We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Nicole, a generous P&O passenger, for reaching out to our charity devoted to improving the lives of the Kiriwinan people. Below are some photos from her trip that deeply touched her heart.
Additionally, we have a question for P&O that has been emailed directly to them and we are awaiting a reply.
“Delivery of our life-saving donations to Kiriwina has become more difficult since flights to the area have been suspended. We are now forced to take extreme measures to ensure our birthing and dignity kits reach their intended recipients, resulting in delays, added expenses, and uncertainty. We have been requesting support from P&O Cruises for over 11 years, as they visit Kiriwina eight times a year and can transport a few boxes of these essential items during their trips. Despite their claims of supporting other charities on the island, the recent surge in births on Kiriwina – with 20,000 more people than four years ago – means that many more birthing kits are needed. We work closely with the Islanders, the Milne Bay Provincial Health Authority, and the Education Department to provide our programs and donations. We urge P&O to reconsider their refusal to assist in delivering these vital supplies to Kiriwinan women during their cruise ship visits. P&O needs to contribute to the community’s wellbeing.”
Here are photos from our in-country manager, Toks Bwaina’s, most recent trip to Kiriwina last week. The purpose of the trip was not only to check on the status of the food security program but all our programs, including the water pumps for the clean drinking water project. He meet the VBA’s and deliver the birthing kits, lanterns, uniforms, medicines etc to them and the to the Losuia Health Volunteer. Toks also delivered more dignity kits to the Kiriwina High School.
Thank you to all our wonderful donors and sponsors… more help is needed to fix our water pumps; many are requiring parts and labour :(.
Additional birthing and dignity kits, uniforms, and feminine care products have been dispatched. Thanks to our wonderful sponsors and donors and packers and our wonderful Postie Andie 🙂
Although the Health System in Kiriwina is now operational, there is still a lack of basic drugs, and therefore, people cannot seek medical treatment from the Health Centre when they are sick.
The people seek alternative means such as traditional herbs as source of medicine or seek assistance from relatives in towns and cities to send them medicine.
Life-threatening cases are referred to Alotau Health Centre but is costly and many patients could not afford to meet the costs of boat fares, hospital fees and their up keep whilst in Alotau.
The Losuia Airstrip has remained closed for 2 years now and this makes travel difficult. Patience travel by boat or banana boats through rough seas to Alotau Provincial Hospital for medical treatment.
Featured photo, the fabulous Jess and Charly from Pharmacy Select Balgowlah. These donations are now winging their way to help the desperate people in Kiriwina.
It is a joy that we can be a part of Margaret ‘s vision to improve the lives of the people of Kiriwina. We value our connection to this work which is life-giving and enriching in providing access to healthy birthing, addressing food security and clean water, and supporting the education of students in a very remote part of our world.
The Convenor of the Yarralumla Uniting Church Arts and Crafts Committee, Lynne Thomson.
Our eternal gratitude goes out to the Yarralumla Church congregation for their ongoing support for the Rev Dr Ralph and Margaret Lawton‘s life’s work and legacy.
Kamatokisi!
Featured photo: Yarralumla Uniting Church delegation photographed with members of the Lawton family and a film crew from New Zealand Bible Society on our 2012 trip to Kiriwina for the Kiriwinan bible dedication.
The subsequent film of the 2012 Kiriwina Bible dedication can be seen at the following link: https://caringforkiriwina.org.au/about/rev-dr-ralph-lawton-and-margaret-lawtons-translation-work/
With the ongoing closure of the airport, deliveries to Kiriwina take perseverance and patience. All successful deliveries are to be applauded! These donations were sent via boat to Kiriwina from Alotau this weekend by our wonderful in-country manager Toks Bwaina.
Thank you again to all our sponsors and donors :).