Michelle Hitchcock (past volunteer) – Project Officer on VSA's UniVol programme in Papua New Guinea

What Michelle did in Papua New Guinea

Michelle was working for the Kairak Vudal Resource and Training Center as Projects Officer. She worked closely with two staff members in a training department that provides three-day courses to smallholders in nearby villages. The courses provide advice on money management, keeping records and agricultural practices.

Michelle was researching particular agricultural issues – assessing the environmental and social effects of oil palm on smallerholders for example. She also helped organise the training and helped to improve systems and processes within the training section.

Making a positive impact

Michelle really enjoyed learning about life in PNG and seeing how happy and grateful people are at the end of the three day training course. Of life in PNG, Michelle says “the environment is the basis for most peoples’ lives there and they would be lost without it. It’s clear how important it is to take measures to ensure it is protected for future generations.”

She also really enjoyed the research side of her job. In particular, she was assessing the environmental and social effects of oil palm on smallholders in West and East New Britain and providing possible solutions to the soil gully erosion happening in the Gazelle Peninusula, East New Britain

Michelle’s highlights

“It was particularly satisfying gaining a permanent staff member for the training section to help cover the growing workload and provide better service and more training to our existing and potential clients.”

“Playing in a local university netball team was a real highlight for me. The team was particularly strong and the girls I played with were great. They included me just as they would any player.”

What PNG has taught Michelle

“How you can be happy living with only the basic necessities of life.”

“Having the time to rest and relax is a really good thing.”

“Information-sharing is key to a successful organisation.”