Who Comes to Simon of Cyrene Centre?
We get every possible mix from singles – to married couples – to widow/widowers. I must state that it is very important to get clear the status of the marriage/relationship because this will be a big factor in how the children will be treated. • If they are “wantoks”: the marriage is from the same language group – and recognised by the two families – then there should be good support and care for the children. • If the marriage is mixed – mixed marriages or maybe mixed provinces – it depends on which of the two families the parents and children lean towards – that is where the children will go in times of crisis. • If it is what we call a ” city marriage” = two people living together – or a marriage that is not recognised – or a marriage of convenience – you will most likely end up with neglected people and neglected children. We have many of these marriages in Port Moresby! Let me tell you a story of a “Wantok” marriage. I can still see Jo coming into the Centre. Led by his brother, J
