Thirty-three (33) pediatric patients at Port Moresby General Hospital received food, essential items and encouragement over the weekend when university students and church groups visited two children’s wards.
The visit was part of a Christian outreach programme.
Three students from the University of Papua New Guinea’s Tertiary Fellowship for Christian Students (TSCF), together with members of other church groups, took part in the outreach in partnership with the Christian PNG Network (CPNGN) churches and the IBSU Tertiary Fellowship for Christian Students.
The groups donated cartons of biscuits and other food, bottled water, toothpaste and toothbrushes, children’s books, toilet and facial tissues and Bibles to the patients.
CPNGN leader Peniel Yake said the initiative was a reminder that people could make a difference by giving whenever there was a need, regardless of the size of their contribution.
“You can give a little or as much as you are able to. What matters most is being available, bringing positive energy, encouraging someone and putting a smile on their face,” Mr. Yake said.
UPNG Tertiary Fellowship for Christian Students Vice-President Indie Kain said the visit also reminded her to appreciate the importance of good health.
“These children should be out there growing, playing and experiencing life just as I did when I was their age. But instead, some of them are spending those precious moments on hospital beds,” Kain said.
She said the experience strengthened her understanding of empathy and the importance of caring for others regardless of their circumstances.
Mr. Yake said the initiative went beyond donating items and represented an act of compassion aimed at encouraging the children and supporting their wellbeing.
The ministry hopes to make the hospital visitation an annual event and is encouraging individuals to continue supporting people in need beyond organized church programmes.
The students also hope future visits will attract greater participation and allow them to reach more patients and communities in need.