The Karore people of West New Britain still speak their traditional language of Karore as their primary language. Their very remote location has made it easier for them to retain their culture. No major roads link them to the distant town of Kandrian, the largest town in the district.
Their population is also very young. Across their district of Kandrian, almost half the population are aged 15 years or less (NRI 2010).
The Karore rely on the land, rivers and waters for their livelihood. Most grow betel nut, coconut and food crops. Many raise livestock and fishing is commonplace for those living along the coast and by the rivers.
There are very few roads in the entire district. The Karore people have to rely on logging roads, or resort to travelling by motorboat or canoe along the coast in order to reach services and markets. This makes it difficult for them to participate in the cash economy or to improve their lives through education.
The best available information suggests that two in ten people in the district can read with good comprehension. This may overstate the situation for the Karore people, given they are more remote than other groups in their district. At least in 2010, there were no medical practitioners in the district, and few nurses (NRI 2010).
The Anglican and Catholic churches have been active in the Karore area for many years. Other churches may also be present. The Karore people therefore identify strongly as Christians.
However, without the benefit of Scripture in a language that they
The very remote location of the Karore people constrains their access to basic services and markets. It is difficult for them to obtain good education and health services, and to reach towns where they can sell their products and purchase store goods.PRGR
Ask our Father to meet the needs of the Karore people. Pray that he blesses their gardens and their fish stocks, that he protects them from natural disasters and from deforestation. Logging and the clearing of land for oil palm and other cash crops can lead to deforestation, damaging the ecosystem that supplies fresh water, wild game, timber for housing and fertile gardens.
Pray for wisdom for the Karore leaders and community as they navigate external pressures. May God guide them in ways that are a blessing to them and honoring to him.
Pray for good education opportunities for the children, and for the provision of health services.
Ask the Lord of the harvest for workers to work alongside the Karore people to translate God’s Word into their own language. Pray that Karore believers are encouraged in their faith, and that they receive accurate teaching to guide them in following Jesus Christ.
Scripture Prayers for the Karore in Papua New Guinea.
Ethnologue
NRI 2010, District and Provincial Profiles, March e
National Economic & Fiscal Commission 2014, “Go Long Ples: Reducing inequality in education funding” (NEFC 2014)
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
