Pacific groups want us to change our main focus away from funding, to working alongside them in a more equal relationship. This will enable us to tackle the attitudes of Australian government, business and the general public about development issues. Pacific people say they may not have money but they are not poor while they have their land, culture and community. Central Bougainville was effectively cut off from the outside world for eight years due to the blockade by the Papua New Guinea government, which was only lifted last month. Villagers use natural remedies such as guava leaf tea to treat diarrhoea, and coconut oil for anything from treating sores to powering vehicles and generators.
Some families even use microhydro generators to supply electricity to light their homes.
We have also created opportunities for Bougainvilleans like Ruby, to talk to Australians and the Australian government about the situation of people who lived behind the blockade. As the Australian government is poised to give funding for 're-building' Bougainville, people are worried that this assistance will bypass or undermine the extraordinary community initiatives that were built during the past eight years. The Bougainvillean partners on both sides are asking Community Aid Abroad to make sure that the Australian government listens to Bougainvillean priorities for Bougainville. When we are able to do these, then can we be said to have changed meaningfully. See also the Community Aid Abroad Pacific page.