Assessing the communication gaps between the Papua New Guinea National Volunteer Service, its network of skilled volunteers and hosting rural communities in Kerea and Kintunu villages in Papua New Guinea

Abstract

This project emerged as a response to problems experienced in Papua New Guinea by the National Volunteer Service (NVS) when they needed to communicate with their village-based volunteers. Two of the villages that the NVS had the greatest difficulty with were Kerea and Kintunu, and so these two communities were selected for this study.

A qualitative approach was chosen so that emphasis could be placed on research methods compatible with indigenous Melanesian culture. The data gathering techniques used were interviews, storytelling, observations, questionnaires and focus groups.

In Kerea village all five methods were used but in Kintunu, only the first three could be successfully employed due to the wide geographical spread of that particular village.

Finally, the recommendations prioritise the need for a more effective mobile communication supply and stress how a more reliable communication system can help to sustain the Melanesian way-of-life and improve the standard of living in rural PNG.