A note for our young people outside of Kikori wishing to engage with the Piku Biodiversity Network
Engaging with another person or community carries an inherent responsibility – the responsibility of impact. Every interaction, every word spoken, has the potential to ripple outwards, shaping the experiences of others. This responsibility becomes especially crucial when engaging with communities still grappling with the mental trauma of colonization and the introduction and unavoidable influence of outside contact, as is the case in Papua New Guinea (PNG).
Understanding the power of our impact is paramount. A seemingly insignificant interaction can have lasting consequences. A careless remark, even with good intentions, can not only trigger memories of past injustices but also plant a seed of doubt in someone’s mind, potentially eroding their sense of self-worth and the value they bring to their community. This, in turn, can lead to negative social and developmental consequences for the very community hosting the guest. Conversely, genuine respect and cultural sensitivity can foster trust and collaboration.
In PNG, the scars of colonization, though rarely spoken of openly, permeate social interactions. Preferences for who is listened to or served first, a subtle lack of cultural pride, and even small acts of shame – these are the echoes of a time when beautiful and vibrant traditions were misrepresented. This underlying trauma underscores the importance of responsible engagement.
Furthermore, PNG’s staggering linguistic diversity (over 840 languages!) necessitates a keen awareness of nonverbal cues. Even a fleeting thought reflected in a micro expression can be instantly understood by members of a community or village. This inherent sensitivity to body language makes responsible engagement even more important, as cultural understanding goes beyond spoken words.
These are echoes, yes, but they are also ongoing misrepresentations. Many of our traditions and cultures are still misunderstood and will remain so until we take ownership of the narratives and stories that define us. By looking back into the wisdom of our cultures and forward to where we want to walk with our PNG pride intact, we can ensure the correct representation of our cultures for future generations.
This is one of the biggest reasons why, at the Piku Biodiversity Network, we require anyone interested in volunteering or work experience to spend at least eight weeks with us in office before entering the field. Unfortunately, universities and other programs often don’t adequately emphasize the responsibility of impact. Young people, full of enthusiasm but lacking deep understanding, can unintentionally leave negative scars on the very communities they aim to help. At Piku, we take our responsibility of care and protection very seriously. The communities and people we work with in the Kikori River Delta have entrusted us with a privilege, and we ensure all who work alongside us are prepared to engage with respect, sensitivity, and a commitment to positive change.
Ultimately, recognizing the responsibility of impact creates a more ethical and sustainable approach to engagement. By acknowledging the power of our interactions, we can work towards fostering trust, respect, and positive change in communities like PNG, allowing their unique cultures and traditions to thrive alongside positive influences from the outside world.
For young people wishing to engage with us and participate in our programs an expression of interest letter can be sent to pikuoffice2019@gmail.com or admin@pikubionet.org.pg We shall notify you should an opportunity arise for you to do so.