Simbu Livelihoods
Building Income, Independence and Opportunity in Remote Communities
In the highlands of Papua New Guinea’s Simbu Province, many families live with limited access to income, education and essential services.
Opportunities to earn a living are scarce. Without stable income, families struggle to afford school fees, access healthcare, or invest in their future.
Women are often the most affected — facing barriers to financial independence and limited opportunities to build skills or start small businesses.
At the same time, basic needs like clean water and sanitation continue to impact health, productivity and daily life.
Related to these are various human rights concerns, rights for children, people living with a disability, women, prisoners, to life and security, to information, the right to education, to basic health, and the rights and responsibilities of communities.
What We Do
Mercy Works leads a community-based program that supports people to build sustainable livelihoods, strengthen skills, and create new opportunities for income and independence.
Village savings and loans groups
We support women and community members to participate in local savings and loans groups, helping them to:
- Save money regularly
- Access small loans to start or grow income activities
- Build financial confidence and independence
These groups are often the first step toward economic stability — particularly for women.
Supporting women and vulnerable groups
Our work prioritises those most at risk, including:
- Women facing economic hardship
- Women rebuilding their lives after crisis or exclusion
- Individuals seeking to support their families through new income opportunities
This support builds confidence, independence and long-term resilience.
Skills training and small business development
We provide practical training that enables people to generate income locally, including:
- Food production and processing
- Small-scale agriculture and farming
- Basic business and financial skills
In Simbu, even small enterprises can make a meaningful difference to a family’s ability to earn and save.
Enabling healthy communities
To support livelihoods, we also invest in essential infrastructure where needed — including access to clean water.
Reliable water supply improves health, reduces time spent collecting water, and enables families to focus on education and income-generating activities.
A Story of Change
In Simbu, women involved in savings and loans groups are building something new — not just income, but confidence and independence.
Through regular saving and access to small loans, women are starting small businesses, supporting their families, and contributing to their communities in new ways.
Many speak about the change this brings — from having no financial control to being able to plan, invest and make decisions for the future.
This is how long-term change begins: step by step, through opportunity and support.
The Impact
With your support, communities in Simbu are building stronger, more sustainable futures.
- Savings and loans groups are supporting women to grow income and financial independence
- Skills training is enabling families to develop small businesses and generate income
- Clean water access is improving health and supporting daily life
This is practical, community-led change — designed to last.
Why This Matters
When people have the opportunity to earn an income, everything changes.
- Families can afford school fees
- Children can stay in education
- Communities become more resilient
- Women gain independence and voice
Livelihoods are the foundation for long-term change.
A Future Within Reach
Every family deserves the opportunity to build a stable and secure future.