“Almost 50 years ago, I started my education here—and now I get the opportunity to give back. It was a full-circle moment and a touching, surreal experience.”
— Chaplain Craig Roberts
Standing before 1500 school children in Lae, Papua New Guinea, Army Chaplain Craig Roberts did something profoundly moving—he blessed them in Tok Pisin, their native tongue, after delivering over two tonnes of donated school supplies.
For Chaplain Roberts, who spent part of his childhood at Ela Beach International School in Port Moresby, it was a return not just in geography—but in calling.
With the help of the Townsville community, including nine local schools, the 3rd Brigade, and the 3rd Combat Engineer Regiment (3CER), Chaplain Roberts coordinated a generous donation drive of books, science equipment, sports gear, and essential classroom items for Igam Barracks Academy.
“It was a little bit emotional to see the reaction of the kids, especially when I started speaking Tok Pisin,” he said. “To be able to offer them a blessing in their native tongue was such an honour.”
The idea began with a simple request. A librarian and Defence mentor at The Cathedral School in Townsville asked whether unused curriculum materials could be donated to schools in PNG. That inquiry quickly grew into a groundswell of support across the community, reflecting the enduring bonds between Australia and PNG.
“My wife and I would load up the car and bring the stores onto Lavarack Barracks,” said Chaplain Roberts. “More and more schools got involved.”
As the supplies arrived at the school, the children sang and prayed in thanksgiving—honouring the connection, generosity, and shared history between the two nations.
Principal Philip Tipora described the moment simply:
“This is a blessing for Igam Barracks School.”
Source Article:
Adapted from Defence News article published 10 July 2025 – Read the original article here
Hear the interview with Chaplain Roberts here:
