𝐿𝑎𝑒, 𝑀𝑜𝑟𝑜𝑏𝑒 𝑃𝑟𝑜𝑣𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑒- Church leaders and pastors gathered at the Morobe Mission Conference Room from July 15–17, 2025, for a transformative Disability Social Inclusion Training. The workshop aimed to foster greater awareness and inclusion of Persons Living with Disabilities (PLWDs), emphasizing dignity, rights, and active participation in church, education and community life.
Funded by the Building Community Engagement Program (BCEP) through the AusPNG Partnership, the training was facilitated by ADRA PNG in collaboration with the Morobe Disability Agency. Participants gained practical strategies and insights to create more inclusive environments.
Disability Advocate Durida Sisire opened discussions by stressing the importance of social inclusion, urging leaders to recognize the value and contributions of PLWDs. Bernard Paru, ADRA’s Church Partnership Program (CPP) Coordinator, reinforced the church’s role in breaking barriers and ensuring equal opportunities for all.
The key focus area was treating PLWDs with respect and dignity, ensuring their voices are heard in decision-making and leadership to ensure equal and fair participation in all areas of life, including 𝘦𝘥𝘶𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯, 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘮𝘴. Participants learned to make physical and program adjustments, such as improving accessibility and using inclusive language, to create welcoming spaces.
After the training, participants were awarded Certificates of Disability Social Inclusion in recognition of their commitment to fostering inclusivity. Among the attendees were two ADRA workers, Devlyn Jonathan and Jonathan Mathew, who contributed to the discussions.
Leaders left with a renewed commitment to take on board inclusion as a ministry, guided by Christian principles of love and equality. This initiative marks a significant step toward building a more inclusive Morobe Mission, where everyone, regardless of disability, can fully participate in society.
#DisabilityInclusion #ADRAPNG #MorobeMission #InclusiveChurch #AusPNGPartnership
