Week 6: Papua New Guinea

Mercy Works is a project of the Sisters of Mercy. It offers support to all who are vulnerable, with a special focus on young people aged 15 to 25.

“Mercy Works is a place for people to come and share their life journey in different circumstances. […] I encourage young women and men to see themselves as they are – special and unique.” Sister Maryanne Kolkia

Papua New Guinea Bena district, Eastern Highlands Province

Rollen 24 years old Rollen grew up in Kerenga, living with her mother, her two brothers and her mother’s family. She has faced many challenges. This is her story about how she learnt to overcome them and see goodness in herself.

Every day, Rollen would look after the goats, care for the vegetable garden and do the housework. She desperately wanted to study, but could not go to school. She felt “useless and hopeless”, and desperately wanted more.

“In 2005, one Tuesday morning, my mother and I were removing pitpit roots [a type of wild cane used to build houses] from the garden. My hands were covered in painful blisters, so I went home.”

On her way back to the village, while looking down at her swollen hands, Rollen felt there had to be more to life. Then and there, at the age of 17, she made a life-changing decision: Tomorrow she was going to start school.

The next morning, she headed to Siokiei Primary School. “Everyone kept asking me where I was going… When I arrived at the school gate, they went into their classrooms and I was left standing alone.”

Shaking off her nerves, she visited the headmaster. Rollen told him that learning was one of her greatest desires and she really wanted to start school. The headmaster handed her a pencil and exercise book, and told her to join Year 7. With her head held high, she took a seat alongside the younger students.

One day, Rollen volunteered to plant trees for Mercy Works. The next day she sat down with the Sisters.

Sister Maryanne Kolkia, Director of Mercy Works, met with Rollen and together they spoke about problems affecting Papua New Guinea, such as: Poverty Unemployment HIV/AIDS Addiction High child and maternal mortality rates Law and Order issues Low rates of children accessing education

They also discussed Rollen’s life and what she wanted for the future.

“It was through Mercy Works that I’ve become a mature woman and able to make good decisions. When they asked about my future, I told them that my greatest desire was to complete Year 10. […] I sat the entry test and was accepted to continue my studies – which I completed.”

Mercy Works also identified opportunities for Rollen to learn budget skills. Her family started to sell their home-grown pineapples at the local market. Her mum has since expanded the veggie garden and cares for poultry too – providing income and food for the family.

After graduating from Year 10, Rollen completed a Tourism and Hospitality course. She now works in a hotel in Port Moresby.

“I now know that nothing is impossible, it only requires desire and determination. With a humble heart I would like to acknowledge Mercy Works for their support, encouragement and advice. Thank you to the Australian people too for supporting Caritas and Mercy Works.”

Join us in Project Compassion: Let’s work together for justice and a brighter world.

Picture credits Fr Philip Gibbs Map (Slide 5): Google Maps - ©2012 Google