The new model Community Learning Centre (CLC) is light, easy to transport and more suitable for locations with poor road accessibility. It will be used as a community health training and awareness centre, providing essential health services to over 5,000 people living within the Saroa Keina and Kwikila areas of Rigo District. Hanua Heduru Bona Gaukara Hebou (HHBGH), a local self help group that provides village based health services to the community, will manage the new facility. Currently, HHBGH’s health services program covers a total of 35 villages in the area.

During the official launch ceremony, HHBGH Coordinator  Sr. Herminia Coderes, said: ““Today marks a very special occasion for the people of Saroa Keina village and the surrounding communities. We are very grateful to the Digicel Foundation for their generosity in responding positively to our needs and funding a CLC.”

“HHBGH has been providing basic health services to the community using limited resources. Having a facility that will function as a health clinic and coordination centre for health awareness programs means a lot to HHBGH. Now HHBGH will be in a position to serve the community better and expand health services to villages further away.” she said.

The HHBGH, through its village based health services program, has been working with the communities in Rigo District since 2005. Its major focus is on providing basic health services such as immunization for mothers and children, treatment for common sickness such as Malaria and TB, awareness on community hygiene and training of village health volunteers.

In congratulating HHBGH and the community, Digicel PNG Foundation CEO, Marina van der Vlies said, “The Digicel Foundation recognizes communities that are helping themselves to become more self reliant. We congratulate you all on the difference you are making to the health services in your community. With the opening of the first new concept Community Learning Centre here in Saroa Keina we hope that these essential services will be provided with an additional boost and that even more people will be able to benefit from basic health services”.

Since the launch of the Foundation last year October, 27 Community Learning Centres, 4 school building projects, a Meri Seif Haus and the first Mobile Clinic have been established. Over the next year the Foundation plans to fund more projects that aim at supporting communities to become more self-reliant in the future.