As I contemplated this column, I referred to the words written by my predecessor in the inaugural Toktok Strong (SPSN's Quarterly Newsletter) where he said ‘SPSN is a complex program…..’; after a mere ten weeks in the Program Director’s seat, Peter(Aitsi) I’m inclined to agree!
Complex It may be and indeed challenging but it is also exciting when you consider the potential SPSN has to make tangible differences for real people, in particular those in the rural sector. A key to capitalizing on SPSN’s potential is at least partly in its capacity to support and facilitate coordination and cooperation across a range of development initiatives regardless of their ‘home base’ or source of funding because it has a focus at community level.
Many are the calls for ‘demonstrating impact’ but with the recognition that impact in the development context takes time to become evident, comes an understanding of the need, indeed the responsibility for the delivery of short term gains, as part of the impact requirement. Indeed a number of initiatives featured here have both a short as well as a longer term outcome focus.
I had the pleasure a short time ago of talking to an ageing gentleman from the Highlands who introduced himself with the statement “I am just a grassroot”. Smiling, I listened to his story but it was his introduction that stayed with me.
So Mr Grassroot: to you, Mrs Grassroot, other Grassroot family members and the whole community in which you live - the team at SPSN is committed to helping make a difference for you all.
Jeremy Syme - Program Director
Mr Syme takes over the reins from Peter Aitsi, bringing with him a wealth of experience, having worked in health service delivery and management in rural to urban areas, managing a number of health services in both the public and private sectors. He has lived in the Highlands for five years and in Port Moresby for the last 7 years with his partner Suzanne, with their adult children visiting often.
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