The United States Navy, through the Pacific Partnership Program 2025, conducted a three-day agricultural and livestock training in Lae, Morobe Province, PNG, from July 28 to 31.
Facilitated by US Navy veterinary personnel, the training equipped participants with practical skills in food safety, meat preservation and animal husbandry, including dairy, poultry, eggs and goats. Participants included representatives from the Morobe Provincial Department of Agriculture and Livestock, the Labu Miti Women’s Association, Lae About Tours and gospel workers from the Morobe Mission (MM).
The program supports the vision of Pastor Charles Paul, MM stewardship director, who is working to develop “Stewardship Ambassadors” across all districts. These ambassadors will use agricultural and livestock management skills to support their communities and share knowledge with others.
During the closing ceremony, a representative from the Morobe Provincial Government expressed appreciation for the program and called for continued collaboration. US Navy Captain Brown also thanked the community for its hospitality and encouraged participants to apply their training in practical ways.
Speaking on behalf of MM, Pastor James Dirye described the training as “just the beginning,” noting its value in building community capacity. Certificates were presented to the 18 participants, and US Navy facilitators were gifted traditional Morobe bilums containing Bibles as a sign of cultural exchange.
Pastor Paul closed the program by thanking local government representatives, community members and the Pacific Partnership team. He reaffirmed the mission’s commitment to working with partners to strengthen local livelihoods and support sustainable development in Morobe Province.
