Cultivating Hope and Leadership: PNG Workshop Empowering Future Changemakers
By Phillie Julai Marai - PAYA Co-CEO
As part of my engagement with the Papua New Guinea Tribal Foundation and in my capacity as a PAYA member, I facilitated a Professional Development Workshop on leadership development organised by the U.S. Embassy, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea at the American Corner – PNG National Library and Archives on Friday April 4th, 2025. The interactive workshop was led by U.S.-PNG Alumna, Pacific-Australia Youth Association (PAYA) member and staff at Papua New Guinea Tribal Foundation Mrs. Phillie Julai Marai.
The session was centred around the Senisim PNG Transformation Value Program, aimed at cultivating good values and servant leadership within individuals and communities.
Session Highlights:
The session was attended by 15 participants, all of whom actively engaged in both the presentation and practical segments of the program. Phillie Julai Marai delivered an insightful presentation on the Senisim PNG Leadership Development Program, laying the foundation for the values-driven discussion that followed. Six volunteer Senisim PNG Facilitators led the Transformation Table sessions, guiding participants through reflective discussions centred on the value of Hope. These facilitators served not only as guides but also as role models, demonstrating the core principles of servant leadership and the transformational impact of living with strong, positive values.
Outcomes Achieved:
1. Instilling Good Values & Servant Leadership: The session successfully reinforced the importance of living out values such as hope, integrity, and humility in daily life, emphasizing the power of servant leadership in driving societal change.
2. Encouraging Personal Development: Participants were encouraged to embark on personal growth journeys, recognizing that transformation begins within.
Personal Reflection:
Being part of this session deepened my commitment to the mission of the Papua New Guinea Tribal Foundation — to shift the mindset of our people by instilling good values and promoting servant leadership. Witnessing the genuine engagement and transformation among participants reminded me of the vital role we all play in shaping a better future for PNG.
