Frank Spiteri is surrounded by children in New Guinea. 81937
By VANESSA CHIRCOP
WHEN Frank Spiteri travelled to Papua New Guinea (PNG) to deliver 12 computers to remote schools in Mount Hagen, he was taken aback by the lack of resources at the schools.
Mr Spiteri said for many of the students, the computers he delivered were the very first they had ever seen.
The resident ended up in PNG as part of a special project by the Laverton Point Cook Rotary Club.
The project was initiated in 2011, when the Rotary Club hosted teachers from Mount Hargen for a two week study tour.
The club learnt that many of the local children were caught between the modern Western world and traditional village life, stuck in a village with no resources and unable to seek employment outside their village because of a lack of computer skills.
The Rotary Club sought donations and managed to purchase 12 computers for the area.
Mr Spiteri said going to PNG was a very rewarding experience.
“It was an amazing, inspiring experience,” he said.
“I even survived an earthquake.
“So I experienced everything on my trip.”
John Dawson, from the Laverton/Altona Meadows Community Bank, who contributed $1000, said the bank was more than happy to support the project.
“We are really proud that our profits go back into the community and make a difference,” he said.
The Laverton Point Cook Rotary Club is now looking at further ways to assist the Mt Hargen community in Papua New Guinea.
This includes clothes and shoes for students at the local schools.
