The National Capital District's Youth Resource Week PNG (YRW) will be officially launched on Friday, January 10, 2025, marking the beginning of a transformative initiative focused at strengthening Papua New Guinea's young people. This innovative initiative also commemorates Papua New Guinea's 50th anniversary of independence and is consistent with the country's Vision 2050. Youth Resource Week PNG is led by visionary leaders. Naarai Banam, the Program Director and Founder, has worked tirelessly to bring this project to reality, and John Pora, the Key Partnerships Director, leads a determined team working to realize the program's aims and objectives. Their collaborative efforts, backed by unwavering support from the Prime Minister's Department, have laid the framework for this momentous project. With 3,508 youngsters already registered online, the initiative is on track to fulfill its ambitious goal of 20,000 participants from the NCD alone. Following the end of events in NCD, Youth Resource Week PNG will expand to Lae, then to Mt Hagen, Goroka, Kokopo, and Arawa, ensuring that the program's reach and influence are felt across the country. Youth Resource Week PNG encourages collaboration across all sectors, including corporate organizations, civil society groups, and government authorities, to create long-term possibilities for the country's youths. This project emphasizes the value of communal effort in creating a resilient and empowered future. Youth Resource Week PNG seeks to inspire change and rewrite the nation's narrative. Reflecting on the nation's history, including the pivotal moment of Black Wednesday, the initiative declares: "We have acknowledged the past; we are here to empower the present for a future of resilience." The launch event, scheduled for Friday, 10th January 2025, promises a vibrant and engaging experience Youth Registration. Unregistered youth are encouraged to attend and sign up for opportunities. Opportunities for Collaboration: Throughout the week-long event, organizations will be able to acquire booths dedicated to their programs and engage directly with youngsters. Engaging Activities; Attendees will be entertained as they register, explore booth demos, and gain valuable insights from the briefing stage. Live performances by artists such as Tonton Malele, Patti Pots, and others will add to the atmosphere, creating a lively environment that encourages engagement and interaction. Guests of Honor: The Prime Minister, James Marape, will officially start the initiative. As the driving force behind this effort, the Prime Minister's deep connection to Youth Resource Week PNG displays his dedication to empowering the nation's youth and crafting a brighter future for Papua New Guinea. For Youth, "If you haven't already joined up, do so today and take the first step toward transforming experiences. If you've already enrolled, invite your friends to join and help them understand and prepare for this journey. Come to the event to learn more and prepare for an eventful February ahead." For organizations, "We're encouraging all corporations, partners, and civil society organizations to become involved and help build real routes for long-term impact. Sign up to host a booth and help shape the future of the PNG youth. Visit our briefing stage during the launch event to learn more about the February program and provide your thoughts. We're searching for partners to assist us develop paths to success through initiatives such as SMEs, labor mobility, second-chance education, and job creation. Let us work together to generate life-changing opportunities--register today and become a part of the movement!" "As we begin Papua New Guinea's 50th anniversary celebrations, Youth Resource Week PNG invites everyone to join in crafting a resilient and united future." Be part of the movement. Attend the launch event on Friday, January 10th, 2025, at the Sir John Guise Stadium.

Prime Minister James Marape has hailed the successful implementation of an off-grid solar project that is improving the lives of thousands of Papua New Guineans in rural areas. The effort, a collaboration between the governments of Papua New Guinea and Australia, has begun to install 8,700 solar panels in houses, schools, and community buildings throughout 18 villages in Morobe's Huon Gulf District. The Prime Minister described the initiative as a game changer for rural development, bridging the gap between urban and remote populations by bringing reliable, sustainable energy to areas that previously lacked access to electricity. "This off-grid solar project is providing light and hope in some of our most distant villages. For far too long, many of our rural communities have been kept in the dark, dependent on expensive and unreliable energy sources. "This initiative is about changing lives, improving education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for our people." He emphasized the importance of the project in promoting Papua New Guinea's commitment to sustainable development and lowering dependency on fossil fuels. "This solar project is part of our broader strategy to promote renewable energy and reduce our carbon footprint." "We are blessed with abundant natural resources, and it is our duty to harness them responsibly to benefit all Papua New Guineans, especially those in rural areas." Off-grid solar arrays are projected to power homes, schools, clinics, and community centers, allowing youngsters to study after dark, boosting healthcare services, and helping small businesses grow. "This is about bringing essential services to our people and ensuring that no one is left behind as we progress toward our 50th Independence Anniversary." PM Marape praised the partnership with Australia in completing the project and thanked the Australian government for its continuous assistance. "This project is a testament to the strong bilateral relationship between Papua New Guinea and Australia." "We thank the Australian government for their continued partnership in advancing infrastructure development and improving the lives of our people." He noted that such collaborations are critical for achieving sustainable growth and enhancing the quality of life in rural communities. He urged other development partners and local authorities to continue supporting renewable energy programs so that more communities can benefit from clean and reliable electricity. "As we approach 50 years of independence, let us strive to leave no one behind." "Every child deserves the chance to study under bright lights, every family deserves access to electricity, and every community deserves the opportunity to grow and prosper." "This solar project is only the beginning. Together, we can illuminate PNG and pave the road for a brighter, more sustainable future. The off-grid solar initiative in PNG is a partnership effort between the PNG and Australian governments aimed at providing reliable and sustainable electricity to distant villages. A significant component of this initiative is the Pawarim Komuniti Partnership (PKP), which focuses on delivering off-grid solar energy solutions to areas beyond the reach of the national electricity grid. Key Aspects of the Project: Huon Gulf District Deployment: In the Huon Gulf District, Morobe Province, the project has commenced the installation of 8,700 solar home systems across 18 remote villages. This phase is expected to be completed over a seven-month period, significantly enhancing energy access for households and community facilities. Previous Successes: Prior phases of the project have seen the successful deployment of over 10,000 solar home systems in Oro and Western Provinces. To date, more than 25,000 solar home and community systems, along with hundreds of solar streetlights, have been installed across PNG, positively impacting numerous communities. Funding and Support: The project is supported by grants from the Pawarim Komuniti Off-grid Electrification Program, an initiative under the PNG–Australia Partnership. Funding is available for off-grid electrification projects valued at PGK500,000 or more, with partner contributions of at least 10% of the project value highly encouraged.

Papua New Guinea Cancer Relief Society (PNGCRS) at Angau Memorial Hospital, Lae, Morobe Province, is continuing the work of carrying out awareness during January – the month of Cervical Cancer Awareness. For both communities and corporate houses, PNGCRS has reached close to 2, 000 individuals from 28 sessions conducted since August 2024 to January 2025. Speaking to PNG HAUSBUNG, PNGCRS stated that the main focus of these awareness sessions was to educate women on prevention and early detection of cervical cancer but there were also other benefits. “At the end of each session, we try to ensure attendees are educated on the following areas: Impact of Cancer: Global and National; Common Misconceptions and Facts about Cancer; Cancer cell growth differs from normal cell growth. Early signs and symptoms of common malignancies (cervical, breast, and oral). Treatment and When to Seek Help; Causes and Risk Factors for Cervical, Breast, and Mouth Cancer; Prevention Measures - The significance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Regular exercise and a balanced diet; Referral Pathways - Where to go for help if they come across anything concerning.” “Our key message is that cancer is curable when presented early to the hospital.” PNGCRS awareness sessions have reached more than 20 communities and over 1500 individuals. “We’ve reached 1, 775 individuals so far; during some these sessions, breast examinations are conducted on women.” “We’ve examined 260 women and detected lumps in 28 of them.” “We then refer these women straight to the National Cancer Center at Angau for further screening.” Angau's Well Women's Clinic is currently offering free VIA screening for cervical cancer. The clinic is open every day and the service is free.

Title: Mufasa: The Lion King (2024) Director: Barry Jenkins Rating: PG Genre(s): Adventure, Action, Drama, Family, Fantasy, Musical Run Time: 1hr 58mins Stars: Aaron Pierre ∙ Kelvin Harrison Jnr ∙ Tiffany Boone ∙ Kagiso Lediga ∙ Preston Nyman After young lion cub, Mufasa (Aaron Pierre) gets separated from his parents, he stumbles upon Taka (Kelvin Harrison Jnr), another young lion but of royal descent whom Mufasa befriends and eventually grows to call a brother. Destiny however, causes their bond to be tested overtime revealing who is meant to be the lion king. Mufasa: The Lion King would be great addition to the Lion King franchise if only live action remakes, sequels and villain-hero backstories did not become an overused trope these last few years. It seems the only redeemable quality of Mufasa was a couple of its songs, composed by the talented Lin-Manuel Miranda. “I Always Wanted a Brother” has fortunately wormed its way into the ears of many audiences for good and bad reasons. The film uses the cliché storyline of underdog to hero and does a poor attempt of developing a relationship between Mufasa and Taka (aka Scar). Not to mention, the sarcasm and random jokes here and there by characters Timon and Pumba seems pretty forced. On the other hand, Disney took great effort in honoring the memory of late James Earl Jones. But that’s just what it is – a tribute to the original great voice of Mufasa. It seems Disney’s creative juices were running low and needed a desperate attempt to tug at the audiences’ heartstrings. Perhaps the timing of Mufasa wasn’t right; with the excessive development of cliché overused plots, identifiable character tropes, predictable endings and a constant disappointment of live action remakes, played a part in the film’s deflated reception. Obviously, adults would have an opinion, but children wouldn’t care. Hence, if you’re an adult looking for something fresh and entertaining to watch, I don’t recommend Mufasa: The Lion King. It’s for the kids. I’ll give this movie a solid 3/10.

Youth Resource Week, a highly anticipated 6-day event set to take place from January 6th to 11th, 2025, was established in direct response to the negative impact of Black Wednesday on Papua New Guinea's image and young people. The event is a proactive attempt meant to contradict the dominant societal narrative, which frequently reduces young people's options to pursuing regular schooling and seeking conventional work prospects. The primary objective of Youth Resource Week is to empower young people by offering them practical answers that overcome traditional limits and provide several paths to achievement. The initiative envisions these avenues as working with Small and Medium Enterprises, utilizing the Labour Mobility Unit, and embracing the opportunities provided by FODE. Youth Resource Week strives to foster a sense of purpose and engagement among young individuals, encouraging them to actively contribute to the creation of a harmonious and thriving society. Participants in the event have the opportunity to engage in various roles, such as regular attendees, mentors, sponsors, hosts, or speakers, all contributing to the overall success and impact of the program. With an estimated audience of around 20,000 individuals, Youth Resource Week has garnered significant interest and participation from a diverse range of stakeholders. Registrations for the event were conducted both in-person at Port Moresby, Vision City, as well as online through a dedicated registration portal, reflecting the widespread engagement and enthusiasm surrounding this unique initiative aimed at uplifting the youth of Papua New Guinea.

Port Moresby Nature Park is thrilled to welcome back its Kids for Conservation Program on January 7th-8th, 2025. Offering an engaging and educational experience for young participants, this program is tailored for children between the ages of 6-13 years old and provides a unique opportunity to delve into the fascinating realms of nature, conservation, and culture. At just K40.00 per session, children will be able to immerse themselves in a variety of activities led by the park's dedicated educators. Through interactive nature walks, fun games, and hands-on learning experiences, kids will deepen their understanding of the natural world while having a blast at the same time. The program, which runs from 9am to 12pm, aims to ignite children's curiosity about plants, animals, and environmental conservation in a fun and impactful way. By participating in this program, children not only learn valuable lessons about biodiversity and sustainability but also foster a deeper connection to the earth's wonders. Upon completion of the program, each participant will be awarded a Kids for Conservation Certificate. Port Moresby Nature Park encourages parents to seize this wonderful opportunity for their children to grow and learn in a beautiful, outdoor setting that promotes exploration and discovery. “Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity for your children to learn and grow in a beautiful natural setting.”

Since its premieres and screenings late last year, ‘Plesman’ a movie by Jona Film Production has gotten a lot of positive reviews from audiences, as well as debates and critiques on social media. Speaking to PNG HAUSBUNG, Director of Ples Man, Mr. Ramanathan Undiapah, explained that different people respond the products of filmmakers differently and it is crucial to pay attention to the right people. “There’s the genuine audience; folks who watch a film without any preconceived expectations - they immerse themselves in the story, and if they don’t enjoy it, they provide honest and constructive criticism.” “As creators we must listen to them because we make movies for them.” “There’s also the experienced filmmakers; individuals who bring a wealth of knowledge and insight to the table – their feedback comes from experience in the industry and is invaluable in helping us to improve.” “Filmmakers must respect and learn from their advice.” “Finally, there’s the naysayers who frequently show up out of nowhere and insist that the plot and every aspect of the film meet their own standards.” “Instead of assisting you in growing, they concentrate on pointing out flaws and offering criticism in an effort to undermine you.” “As filmmakers, we must avoid giving too much attention to naysayers. Listening to them can hinder our progress and stifle creativity.” He urged filmmakers to focus on genuine feedback and constructive criticism that aids in improvement. When asked about the first film and its upcoming sequel, he explained that Plesman 2 was intended to continue Eric's journey as the protagonist while also addressing pressing concerns such as tribal conflict, land disputes, rural development, and the effects of these obstacles on children. “It provides an opportunity to delve deeper into these themes and inspire meaningful change.” “The story is particularly significant as it is dedicated to Papua New Guinea's founding fathers, marking a tribute to their vision, and it aligns with the nation's 50th Independence Day celebrations.” “This milestone makes it the perfect time to reflect on progress and reignite hope for a brighter future.” He further explained the casting process during Plesman’s pre-production stage. “My employees and family members from Kabwum, my wife's village, made up the majority of the actors in Plesman; I trained them for a week before they began acting.” “I came into Tuliman, the main guy, via one of his Facebook reels, I chose him for the character because he had the ideal appearance for it and I could see that he had a natural flair for acting.” Undiapah stated that filming for the sequel is expected to take around 6–8 months, considering the increased complexity of the story and additional scenes, such as rural infrastructure development and the requirement for a lot of VFX. Plesman cost K350, 000 mainly due to VFX, freight cost and accommodation and mix mastering which was done in Malaysia. He hopes they will receive support from sponsors during the filming of Plesman 2. “We didn’t have any sponsors for ‘Plesman’, we used our own funding.” “The cost of Plesman 2 will be twice the cost of the first movie.”

Title: High School Musical (2006) Director: Kenny Ortega Genre(s): Musical Run Time: 1hr 38mins Stars: Zac Efron • Vanessa Hudgens • Ashley Tisdale • Lucas Grabeel • Corbin Bleu • Monique Coleman High School student and small-town star athlete Troy Bolton (Zac Efron), falls for nerdy transfer student, Gabriella Montez (Vanessa Anne Hudgens) at a New Year’s Party. Upon returning to school, Troy and Gabriella audition for an upcoming musical which breaks the school's norms. High School Musical carries underlying themes of breaking societal norms, stepping outside of your comfort zone and starting over. Although the film utilizes the typical American film stereotypes of jocks, nerds and geeks, the characters are given dreams, goals and problems that are relatable, consequently making them more than a stereotypical character. Take for instance, the character Troy, who is pressured to live up to his father’s expectations of pursuing basketball. Meanwhile the main antagonist of High School Musical, Sharpay Evans, appears to be a typical mean girl character who wants the guy. We find out however, that she’s more interested in preventing Troy and Gabriella from taking the spotlight in the school’s upcoming musical. The musical scores are quite good except for Vanessa Hudgens’ “When there Was Me and You”, which can only be described as bland, cringy and forgettable. Overall, High School Musical is a Disney Classic, that captivated a generation of tweens and teens. Not to mention, it can give you boosted mood for the New Year, considering the fact that the opening sequence is a New Year’s party.

Tent City Seventh Day Adventists (SDA) Adventurer's Club were fortunate to visit Port Moresby Nature Park for the very first time, on Monday December 30th after travelling from Lae, Morobe Province. Their visit was intended to inspire and motivate the club's young explorers, who range in age from newborns to eleven years old. They decided to investigate the wonders of Port Moresby Nature Park as part of their trip. Before starting a Nature Walk trip across the park, the SDA Adventurers Club was given a quick introduction to the Cassowary by Nature Park’s Education Manager, Ms. Shirley Mogi, and her staff. The little explorers had an amazing time as they traveled into the park's jungles, where they were welcomed by a variety of species and the beautiful melodies of exotic birds. This experience not only provided enjoyment but also served as an educational opportunity, igniting their curiosity in natural science and conservation. The visit also allowed them to gain valuable insights into the importance of conservation and environmental stewardship. The Port Moresby Nature Park was grateful for Tent City SDA Adventurers Club for visiting.

On Thursday, December 26, Prime Minister (PM) James Marape traveled to Bougainville to take part in the historic celebration of the Seventh-day Adventist Church's 100th anniversary, which marks a century of community involvement and service in Bougainville. The occasion, which commemorated the church's founding in 1924, attracted thousands of people, including local authorities, church leaders, and citizens from throughout the country. PM Marape received a hearty welcome at Kieta's Aropa Airport, which was emphasized by a magnificent Police Guard of Honour. As the region commemorates this important milestone, the ceremonial inspection demonstrated the discipline and dedication of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB) Police force, signifying the region's commitment to peace and security. In his opening remarks, PM Marape expressed thanks for the contributions of the SDA Church to the social, educational, and health sectors in Bougainville. “Today, we not only celebrate a century of faith but also a century of service that has uplifted countless lives in our communities.” “The SDA Church has played an integral role in fostering unity, resilience, and hope among our people, especially during challenging times.” The anniversary celebrations featured a series of events, including a special church service, cultural performances, and community outreach programs aimed at promoting health and education. The PM delivered a keynote address during the main event, reflecting on the church’s impact and the importance of collaboration between government and faith-based organizations in achieving sustainable development goals. Local leaders and representatives from the SDA Church also expressed their enthusiasm for the event. Pastor Mathias Foxsy, President of the Bougainville Mission stated that they were honored to have the Prime Minister join them in this momentous occasion. “This anniversary is not just a celebration of our past; it is a commitment to our future as we continue to serve our communities with love and compassion.” Discussions about the role of faith in fostering peace and reconciliation in Bougainville, a territory that has faced its fair share of difficulties over the years, were also a part of the event. The SDA Church, which promotes peace and understanding amongst many populations, has been a ray of hope. The Prime Minister and other officials interacted with locals during the festivities, sharing anecdotes and personal accounts that exemplify Bougainville's resilient character. Future generations were encouraged to uphold the principles of faith and service by the event, which also built communal bonds.

The Green Angels, or the ambulance officers of the National St. John Ambulance Service (NStJA), were hard at work keeping communities safe during the holiday season while families celebrated Christmas throughout the country. The National Capital District (NCD), Central Province, Morobe Province, and East New Britain were the four provinces where 18 ambulance teams were on duty every day. These teams responded to 227 emergency situations between 6:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve and 6:00 a.m. on Boxing Day, providing life-saving treatment where it was most needed. St. John responded to a variety of emergencies, such as car crashes, difficult deliveries, respiratory issues, trauma, and snakebite, according to the Duty Operations Commanding Officer, Lawrence Steven. To ensure a prompt and well-coordinated response, teams received assistance from regional commanders, NCD fast response physicians, and other medical support units. To support the frontline troops, a total of 26 emergency response units were available throughout the regions. Steven characterized the Christmas season as "relatively calm" in spite of the pressures and urged communities to keep celebrating in a responsible manner. “We’re grateful to the public for their corporation, which allowed us to focus on those in need. Let’s maintain this spirit as we head into the New Year.” He also appealed for ongoing cooperation in ensuring everyone's safety and health throughout this Christmas season and praised the communities and NStJA's hardworking workers for their efforts.

Teachers throughout the country still face issues regarding their leave fares even after schools close and festivities reaching its peak. Utmei Secondary School’s Principal, Mr. Benard Manau, who spoke on behalf of his teachers stated that all his teachers had already received their leave fares however, they still encountered setbacks. “Although our teacher’s received their fares, they did not receive the expected amount.” “Me for instance, I applied for my quotation which stands at K33, 000, however, they only paid me K7,500.” When asked if the Education Department has explained the situation, he stated that there was no explanation provided and assumes this is the full amount. “No one has come out and clarified what has happened to the rest of the funds.” Mr. Manau added that this has happened before in 2023 and also in previous years. Teacher's will resume on 20th January 2025, meanwhile students will resume classes on 27th January 2025.