NZ continues its support to Callan Services

Callan Inclusive Education Centre was first to receive New Zealand’s High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, His Excellency Peter Zwart and his delegation Monday morning on his four day visit to Kavieng.

Along with the High Commissioner was Second Secretary Development, Meg Williams, Dr Ngaire Tihema, and Johannes Gambo, Kokopo Program Director.

Parents, students and teachers were there early, Monday morning to receive his Excellency, with a warm welcome.

Under the New Zealand’s Volunteer Services Abroad [VSA] program, Callan Inclusive education partnered with New Zealand’s VSA program since 2015. They have been receiving volunteers under the VSA program until 2019, it was suspended due to Covid 19.

The program revived in 2023, with volunteers returning to Callan Inclusive Education center, where they have mentored staff, parents, and guardians in vital areas supporting kids and people with disabilities.

“It's an opportunity for me to come around, escaping Port Moresby, which is a bit of a trap, and whilst Papua New Guinea is also here, actually it’s the first time, I visit the work of Callan Services here, actually I have seen what Callan is doing around the country,” he said.

Mr Zwart is a former project manager, for Caritas New Zealand, before becoming New Zealand’s High Commissioner to PNG.

The Commissioner was able to hear about the work of VSA volunteers with Callan, the challenges they face, and the success stories of children attending the Inclusive center.

Mr Zwart saw for himself the need for a more conducive space for the school going forward.

Callan Inclusive Education Centre currently has six general teachers, without no specialist. It runs exclusive under the department of education.