Kapuna Hospital is so much more than just a hospital. It includes a training school for community healthcare workers, an elementary school, a church, as well as, building and community development projects.
A huge part of what we do happens through partnering with long and short term volunteers.
We would love to have you join our team and see our work grow and develop!
Types of Volunteers:
- Medical Professionals
- Teachers & Educators
- Construction & Mechanics
- Office Administration & IT
- Media & Communications
- Finance & Accounting
- General Volunteers
If you are interested in learning more, please check out our Contact page.
There is no “one size fits all” volunteer package available, so we can custom fit a program from a minimum of three weeks to many months for a single person or a whole team. We are sure you will fall in love with PNG. We can’t wait to hear from you!
Check out our volunteer stories and projects under News.
FAQs:
Q: How remote is Kapuna?
A: Kapuna can only be reached via river systems. It is one of the most remote regions of the world. An oasis set in a dense jungle backdrop. Transportation includes infrequent flights to distant stations and long boat rides.
Q: What type of communication is there?
A: There is a radio telephone. We also have email (30k limit). Airmail from around the world can get in but may take a while depending on traffic in and out. To communicate around Kapuna we use bells or just send a kid running with a message.
Q: What travel immunizations should I get?
A: It is best to consult a travel doctor.
Essential immunizations:
- Regular childhoood immunizations – tetanus, pertussis, polio
- Hepatitis A
- Typhoid
- Flu vaccine
Optional immunizations
- Hepatitis B (sometimes includes Hep A)
- BCG – to protect against TB
- Japanese Encephalitis – very unlikely
- Pneumococcal and meningococcal vaccines – if you have a problem with low immunity
NOT required:
- Rabies
- Yellow fever
Q: What about malaria?
A: Malaria is endemic in PNG. See your GP for anti-malarials. It is easily preventable and treatable if you do contract it.
Q: What can I get/buy at Kapuna?
A: There is a fresh food market and a small general store where you’ll be able to buy basic supplies: tinned meat, toothpaste, soap, standard batteries, rice, flour, etc. Don’t expect chocolate (melts in the heat) or any junk food/take out. (Bring small bills.)
Note: Kapuna is strictly alcohol-free, drug-free, and smoke-free. Being a hospital, and a Christian mission base, all guests and visitors are required to abide by these rules.
Kaukau displayed at the local market.
Q: How hot is it?
A: It’s hot, but it’s the humidity most visitors notice most. Summer day temperatures are in the low 30s (Celsius), but the high humidity makes you sweat a lot! Nights can vary between hot and warm. The thunder storms are the best.
Q: What should I wear?
A: Light cotton clothes. Long sleeves and light trousers are useful, especially at nights, against mosquitoes. Wear clothes that cover your shoulders and thighs but are cool and breathable. If you will attend church, women should bring at least one knee length skirt. DO NOT bring any of your favorite clothes. They may get torn, stained, or otherwise ruined during your stay.
Note: Kapuna has a relaxed standard of dress, but leave your bikinis for your Fijian resort holiday
Q: What about shoes?
A: Jandals/sandals/thongs/flip-flops or bare feet are very standard normal wear. But they are slippery in the rain and mud, so light running shoes are also worn extensively. If you are into jungle trekking, heavy boots or gumboots are a must.