The second week of our In Country training concentrated on the cultural differences and was extremely helpful as was the language training. Just so much to learn so as not to offend. For instance, no eye contact when soemone is speaking to you, especially the opposite sex so one has to keep averting your eyes. So difficlut when we think that the person isn't listening if they aren't looking at you!

One young woman who did a session has lived here for 8 years after being a Peace Corp [USA] volunteer and she really helped with understanding so much. Here the culture is based on relationships and your family come first, which of course means the extended family or wantok [people who look and speak the same language]. Gender equality doesn't really exist and girls learn very early that they aren't special and children aren't encouraged to ask questions.

What is important is that you share "your story" with them. They love to hear about your family and culture. So one of the main things that we learnt was to take time to get to know people before trying to change things. Conversations are very important even though to us small talk can be seen as time wasted.

Very interesting young woman indeed.