the locals, and learn more of the customs and traditions of the people in this remote world.
Volunteering is never easy work, but it generates a tremendous sense of achievement and fulfilment when you feel that you have made a difference to somebody, however large or small that might be. The act of volunteering has more meaning than the gift itself as this No Roads Education group discovered.
The schools that we visit are remote, and the teachers work with limited resources and very little assistance. Our team worked closely with the PNG teachers, delivering much needed professional development in Literacy, Numeracy and Health. The sessions were exciting for the PNG teachers as they learnt new strategies to help them with their ongoing teaching career. Working alongside the teachers in classrooms, sharing knowledge and skills that opened their eyes to different methods that will continue to benefit the children in this region.
Walking the Kokoda Track is a challenge, however this trek gives the perfect opportunity to experience it, without the exhaustion that comes from a full expedition. The group flew into the centre of the Kokoda Track and walked along the same path that those defending our country had walked over 75 years before. The volunteers were able to see the battle sights and listen to the heroic stories of our Australian soldiers. There’s no better cultural exchange as the shorter walking days gave the group the opportunity to spend time in the villages, meet the locals, and learn more of the customs and traditions of the people in this remote world.
Anna, Claire, Les, Gary and Heather joined Dan & Rob, volunteering to help in the schools in this remote area. The group shared many laughs and were each surprised by what they gained from the expedition. Anna was on her third visit to the Kokoda Track, including the education trek two years earlier. The hills seem much easier to climb on this trek and she is now working on a project, writing a book that connects the Australian and PNG cultures. Claire, experiencing the track for the first time was amazed at the remoteness of the villages. Volunteering is not new to Claire, sharing stories of Tanzania and following the footsteps of her mother who has volunteered with the No Roads Health trips.
Les really connected with the culture of the people, developing a strong bond with her personal porter Keito, who was more than happy to share a joke and a laugh. Both Les and Keito kept the group entertained with their friendly banter throughout the trip. Gary was able to use his extensive knowledge in the health field to benefit the communities. His experience in the outdoors and keen eye for initiative games had the locals engaged and constantly in fits of laughter.
Heather’s preparation was second to none, and allowed her to achieve a goal in walking the track, learning about different cultures and share her passion for literacy with the PNG teachers. It was great to see her passion for teaching really shining through in the schools.
Les really connected with the culture of the people, developing a strong bond with her personal porter Keito, who was more than happy to share a joke and a laugh. Both Les and Keito kept the group entertained with their friendly banter throughout the trip. Gary was able to use his extensive knowledge in the health field to benefit the communities. His experience in the outdoors and keen eye for initiative games had the locals engaged and constantly in fits of laughter.
Heather’s preparation was second to none, and allowed her to achieve a goal in walking the track, learning about different cultures and share her passion for literacy with the PNG teachers. It was great to see her passion for teaching really shining through in the schools.
This was an amazing trip filled with unique experiences for all of the group. Ultimately, volunteering in PNG is a fantastic experience to undertake for so many different reasons. Volunteering not only benefits the remote communities our teams visit, it also has many positive impacts on each one of us, giving us purpose, reducing stress, bringing good health and a sense of achievement as a group of like minded people join together for a purpose.
The most valuable skills you can bring are compassion, an open mind, a willingness to do what’s needed, and a positive attitude. Give a little, change a lot.
Why not step up to the challenge? The people of PNG really need you and joining an Education trek with the No Roads Foundation is the perfect way to tick all the volunteering boxes.
Robyn Marklew & Dan Hogarth
Expedition Guides
No Roads Education
[email protected]
The most valuable skills you can bring are compassion, an open mind, a willingness to do what’s needed, and a positive attitude. Give a little, change a lot.
Why not step up to the challenge? The people of PNG really need you and joining an Education trek with the No Roads Foundation is the perfect way to tick all the volunteering boxes.
Robyn Marklew & Dan Hogarth
Expedition Guides
No Roads Education
[email protected]
