Introduction to the Project

54,000 people in PNG live with HIV/AIDS, the highest rate in the Pacific, resulting in 1,300 deaths per year.

Through bodies such as Anglicare StopAIDS PNG, established by the Anglican Church in 2000 and currently one of the main service providers in PNG, monies raised through our 2012 Lent Appeal will be used to fund Care and Support services, provide access to anti retro viral treatment, TB and STI treatment and to deliver appropriate and effective education.

Most women in PNG speak 2 or 3 languages yet half of them are illiterate.  This is not due to a lack of intelligence but lack of opportunity.

Poverty means they cannot afford school fees or reading/writing materials, and this is worst for girls who are often expected to work in the home and on the land.

Illiteracy and low status are wrongs that feed each other and make women more vulnerable to sexual abuse and HIV AIDS.  Monies raised through our 2012 Lent Appeal will be used to fund women’s literacy projects across
the country.

HIV AIDS and illiteracy exacerbate the low status of PNG women but projects to give them sewing machines and the skills to use them help women to be independent and equal citizens.

Through these projects they learn life skills as well as how to make clothes, bags and curtains.  Once made, the women can then sell their own excess items to help support their families.

The ability to earn their own living also gives them a voice in a male-dominated society.  Please help us through your donations to buy more sewing machines for the women of PNG.

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