LIGHT UP PAPUA NEW GUINEA PROJECT

About the Project

Papua New Guinea (PNG) is a geographically and culturally diverse country with over 700 cultural groups residing in remote areas. Though it is rich in cultural diversity, social and economic development in Papua New Guinea is challenged by difficult geography, poor infrastructure development and low levels of education.

Papua New Guineans have a low life expectancy and the country has a high rate of infant and maternal mortality. In many isolated villages around Papua New Guinea, the rural health care centres provide 'front line' health care. Due to low levels of government investment in health services the majority of these health care facilities have no access to electricity and therefore, no lighting. This means that when medical emergencies happen after dark, care is provided by the light of a kerosene wick lamp or “Bom Bom” (see picture below of woman holding a “Bom Bom”) as it is known in Papua New Guinea. Unfortunately, this contributes significantly to the number of women who die giving birth due to the conditions under which they receive medical care.

In July 2008, Light Up Papua New Guinea:The Captain Nichola Goddard Project (LUPNG) was launched when the first light systems were installed in medical centres in the Milne Bay province of PNG.  Since that time, LUPNG has installed solar light systems in more than 220 health facilities which collectively serve approximately 600,000 people in 8 provinces. 

Thanks to the generosity of donors, the awareness and fundraising efforts of Tim and Sally Goddard, and the work of ATprojects Inc. – Light Up The World’s implementing partner in PNG – LUPNG has had great success with significant support from health care workers and the benefiting communities. In one community, a woman that gave birth after the solar powered lighting system named her child Peter in honour of the Project Coordinator.

As the program has expanded, there have been a number of requests for training and equipment from other communities. LUTW needs support to continue supporting this important initiative that is improving health care services in the most remote and vulnerable communities in Papua New Guinea. Please help us continue this important work by donating now and helping us achieve our goal of lighting up every health centre in the country.

About Nichola Goddard

Nichola Goddard is a Canadian who was born in Papua New Guinea. Nichola was born in Madang, Papua New Guinea and lived in Passam, Losuia on the Trobriand Islands and Kainantu in the Eastern Highlands. Although her family left PNG when Nichola was 3 years old, she was always proud of the fact that she was born in that country. Nichola was a Captain in the 1st Regiment of the Royal Canadian Horse Artillery. She was killed while serving with the Canadian military in Afghanistan.

Nichola’s parents, Tim and Sally Goddard have dedicated a significant amount of their personal time to raising awareness about the project and more generally about poverty issues in PNG. For more information about memorials and tributes in honor of Nichola Goddard, as well as events and activities connected to them, please visit www.nicholagoddard.com.