The Goilala District Development Authority (DDA) presented a cheque of K600,000 to a Labor Mobility Agency, Soozoogoo Ltd., under the Labor Mobility Scheme aimed at creating employment opportunities for Papua New Guineans in Australia and New Zealand.
The program also seeks to empower the district’s youth and improve socio-economic conditions for families from Goilala, the agency said in a statement. Over 300 participants have already expressed interest in participating in the program.
Of the funding, K300,000 is dedicated to seasonal workers’ training, while the remaining K300,000 will cover costs associated with National Identification (NID) cards, passports, and visa processing for selected participants.
This initiative also falls in line with Papua New Guinea’s Vision 2050, which emphasizes human capital development and youth empowerment.
Participants will undergo extensive training in both PNG and Australia, ensuring they are well-prepared to meet the demands of their roles abroad. Additionally, the DDA has developed a management framework to oversee the program’s implementation and track its outcomes.
GDDA Chairman and the Member for Goilala, Hon, Casmiro Aia, emphasised the broader vision behind the Labor Mobility Scheme, saying it has potential to tackle socio-economic challenges and foster self-reliance.
"This initiative is about equipping our youth with the means to earn, learn, and return with skills that can inspire others and contribute to the district’s development," Aia told PNG Business News in an exclusive interview.
He noted the program’s long-term goal of creating a sustainable cycle of development by continuously sending batches of youth abroad to work and gain valuable exposure.
The program will also prepare participants to adapt to cultural and social differences in their host countries, ensuring smooth integration into the workforce.
The scheme aims to address critical challenges in Goilala, including unemployment, poverty, and underutilized agricultural potential.
Aia pointed out that PNG’s import-driven economy has left many families reliant on imported goods, while agriculture remains underdeveloped.
"Our youth lack access to large farms or plantations locally, but through this program, they have a chance to work, earn, and learn abroad," he said.
"We have an import-driven economy, which means most families depend on imported goods for survival, while very few engage in agriculture. This lack of focus on agriculture undermines our ability to provide for our population and ensure their safety and security," Aia said.
DDA Procurement Officer Philip Gugub told PNG Business News that this “small but significant” cheque presentation underscores the challenges faced by the people of Goilala in accessing opportunities abroad due to bureaucratic and financial barriers.
He praised the efforts of a committed team of Goilala professionals who have worked tirelessly to mobilize and prepare participants.
Gugub said: "This program is an opportunity to break the cycle of poverty, allowing families to pay school fees, address medical costs, and improve their living standards."
"We see this initiative as a stepping stone for Goilala to address unemployment and uplift the livelihoods of many struggling families."
Contracted Agency Assures Results
Dr. Felix Gitai, Managing Director of Soozoogoo Ltd., said: "This is not just about labor mobility; it’s a socio-economic intervention targeting poverty alleviation, crime reduction, and community empowerment."
He noted that participants expected to earn significant wages—up to 30 AUD per hour (78.5 kina) in Australia and that these earnings would not only benefit individuals but also create a ripple effect, boosting the local and national economy and foster sustainable development.
This "living, active intervention" is a “transformative tool” that enables Goilala’s youth to contribute meaningfully to their communities and build better futures for themselves, Dr. Gitai said.
Bridging Gaps Through Leadership
The Executive Officer of the Goilala DDA, Titus Girau, thanked the program facilitators and addressed critics of the initiative, saying: “This initiative links ordinary Goilala people to life-changing opportunities, offering hope for a brighter future."
Girau reaffirmed the DDA's commitment to the program and urged participants to act as ambassadors for the district. He highlighted the transformative potential of the program, which offers financial benefits and life changing opportunities for the people of Goilala.
