Callan Services in Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea (PNG) is a vibrant country in the Pacific region with diverse cultures and languages. However, it also struggles with various socioeconomic issues, including limited access to healthcare, education and employment. It is estimated that at least 30% of the population have a form of disability. People with disabilities in PNG face significant challenges, including a higher risk of poverty and marginalisation.
In 1991, the Christian Brothers founded Callan Services with the support of Christian Blind Mission and Save the Children to respond to the needs of people living with disabilities in PNG. Now, Callan Services is the largest provider of services to children and adults with disabilities in PNG. It is a leading disability rights, advocacy and representative network of and for all people with disability in PNG, with a particular focus on inclusive education and training.
Last year, ERD funded the Disability PAWA Project at Callan Services, which brought Safeguarding, Gender Based Violence, and Sorcery Accusation Related Violence training and advocacy directly to communities. These training sessions equipped communities and staff with the skills and knowledge to address these topics, promoting safety and wellbeing within the communities and building advocacy skills. The project team developed culturally and linguistically appropriate safeguarding awareness campaigns and education materials for people with a disability and their families in four locations in PNG.
In addition to the PAWA project, the organisation ran several other projects in 2024, including sign language training to healthcare professionals, teachers, private sector and community members in order to increase connection with people with hearing impairments. They provided training to Community Based Inclusive Development Officers, Disabled People’s Organisations, teachers and caregivers, to strengthen local capacity and foster community-based support, inclusion and accessibility.
Callan Services continues its core programming of outreach, screening, assessment, treatment, provision of devices and referrals to specialists for people with disabilities so that people living with a disability can participate in and contribute meaningfully to an inclusive society.
We thank Misean Cara for supporting the PAWA project, and look forward to collaborating with Callan Services in the future.
