Kapuna Community Health Worker Training School (KCHWTS), under Gulf Christian Services (GCS), has marked a new chapter in its history with the graduation of its first cohort under the revised 2024 Certificate IV Community Health Worker (CHW) Curriculum.
Eleven students graduated during a ceremony held at the Kapuna Hospital front stage, becoming the pioneer group under the upgraded national training framework. The event signifies a major step forward for rural health workforce development in Gulf Province.
Kapuna CHW Training School is the only tertiary institution in Gulf Province and has served the region for more than 66 years. The institution was established alongside Kapuna Health Centre by pioneer missionaries Dr. Peter and Dr. Lin Calvert, founders of Gulf Christian Services.
Their early commitment to serving remote communities laid the foundation for healthcare delivery and health worker training in the province. Today, the school’s continued growth reflects that enduring legacy of faith, sacrifice and service.
Representing Christian Health Services Papua New Guinea (CHSPNG) National Office were Training School Coordinator Mr. Lengi Derring and Media & Communication Officer Ms. Andrea Alois, who travelled from Port Moresby to Kikori before continuing by dinghy to Kapuna.
In his keynote address, Mr. Derring described the graduation as a historic occasion and conveyed congratulatory remarks from the CHSPNG Chief Executive Officer Mr. Ulch Tapia.
He highlighted that CHSPNG oversees 19 nursing and CHW colleges nationwide, contributing more than 400 nurses, around 700 Community Health Workers and nearly 50 midwives annually to Papua New Guinea’s health workforce.
Based on compliance and reporting assessments, he announced that Kapuna CHW Training School ranks among the top-performing institutions within the CHSPNG network — reflecting strong governance and leadership under Gulf Christian Services.
A significant highlight of the ceremony was the continued partnership between GCS Kapuna and TotalEnergies PNG, which began in 2017.
Recent infrastructure developments funded by TotalEnergies include a new double-storey male dormitory and a new mess facility. The additional infrastructure expands accommodation capacity, enabling increased student intake and improving overall training conditions.
Speaking at the ceremony, TotalEnergies National Content Manager Mary-Anna Reen reaffirmed the company’s commitment to partnership and community development.
“We are here to share the journey — we are in partnership. We see the importance of health access in very remote places,” she said.
Congratulating the graduands, she acknowledged their unique position as pioneers of the upgraded program.
“You are the pioneers of the upgraded Certificate IV CHW program, which has followed the upgrade of the hospital to Level 4. A special congratulations to you, because you are shaping the future of GCS at Kapuna.”
Her remarks underscored the link between infrastructure investment, institutional growth and the long-term strengthening of healthcare services in rural communities.
Principal Lucy Gawai described the graduation as unique, marking the first group to complete the revised Certificate IV CHW program and acknowledging the presence of CHSPNG national representatives.
Encouraging the graduates to recognise their responsibility as health professionals, she stated:
“Graduates, you have the education, the skills, and the passion to make a real difference. Whether you’re heading to further education, entering the workforce, or taking a different path, keep in mind that you have the power to create positive change.”
Referring to the graduation theme, “Serve and Not to Be Served,” she urged them to uphold integrity, compassion and commitment in their service.
She also shared her five-year vision to see Community Health Worker and General Nursing programs operating side by side at Kapuna, further strengthening rural health training capacity in Gulf Province.
Three special awards were presented during the ceremony.
Twenty-year-old Billy Laurahoi from Gulf Province received both the Theory and Clinical Awards. Despite facing health challenges during his studies, he expressed gratitude for the recognition.
A Spiritual Leadership Award was also presented, reflecting the institution’s commitment to developing both professional competence and servant leadership.
The graduation of this pioneer cohort under the revised Certificate IV curriculum marks a new chapter for Kapuna CHW Training School. It demonstrates strengthened partnerships, improved infrastructure, recognised institutional performance and continued contribution to Papua New Guinea’s rural health workforce.
As the 11 graduates move forward into their communities, they carry with them not only qualifications, but a responsibility to serve — shaping the future of healthcare in Gulf Province and beyond.
“Serve and Not to Be Served.”
