Using the Internet to increase mutual user standing between New Zealand and Papua New Guinea is the aim of a schools' twinning scheme established by New Zealand-based charitable trust, Water for Survival.

Water for Survival works with ATprojects on several water supply, sanitation and hygiene projects in PNG, including the schools water supply education project (Project 241).

Monika Fry, a former VSA volunteer (Vanuatu & PNG - 1977-8) who is implementing the scheme on behalf of Water for Survival, says twinning New Zealand schools with schools in the Eastern Highlands has both educational and fund-raising benefits.

"This is an opportunity for teachers and students in both countries to broaden their understanding of each other by exchanging ideas and information through the use of email and the Internet."

"But as part of this exchange, it's also hoped New Zealand schools will help raise money to assist children in their twinned school to undo the building of toilets and a health and hygiene education package."

It is hoped participating New Zealand schools can raise $500 for their partner school.

Monika says it's important that the twinning scheme is as balanced as possible. Access to technology is obviously difficult for children in the remote Eastern Highlands, many of whom don't even have the benefits of a regular electricity supply. An ATprojects officer will visit the participating schools with his portable I-Book computer, and their messages will be sent from Goroka.

And Monika says it's also important to recognise that there is much New Zealand children can learn from the contact: "For instance, by studying the health and hygiene problems in Papua New Guinea, New Zealand school children will also learn about keeping themselves healthy".

To date, several Auckland schools have joined the twinning scheme and are in regular contact with their PNG partners:

Rumuera Intermediate School with Asaro Primary School, West Harbour Primary School with Watabung Community School, Kohia Terace School with Asaroka Community School, the Whangamata Baptist Centre with Mando Primary School, and the Intermediate Department of Baradene College with Tafeto Community School.

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