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Lutheran Development Service

The Lutheran Development Service (LDS) is a faith based development entity of the ELC-PNG with links to over 3000 volunteer development workers nationwide.The ELC-PNG believes in and promotes integrated holistic development.The church delegated the physical and economic aspects of development of the grassroots people to LDS. Initially registered as a non-profit company in 1962 under the name Lutheran Economic Service (LES) the task was to serve the ELC-PNG by bringing economic development to the grassroots people. Over the years the focus has shifted from economic projects to self-help programs. Yangpela Didiman, the Infrastructure Division and the microfinance program PnK are direct results of this move. The name change to LDS reflects this change of direction.

Objectives

It is the expressed objective of LDS to improve the quality of life for the people of rural PNG and to strengthen their self-esteem. Special attention is given to the proper care for the environment, the basis for a dignified rural existence. LDS supports the villagers’ efforts to help themselves and offers training in YANGPELA DIDIMAN WOKABAUT SKULS to become effective Christian leaders and committed citizens of Papua New Guinea. LDS aims to facilitate integrated sustainable and participatory development in response to the needs of rural populations.

LDS PROGRAMS

The Yangpela Didiman

This program, running for over 30 years, is at the core of LDS. Its aim is to improve the livelihood of the people in remote areas of PNG through training and extension.

Village based Motivator Training (VbMT)
Villagers are offered a ten month village based course known as Wokabaut Skul to equip them to serve their own people as volunteer development workers. The course centred on agriculture is open to both males and females of all ages. The training also includes modules on aquaculture, community development, nutrition health and hygiene. The looming HIV – Aids epidemic is seen as a development issue not merely a health concern and is addressed in every module taught. Based on the belief that the environment we live in was created by God and is given to us to care for we teach environmental awareness and good stewardship of God’s creation routinely in all training and extension activities.

Village based Extension Services
YD maintains an active follow-up program. Motivators are visited by YD extension staff at least twice a year. The extension officers based in rural villages throughout PNG offer short courses, refresher courses and field days to YD motivators and interested farmers. Their remote location makes them accessible to most motivators and villagers.

click here to YD Program

Infratructure

The LDS Infrastructure Division endeavours to empower villagers to plan and implement their own projects to enable people in remote areas to improve their livelihoods. A simple suspension foot bridge for example will often save hours of hiking, it might even save lives. At people’s request LDS is planning and building suspension foot bridges with the people for the people. In a country as rugged as PNG aeroplanes are often the only means of transportation. LDS, working with the Department of Civil aviation, assists villagers in building airstrips in remote areas.

Clean running water might be the single most important factor in improving rural health and development. LDS assists villagers with planning, funding and constructing water supply systems.

The projects are carried out by the people themselves under the guidance of LDS staff. In this participatory approach the process is of equal importance to the final product because it conveys ownership and with it sustainability. Care is taken to construct systems as simple and maintenance free as possible.

click here to Infratructure Division

Putim na Kisim (PnK)

Putim na Kisim is Tok Pisin for putting something in and taking it out. In the context of PnK it is money that is deposited or withdrawn hence comprising a Savings & Loan microfinance scheme. PnK endeavours to make available ap-propriate financial services to the eco-nomically active low income people in remote communities. To achieve its mission Putim na Kisim has created a network of groups throughout the ELC-PNG whereby it is reaching out to a very large number of people in rural areas. PnK Groups formulate their own policies and guidelines, appoint their own management committee and make their own decisions on loans. Since the loans are backed by their own family and community people are more committed to repaying and therefore give more people an opportunity to borrow.

click here to read on PnK Program

LDS - Disaster Relief

LDS is commissioned to co-ordinate the relief efforts of the ELC-PNG in any disaster in PNG. Most recent relief was given in earthquakes, flooding and droughts.LDS co-operates closely with the efforts of government and Non Government Organizations (NGOs). It co-ordinates emergency health services and organizes pastoral care. It distributes food, water, shelters, tools and building supplies, purchased by or donated to the ELC-PNG.LDS always concludes disaster relief with the resettlement and rehabilitation of the victims.

LDS - Associations and Cooperations

LDS has been a member of the National Alliance of Non-Government Organizations (NANGO) since 1991. There has always been a good working relationship with government departments, especially with the Division of Agriculture and Livestock (DAL) and NARI, CDS, ACIAR, PNG Sustainable, NGO groups and other Agencies. LDS works together with other denominations in an ecumenical co-operation. It is actively participating in educational exchange programs.

LDS Areas

Although established by the EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH of PAPUA NEW GUINEA, LDS provides services to rural people in all areas of PNG, regardless of their Christian denomination. Preference is given to people living in remote areas.

LDS Fundings

LDS projects and programs are funded through a variety of organizations. The first and most important source of funding are the villagers themselves. LDS realizes that local ownership of a project is of the utmost importance to the success of a project and therefore requires a sizeable contribution from the villages before outside financing is sought.
The Lutheran World Federation is the major long term financial partner for LDS programs and projects. The national government and several provincial governments and other donors like PNG Sustainable Development, CDS, AUSAID & ACIAR have helped with funding for LDS programs.

Application Procedures

Who can apply?
Any community can apply for the programs of LDS. The applications have to be lodged with an ELC- District Office for assessment and approval. Applications from areas without an ELC-PNG presence are sent straight to the LDS office in Lae.

What are the fees?
Courses are highly subsidised and participants are asked to contribute a flat rate ranging from 10 to 50 Kina. Infrastructure projects can only commence once the beneficiaries have paid their share which amounts to 20% of the total cost.

If your have questions or to get more information, please contact
Lutheran Development Service
P.O. Box 291
LAE, MP 411
Papua New Guinea
Telephone:472 1122/ 472 4588
Fax: 472 1638
Email: lds.administration@googlemail.com


  
Last Updated: 01 March 2009