Global Builders – Papua New Guinea
Global Builders Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea is located in the Pacific ocean just north of Australia. The country consists of the eastern half of the island of New Guinea, along with many smaller islands. Papua New Guinea is known as one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world. Even though they only have a population of 7 million, there are over 800 different languages spoken. Papua New Guinea is also one of the most rural countries in the world as less than a 1/4 of its population live in urban areas, and it is believed that there are still uncontacted people groups.
Global Builders teams work in and around the town of Kavieng, which is the capital of the province of New Ireland and located on the island of the same name. The city is made up of 19,000 people and is a popular dive, trekking, and surf location due to its biological diversity and close proximity to other islands.
Getting Involved
There are several ways that you can get involved:
- Donate to support this specific partner. Houses cost money to build, so any donation is always helpful!
- Join a virtual volunteer team, choosing to donate your travel costs instead of making the trip in person. This is the perfect way to stay involved and give back during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Urban House Sponsorship Cost: $6,900
Rural House Sponsorship Cost: $4,500
Upcoming Trips
Click on the leader’s name to learn more about the leader and trip details. Click “Join” to apply for their trip. Have a spot reserved on a “Full” trip? Complete your registration here. Or learn about sending funds to support local labor by joining as a virtual participant.
| City | Trip Number | Team Leaders | Dates of Trip | Cost | Status |
The Fuller Center in Papua New Guinea partners more rural families with more urban families in New Ireland Province. The rural families contribute timber for their own home as well as the home of an urban family, counting towards their repayment for the project and reducing the costs for the donors. Using a sawmill sponsored by volunteers, the timber is milled and used to construct the homes, with a vigorous replanting program following to ensure sustainability of this precious resource.
Rural families in Papua New Guinea tend to live with their extended families. On average the size of an extended family is 5-7 adults and their children. Many of these families currently live in homes built out of untreated round logs and sago thatch. In grass land areas, grass is used as roofing. These homes would typically only last 3-5 years. Urban families tend to live in houses of rusted tin that leak and are gravely inadequate.
The Fuller Center in Papua New Guinea is looking to help these families by working with them to provide simple, decent, and affordable homes. The work is led by a Board of Directors of dedicated Papua New Guineans who donate their time and energy into making the program possible. However, we need volunteer teams to help provide funding for these homes, which is where you come in!
What is a trip like?
Each trip to Papua New Guinea will be with a group of mission-minded volunteers – typically 8-20 total – who want to experience the world, meet new people, and make a difference. No skills required, and trips last 1-2 weeks and include time for R&R activities.
Sample Schedule:
- 7:00 a.m. – Breakfast
- 8:00 a.m. – Depart for work-site
- 8:30 a.m. – Start building
- 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. – Lunch
- 1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. – Continue building
- 5:00 p.m. – Evening free for dinner and relaxation
Exact schedules can be discussed and set depending on the team’s preferences and length of stay.
We will be building mostly new homes throughout the New Ireland Province area. The homes will typically be 400 sq ft and are built on stilts and are primarily made out of wood.
Work will typically involve helping the masons and carpenters. This work involves sawing, hammering, lifting, mixing cement, etc. We will provide necessary tools, but as with most build sites, it never hurts to bring a few small hand tools with you.
Teams will be staying at Loukong Place in Omo Village. Loukong Place is a guesthouse that is made up of 8 rooms with a total of 24 beds. There is a common outdoor space that can be used for relaxing and eating meals. The guesthouse has running water and electricity. All three meals are included in the trip cost. Food served to the group will come from arrangements made by the country host. Breakfast and supper will be served at the guesthouse while lunch will be provided at the work-site.
Transportation to and from the airport and work-site are provided. When distances are too far to walk, a van will be rented by the country host and used to transport participants.
A full packing list is provided in the Papua New Guinea guidebook. Bed linens and towels are provided by the guesthouse teams stay at, but we recommend you bring your own shower shoes and washcloth. Past participants have also recommended bringing laundry soap for hand-washing and pins to hang up clothes to dry. Coordinate with team members to share things like bug-spray and sunscreen. As always, it helps to bring a few safety items like work gloves, work glasses, and small hand tools.
Papua New Guinea is a nation of incredible natural and cultural beauty. Tens of thousands of visitors come every year from all over the world to experience the world-class surfing, awe-inspiring snorkeling and SCUBA diving, and relaxing beach resorts. Our local partners in Kavieng are just a short 10 minute boat ride from Nusa Island Retreat where volunteers can enjoy swimming, fishing, snorkeling, and a local market. Nusa Island is one of many such resorts in Papua New Guinea so take some time to look around and see how you may want to spend the few days before or after your build. You can also find more options in our PNG country guidebook.
A standardtrip to PNG will last 10-14 days and cost around $2000/person. That fee covers your lodging, food, in-country transportation, insurance, and a donation to fund the project. Fees to not include airfare, R&R activities, visa fees, or tips. Each trip will have a slightly different cost; contact your trip leader or globalbuilders@fullercener.org for more details.
Are you unsure of how to prepare for such an experience or just looking for some tips on how to be better prepared? If so, we suggest you take a look at our Trip Preparation page where you will find a lot of helpful information and links – Preparing For Your Trip!
Pricing – What’s included?
| Team Materials | Fuller Center hat, t-shirt, country guidebook, fundraising guide, & more |
| Trip Support | Easy contact with Team Leader and Global Builders staff |
| Food and Drink | 3 meals a day provided by safe, sanitary local vendors |
| Transportation | To and from work sites and airport |
| Lodging | Local guesthouse: Loukong Place |
| Travel Insurance | Currently provided by Core Travel Insurance. Contact GB staff for details |
| Life-changing work | Alongside your teammates and the homeowners! |
What happens after the trip?
Even after you return, your trip can have a sustained impact on both you and the community in which you served!
Learn how on our Country Champions page.
Learn the Basics – Area Info
| Language: |
Official languages – Tok Pisin, English, Hiri Motu
|
| Age Structure: |
0-14 years 33.93%, 15-24 years 19.86%, 25-54 years 36.65%, 55+ 9.56%
|
| Population: |
6,791,317 (2016 est.)
|
| Life Expectancy: | 67.2 years (Male 65, Female 69.5) |
| Climate: | Tropical climate with temperatures in the 70s-80s. |
| Currency: |
Papua New Guinea, Kina (K) $1USD = 3.18 K
|
| Literacy Rate: |
64.2% (65.6% Male, 62.8% Female)
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| Ethnic Groups: |
Melanesian, Papuan, Negrito, Micronesian, Polynesian
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| Religion: |
Roman Catholic 27%, Protestant 69.4%, Baha’i .3%, Other 3.3%
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