Wantok

Getting To Better Together

When we are up to our eyes in our own crises, it is pretty difficult to appreciate the plight of others who are having to face challenges of an even greater magnitude. Take the case of the COVID pandemic. It is true that the wretched virus has had a very serious systemic impact on us here in Australia. At least we have been able to rely on formal support networks such as robust health and financial support systems and mature, extensive and reliable communication channels, all operating within a relatively trustworthy policy environment – even while we might disagree with certain details of the strategies that emerge from it.
In this episode, Richard’s guest, Dr.Jennifer Litau, a senior academic leader in Papua New Guinea, describes some of the aspects of the same pandemic as it wreaks its havoc in her country where formal support systems are all too often proving to be seriously inadequate to the devastating tasks that the disease continues to present. Under these circumstances, it is the historically effective informal systems that are providing types and levels of support that are, at least, preventing a total catastrophe from occurring. The Wantok system of reciprocal favours and obligations within extended families and beyond, is of profound significance in this regard, and Jennifer shares some of its vital features, functions and challenges, in her conversation with Richard.