Noel’s Kokoda calling

" Noel Causer recently returned home after taking part in a groundbreaking mission to provide AIDS education to people in local villages along the Kokoda Trail.

By Paul Fahy

SITTING in a rickety thatched hut and surrounded by shouting children Noel Causer had reason to be concerned.

The hut situated in a remote village in Papua New Guinea - had been transformed into a makeshift movie theatre and the young crowd were seeing their very first film.

"There were about 100 little kids crowded into the place and they were rocking about and yelling in excitement," Noel recalled with a smile.

"I thought the whole building was going to collapse."

The incident is one of many striking experiences that the East Corrimal resident took away from a recent journey along the famous Kokoda Trail.

Noel joined a team of Australians for a groundbreaking mission to provide

AIDS education to people in the local villages scattered along the former World War Two battleground.

The team carried along a portable projector and computer to screen a film about the virus.

Produced by a team of experts based in Papua New Guinea, the film told the story of a mother bringing up a child with AIDS.

Noel said the educational initiative was believed to be a first in the isolated region where AIDS is wide-spread.

"It gave the local people an understanding about the facts of the disease," he said.

"Unfortunately, there are many misguided beliefs that are well entrenched in the tribal communities.

"People living with AIDS often become outcasts because the other villagers are scared to go near them."

The film was shown in eight villages along the rugged trail and Noel said a local trekking company had bought the projection equipment with the aim of continuing and expanding the program.

In addition to the educational film, Noel and his companions also brought other DVDs, including a cartoon for the children.

"It was amazing just to see the eyes of the kids," Noel said.

"I'd say it was the first film they'd ever seen because there are no televisions along the trail."

A member of the Rotary Club of Corrimal, Noel has made more than a dozen trips to Papua New Guinea

After taking part in Rotary's medical aid programs, he began a personal quest to help the disadvantaged children at Kokoda.

During the most recent visit, he and his fellow travellers conducted a medical survey throughout the local villages to pinpoint where aid was needed most.

Noel said the mission was made possible thanks to the support of community groups and residents in the Illawarra.