Caption: Marcel Pool, (far left) with Charley Boorman and his crew. Charley is between two students from the Mt Sion community-based rehabilitation centre
A British TV star has praised Volunteer Services Overseas (VSO) for its work in
Charley Boorman, host of the BBC2 travel show “Charley Boorman Sydney to
Mr Pool is a volunteer physiotherapist working in Goroka and recently took Mr Boorman and his camera crew to the Mt Sion community-based rehabilitation centre, where he runs a training programme for local volunteers.
“When I met Marcel in the middle of Papua New Guinea I wasn’t sure what to expect from VSO and I was taken aback by the enthusiasm of Marcel and the work he is doing out there,” Mr Boorman said.
“I think it’s wonderful that people give up their time to selflessly help others improve their lives.
“I am a huge supporter of the organisation and would encourage anyone to give it a go.”.
Acting British High Commissioner to PNG, Colin Glass, said the VSO continues to bring and inspire positive change in rural communities through the work of volunteers such as Mr Pool.
“Throughout
“The added bonus is his work will star in the BBC2 travel programme and hopefully woo more volunteers to come to PNG through the VSO network.”
Besides his work at Mt Sion, Mr Pool also does training for local health professionals at the
“It was a great experience, they (camera crew) were nice and interesting people and for my colleagues it was very special to have a film crew over to see what they do,” Mr Pool said.
“They could really show off what they have learned and what kind of work they do with physically-challenged people.
“I could see they felt proud and at the same time the visit gave them a sense of appreciation for what they do, it motivated them.”
VSO (PNG) country manager, Karen Simmons, praised Mr Pool and said he was one of about 60 volunteers in different parts of the country.
“Currently there are over 1600 international volunteers working in 42 countries around the world including PNG,” she added.
Mr Boorman’s travel show is scheduled to be broadcast on BBC2 (only in the
Hello Malum,
ReplyDeleteThis programme was shown on BBC 2, last night Sunday 4 Ocober and it was fantastic. It showed PNG in a good way especially the genuineness of the people and their kind hearted gestures. My family and I watched it and it was great viewing at long last, it potrayed PNG as it really is. Charley Boorman seemed to have enjoyed his journey through the Highlands, Mandang and Sepik regions. He was fascinated and intrigued by it all. We laughed in places. For instance on the route to Mandang from Betty's lodge ( near Mt Willhem, Charley was told that they had to get pass two mountains to reach their destinations but in fact it was another two plus mountains yet to get past. It reminded us of the saying particularly on long trips of "i no long way em bai take two hours tasol' when in reality it so not two hours, really.
Thouhgt I'd share it with you all. If you can watch it do it , it's worth it.
Georgina
So great to hear Georgina, and it makes me so proud to be a Papua New Guineans. I will ask my contacts here at the British High Commission to get hold of the programme for viewing on local TV. Thank you so much.
ReplyDeleteMalum
Sounds like a great idea to have it shown on PNG TV.
ReplyDeleteIn the mean time it is available to be viewed online. I've checked it out for you. It's on BBC Two programmes and it can be found under documentaries. Hope that it will be possible for you to watch it online.
Georgina