PNG: Sokaim Village Embraces Peace as St. Steven Community

Sokaim Village in Papua New Guinea’s Kompiam-Ambum District has officially dedicated itself to a new way of life, marking a major milestone in the province’s growing grassroots peace movement.

On May 29, 2025, the community, known as the St. Steven Community, made a public and spiritual commitment to peace, unity, and development.

Nestled in the mountainous terrain of Enga Province and bordered by the communities of Omain and Monokam, Sokaim had long struggled with social challenges. But inspired by local initiatives and the late visionary businessman Mr. Jacob Luke, the community has embraced a new identity rooted in faith and personal responsibility.

A Legacy of Hope

The dedication ceremony was held under the patronage of CARITAS ENGA, the social development arm of the Catholic Diocese of Wabag. CARITAS teams, especially from the Karambi office, have been leading awareness programs throughout the province, addressing tribal violence, alcohol abuse, family conflict, and land disputes.

Sokaim follows in the footsteps of neighboring villages Omain and Monokam, becoming the third community to undergo a complete transformation supported by CARITAS. The movement promotes peace and development beginning with the individual—emphasizing the personal choice to change.

“I Must Change”: A Personal Call

During a recent awareness session, CARITAS ENGA coordinator Joel Peter posed a striking challenge to the village:

“How can we change? Who will change? And where does change begin?”

The community responded with a powerful declaration:

“I must change.”

This personal response became the foundation for the transformation that followed. Instead of waiting for government or outside support, villagers committed to renewing relationships, embracing peace, and living out their faith more deeply.

A New Name, A New Beginning

To mark this new chapter, Sokaim celebrated a Holy Mass and village dedication on May 29, led by Fr. James Kambao, parish priest of Tsikiro Sacred Heart Parish. During the Mass, every household stood under a cross they had erected — handmade symbols of their renewed faith and commitment.

Fr. James blessed each crucifix with holy water, dedicating the entire village to God under the patronage of St. Steven. The crosses now stand outside homes as signs of each family’s promise to live in peace and faith.

Breaking the Cycle of Violence

In a bold and emotional address, local leader Steven Minakari declared the community’s rejection of revenge and tribal compensation, practices deeply embedded in traditional highlands culture.

“If someone kills my brother Joel, who now advocates for CARITAS, I will not ask for compensation,” Minakari stated. “And this applies to all of us.”

This public renunciation of retaliatory violence marked a significant cultural and spiritual breakthrough for Sokaim.

A Model for the Province

Sokaim’s transformation is part of a broader grassroots movement across Enga Province, guided by the principle:

Change the individual, strengthen the family, and transform the community.

CARITAS ENGA’s work, grounded in Catholic Social Teaching, shows that true peace and progress begin in the heart. The dedication of Sokaim to the St. Steven Community serves as a model for others seeking genuine reconciliation and development.

A Light to Others

Sokaim’s story is a reminder that sustainable peace comes not only from policies or programs but also from the spirituality and decisions of individuals. As Enga mourns the loss of Mr. Jacob Luke, his legacy lives on through villages like Sokaim, where his vision of a peaceful and developed province is taking root.

One village at a time, a new Enga is rising.