A total of 22 participants have completed their training at the Somare Institute of Leadership and Governance.

These 22 participants are not just participants but are pioneer participants of the National Certificate 2 in Government Social Services, made possible through the support of UNICEF.

Manager of Corporate Training, Mr. Kwa, said that this program is a first of its kind at SILAG in the field of social services. He congratulated the participants and thanked UNICEF for funding this program. He extended his appreciation to the participants for taking up this course, which was delivered successfully.

This cohort brought together participants from a wide array of agencies such as the

1. Department of Justice and Attorney General,
2. Lifeline PNG
3. , Hope Worldwide PNG
4. , the Non-Formal Education System of the Evangelical Lutheran Churches
5. , the National Council of Women,
6. NCDC Urban Youth Development Program,
7. Links of Hope PNG,
8. the Scouts Association,
9. NOCFS,
10. the Department of Community Development
11. , the Department of Education,
12. Child Fund,
13. KPAC,
14. and other social services.

Director of Corporate Services, Mr. Allan Kamala, acknowledged the Training Coordinator, Mr. Jack Kwa, and Training Coordinator Ms Lotto Losenamo for delivering this program. He also acknowledged UNICEF for being a good partner to SILAG.

He recognized the UNICEF leadership team for having trust in SILAG to deliver this program. He stated that PNG has a lot of social issues and with this training offered, he hopes that all participants have found the concepts to go back to their respective communities and organizations to apply in their jobs to address social issues.

Mr. Kamala thanked UNICEF for their confidence in the institution and hopes this partnership continues.

Participant Jacob Manase, Director Policy at the Department of Community Development, said that the quality and relevance of the units delivered in this program significantly enhanced their capacity to improve work outputs.

He mentioned that they have gained practical skills, particularly in the unit on Digital Technologies for Non-Routine tasks, that will immediately influence the way they conduct assessments, compile information, and communicate with partners and execute tasks more effectively.

He highlighted that a lot was learned and grasped under this program and extended his sincere appreciation to UNICEF and SILAG for their commitment and investment in strengthening PNG’s social services workforce.

Manase said that this partnership has not only strengthened individual capabilities but also strengthened the institutions each of the participants represented.