A documentary film focused on domestic violence and social issues reached more than 1,000 students at Laloki Secondary School, outside Port Moresby, this week.
PNG Tribal Foundation conducted the two-day awareness program through the Senisim Pasin screening with over 1,000 students from grades 9 to 12, focusing on increasing awareness of gender-based violence (GBV) and sorcery accusation-related violence (SARV) in the country and encouraging communities to eliminate these issues. The purpose of the screening is to highlight the high prevalence of GBV and the rise of SARV as a pressing national concern that the young people of this nation need to be educated about and given the tools to be part of the change needed to see these issues eradicated from our society.
One-hundred and seventeen (171) students signed the Senisim Pasin Pledge, dedicating their thoughts and actions to reducing violence in their communities, making them better places to live, and setting an example for the next generation.
Senisim Pasin National Coordinator, Marjorie Finkeo, said the organisation is focused on raising awareness in schools because there are many social issues affecting young people today, and the future of the country lies with today’s generation.
“We want to bring awareness to many schools and have awareness talks on issues such as homebrew use, school fights, domestic violence, responsible reporting whenever violence against women occurs, and women being tortured over sorcery accusations.
“Also, the film talks about shifting the cultural mindsets of men and how they value women in their households and communities, as well as the roles and responsibilities women play those men often overlook without appreciating,” Ms Finkeo said.
Many students shared similar sentiments, saying they were deeply moved and emotional by the real-life stories of women facing violence at home and a woman who was falsely accused of practicing sorcery and escaped death in Simbu.
They said they want to be part of the change and make better choices as they grow up.
Deputy Principal Administration Dennis Oa, said, “We have attitude and behavioural issues among students, and we want to involve more students in behavioural change programs,” Mr Oa said.
Students also highlighted that a child who grows up in a home with abusive parents can be affected at school, become neglected, and may become abusive themselves as they grow up.