PNG EncounterFirst Raises Awareness on Positive Values

The PNG EncounterFirst ran a five-week awareness campaign, with Program Coordinator Malone Pirisa and his team delivering life skills sessions to the youth in addressing social media abuse, alcohol and drug addictions, among other illicit activities. 

The community-based organization conducted awareness about social issues affecting the youth by providing positive lifestyle choices to improve their lives and become law-abiding, productive citizens. 

PNG EncounterFirst recently invited the former PNG Hunters’ premiership-winning playmaker, Ase Boas, to encourage the youth, urging them to quit bad habits and get involved in sports or activities that will add value to their lives. 

Speaking to the youth, Boas mentioned that many negative things have been said about Wildlife and the surrounding suburbs, challenging the youth to take responsibility and have faith to change that perception. 

“My encouragement is that all of you are here for a particular purpose. God placed you here, and you need to understand why you are here - why you are residing in Wildlife,” he stressed.  

“Don’t wait for your elders or seniors to do things for you. You need to take action and change your lifestyle to make a difference. 

“You must have a plan. Nothing comes easy in life. To achieve your goal, dreams require effort and consistency to become a reality.”

Boas shared that he had a dream about playing in the NRL, but didn’t fulfill that goal, noting that he wanted to inspire emerging rugby league players in PNG to play in the elite competition.  

“If I can not go, I will raise someone who will, highlighting that true success can also be found in helping others reach their dreams,” he told the youth. 

Boas challenged the young people not to leave their dreams as ideas, but to act on them by starting now, setting clear goals, and staying disciplined, while also encouraging them to reflect on their actions and take practical steps to carve a path beyond the ordinary. 

Director of PNG EncounterFirst Robin Kawaipa highlighted the importance of this community-based initiative, which is slowly changing the mindset of the youth and impacting the community.

“Over the past five weeks, we’ve had the privilege of walking alongside a group of young men, delivering life skills sessions focused on real challenges facing our youth today, like social media abuse, pride, alcohol and drug awareness, and making positive lifestyle choices,” he stated.

“Through our partnership with local rugby league clubs, we’ve created a space where learning and sport come together, facilitating these sessions before training and investing in the next generation, both on and off the field.” 

Mr. Kawaipa acknowledged Mr. Boas for making time available to advocate on issues affecting the youth and providing words of encouragement to them to embrace change in their lives. 

“A special thank you to Ase Boas, who has been part of this journey over the years. His story, discipline, and leadership continue to inspire our young people to dream big and stay committed to their goals and live responsibly,” Kawaipa said. 

Director Kawaipa and his team held a small presentation yesterday to thank the youth for their participation, and also announced the organization’s support for the upcoming 9s tournament. 

"We hosted a small presentation yesterday (25 March) and concluded our program on a high note,” Mr. Kawaipa said.    

“As a token of appreciation, we gave rugby league gear to the young men to support them in their upcoming 9s competition.

“We believe our youth are the future. By equipping them with the right mindset and life skills, we’re helping build resilience, character, and a stronger community.”   

PNG EncounterFirst, a non-profit organization founded by Robin Kawaipa in 2010, focuses primarily on community development, education, sports, and also delivers basic goods and services to rural areas across the country.