Local church pastors in the New Britain New Ireland Mission (Papua New Guinea) have received comprehensive computer training in an effort to increase professional development.
The four-day course took place in Kokopo (East New Britain), Kimbe (West New Britain) and New Ireland, with nearly 50 pastors attending the training. Participants were shown how to comprehensively use the internet, Windows operating software and computer systems, and Microsoft programs, such as Word and Excel.
The primary aim of the training was to equip the local pastors to write and submit their reports in a timely and presentable manner, teach them how to access and search for information online, and use email. Many of the pastors attending expressed excitement over learning the new technical skills, saying it would further assist them with the administration and management side of their roles.
“I learnt how to create a Gmail account and connect my phone to my laptop,” said Pastor Johnny Kamai, district director for the remote village of Pomio in East New Britain. “Now I can easily send my reports to the head office in Kokopo on time, instead of having to wait for the ship to take them across.”
The training was conducted by the communications and media department of the Mission, but is part of an overall push by the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Papua New Guinea to equip local pastors with technological and communication skills.
