Kali - "Nails" fund raising for shelter construction project and insight development projects for ethics building in turbulent times

Report by:  Quentin Reilly, MD, Manus Island, June 2004

Papua New Guinea is in a state of change and some social upheaval as old mores and customs disappear and new ones are taken on.  This has resulted in a degeneration of social behavior in town areas and an increase of violence. Unfortunately those who have come from areas with more aggressive ways of life had had a greater influence in the towns than people who have come from more peaceful cultures.  It should be remembered that there are some 800 different language and culture groupings in PNG ranging from the peaceful 'pacific islands'style' to the highlands warrior style where being aggressive and gaining much as possible was the norm. Fortunately Manus is far north of the mainland of PNG and the large towns and it remains the most peaceful province in the country.

I have begun a program to strengthen ethics by promoting insight in these times of social change.  to do this I have produced a radio program called Dharma Toktok, booklets and books and held workshops on meditation.  I also counsel and advise on social and medical situations and see patients.

I have also started a bank account for the use of the people of Kali Island in the Manus Province to assist with the shelter program there.  This account is administered by the local community government member, Mr Linus Maan, together with the pre-school teacher and another member of the community. Accurate annual statements of receipts and expenditures are made.

The money in the account is presently being used to buy nails to assist with dwelling constructions. It is hoped that in future roofing iron might be purchased.  Kali is at the western end of Manus Island, some 80 kilometres from the main town of Lorengau where there are shops and communication and general government facilities. The people of the area are monetarily poor subsistence farmers and fishermen. Economic projects are difficult in the area because of its remoteness.

If anyone would like to give assistance to this project they could contribute to the Kali Buddhist Halivim Account at the Bank of the South Pacific, Lorengau, Manus Island Branch, account number: 1000 753870.

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Quentin Reilly, author of the above report is a content contributor, i.e.. photos and articles, to ManusIsland.com.  In the 1970's Quentin worked as the medical officer for Manus and has since then formed attachments with the people of Manus.  As a health consultant he has visited many Pacific islands and South East Asian countries over the past 30 years, and volunteers energy and resources in helping people at the grass-roots level to better develop their own resources.

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Credits
We thank Quentin Reilly for his contributions to the web site [photos and articles] and to the people of Manus.