The Central Provincial Government has once again achieved another milestone in education on Wednesday 9th October with the launching of the Central Province Governor’s Scholarship Application for 2025. This was made possible with the assistance of Kumul Genius, a Papua New Guinean SME in the ICT space that designed and created this platform. Following East Sepik province, Central is the second province to use the services of Kumul Genius to help tertiary students of Central apply online to secure a scholarship from the Central Provincial Government. Governor Rufina Peter who was actively involved in supporting Central students, voiced her vision for Central Province. “My vision for Central Province is rooted in the belief that we must invest in human capital to drive meaningful change.” “My educational priorities align with the Department of Education’s mission to leave no child behind, ensuring that Universal Primary Education is realized across all districts.” “Every student in Central Province should have access to educational opportunities that enable them to complete their studies through Grade 12, while also ensuring the delivery of quality education in all institutions throughout the province.” Governor Peter added that adults have a vital role to play in the education of young people. She also challenged the students of Central to rise to the occasion in order for the province to experience development and growth. "Your parents and I expect nothing less than excellence in your academic performance." GPAs must be 2.5 and above for students to qualify for continued support. Students can apply at www.kumulgenius.com

PNG’s iconic Mal Meninga Kuri (Meninga Kuri) will be marking his 20th Anniversary in the music industry this Saturday 12th October 2024, with a performance at the Lamana Gold Club. Kuri, who hails from Porgera in the Enga province, was inspired to become a musician after watching Gedix Atege perform during the 2002 elections when a relative of Kuri’s was contesting. He recalls that he was only a child when he first had that experience. “I started to like his songs afterwards and that’s what got me interested in music.” “By 2004, I was in Port Moresby attending Wardstrip Primary School, doing Grade 7; within that year, I wrote my first single.” When asked about how he gets inspiration for his songs, Kuri replied that he draws inspiration for his songs from multiple sources ranging from personal experiences to influences from his family, friends and even his fans from various provinces. He uses these circumstances to compose songs which in turn allows the lyrics to speak to his listens. “Everyone is struggling in life; my friends may experience something, and I use that to write a song, but I also add my experiences which results in a product that everyone can listen to, relate to and also enable me to interact with my fans.” “For instance, my songs Ambai Ya and Apo Land, songs about provinces are actually about my fans.” Kuri acknowledges the studios that have assisted him in his music career, specifically T17 Records, Roots Vibration. Since 2017, Kuri has been recognized for his contributions in PNG’s music scene and has also bagged six music awards. His 20th Anniversary performance will start at 10pm Saturday night at the Lamana Gold Club, Port Moresby city. The performance will also feature other artists like Bata Rods, Shei Schaaf and Raylinda.

With 117 kids at Evara Primary School in Kikori District, dedicated and seasoned volunteer teacher Rodney Taria of the National Volunteer Services (NVS) is embarking on a quest to educate youngsters of Gulf Province. In honor of World Teacher's Day, which is observed on October 5, this is the tale of a man who was picked from 300 applications to teach at Evara in 2023 and has since grown to be a vital member of the community. He went to Pangia Primary School in 1979 and is from the Pangia district in the Southern Highlands Province. After that, he attended Pangia Provincial High School to finish his secondary education in 1988 before continuing on to Balob Teacher's College in Morobe. “Whenever the teacher used to leave the classroom, I would pick up the chalk and pretend to be the teacher.” “I used to tell my classmates, if you want to report me to teacher, then go ahead because I’m going to be a teacher.” A lifelong dream of his to teach, he began his career in 1991 in Pangia, where he was based for three years. He transferred to Central province, where he taught from 1991 to 2010. “I resigned in 2010 due to family obligations and was recruited by Ginigoada Foundation, working in various roles such as a team leader, trainer and driver while working there.” “While I was with Ginigoada, I also attended two phonics courses, on creative phonics and also child phonics, so I’ve got a good wealth of experience, and I just flow well with kids.” He noticed that it had been the trend for students to not continue their studies after Grade three, owing to teacher disappearances, which is why he has taken it upon himself to enroll and encourage students to go to school. “There were plenty of challenges that came – when I started up the school again, I saw that the school was right in the bush and had been closed for more than 10 years.” Committed to the National Government’s ‘No child left Behind’ education policy, as Operator of the Papua LNG project, TotalEnergies EP PNG Limited (TotalEnergies), partnered with NVS in 2019, to ensure there is an experienced volunteer teacher placed in Evara to educate the children. His first class of Grade four students consisted of 30-year-olds, the oldest being 34, five of them being adults between the ages of 34 – 35 years old. Now he teaches seven classes, splitting his time every day between two classes. “When I see the bigger kids, I encourage them by telling them, you are going to do grade four. “It started from nothing, even my current batch of students, they never went to elementary or had any form of schooling before this.” “I tell them, school is for everyone, there’s nobody stopping you from learning.” “Currently, I teach grades three, four and five, a total of 117 students.” “I don’t face hard times here because the kids are my strength.” He teaches Community Living, Language, English, Mathematics, Environmental studies, Physical Education and Agriculture. Next year he anticipates teaching over 200 students. “I will have my first batch of student graduate in 2027 – his ambition is to see the school upgraded into a Junior High School, because I would like to see them continue on.” “We have enough space here and can accommodate boarding students.” He has managed to draw a large number of students from the coast of Orokolo, Purari, Wabo and beyond, who opt to stay with family in Evara while attending school. “I’m really proud of my kids, they can read and write and follow along, it’s just the speaking that we’re working on.” “TotalEnergies has also given me 23 cartons of library books (1,000 books) through their partnership with Buk bilong Pikinini.” He explains that he always keeps the library open for students, to take a book and read, further encouraging them with a quiz competition for all the children on phonics every Fridays. “TotalEnergies takes care of my rations every month and NVS takes care of me on a monthly basis (allowances) so I genuinely enjoy it here.” After it had been noted as a need by the community for the teacher to have a house, the Project partnered with Pacific Development Construction to provide a teacher’s house and a new fully furnished double classroom. “I want to thank TotalEnergies; I’m privileged to live in a house like this in my lifetime so thank you very much TotalEnergies. Teaching was my dream and that dream came true. I love my job.”

Prime Minister (PM) James Marape has voiced optimism regarding the developments toward forming a rugby league team from Papua New Guinea (PNG) for the Australian Telstra NRL Premiership. Following a series of high-level discussions in Sydney with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Minister for Sport Anika Wells, Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Pat Conroy, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, as well as key stakeholders from the NRL, Telstra, and Fox TV, the Prime Minister is confident that PNG is on the right path to realizing this historic opportunity. The fact that the sessions were held before the NRL Grand Final on Sunday 6th October emphasized how important the conversations were. Prime Minister Marape is pleased with the advancements made thus far. “I commend the strong support we are receiving from the Australian Cabinet, as well as the majority of Parliament, including members of the Opposition.” “We also acknowledge the substantial financial and administrative backing of the Australian Government.” Along with opposition leader Peter Dutton, Prime Minister Marape met with the NRL Chairman and board members, all of whom reaffirmed their complete support for PNG's aspirations to compete in the NRL. “There are a few more regulatory processes to complete before an official announcement can be made, but the future is looking bright for our national team.” “This goal aims to promote national growth and unity rather than merely sports.” “With more than 10 million ardent supporters, a PNG NRL franchise would enhance the relationship between our two countries even more.” The prime minister also highlighted the growing momentum behind the bid after fruitful talks on possible TV coverage with Fox TV and Telstra. “Rugby league, along with cricket and Aussie Rules, are part of our shared legacy with Australia. This NRL bid will help anchor and continue the deep connections between our peoples.” “PNG is also the biggest overseas investment hub for large Australian companies and continued synergies of people to people, sports to sports, commerce to commerce is complimentary to the good enduring relationship the two Governments have had since 1975.” “As PNG approaches our 50th next year, it will be a good golden jubilee gift.”

Like their counterparts nationwide, the students of Tusbab Secondary School in Madang Province are part of the 77, 413 Grade 10s that are currently sitting for their National Examinations which started yesterday Monday, October 7th. An approximate 415 Grade 10s from a total of 7 classes started with their Mathematics and Personal Development papers and will continue today with Social Science and Arts. Principal of Tusbab and also the current Caretaker and Director of Education in Madang Mr. Alphonse Igag stated that this number is a decrease compared to 2023. He also mentioned that the week before examinations, exam papers were delivered in boxes and principals from respective schools were present to receive the papers. By the end of the week, exam papers were most likely transferred out from its central site in Tusbab, Madang Town and locked away in secured locations. Mr. Igag has a positive outlook on the examination results. “We are anticipating a good outcome for the exams.” Additionally, he left a specific message for boarding schools. “We hope the Grades 9, 11, & 12 respect their fellow students who are doing exams, and the same thing goes for the Grade 10s when Grade 12s sit for their exams.” “This is the last time, especially for the Grades 9 and 11 will be seeing their fellow students do their exams.” “It is only appropriate for the remaining grades to be respectful for the next two weeks.” He also urged teachers and parents to be on their best behavior and to not cause trouble for the Grade 10s, 12s and 8s. Meanwhile, the following week, approximately 236 Grade 12s from 6 classes will be doing their National Examinations. Grade 12 numbers have been steady since 2023. A total of 32 registered schools in the province are qualified for examinations with Aiyom Anglican Highschool and Bundi Junior Highschool being the exception.

Like their counterparts across the country, the Grade 10s of Gordons Secondary School in Port Moresby city are presently sitting for their Grade 10 National Examinations starting today Monday October 7th, 2024. The 412 students from a total of eight classes were already seated, silent and hard at work on their Mathematics paper by the time it was 9am. Deputy Principal of Gordons Secondary, Johnymar Cudal stated that leading up to the exam dates the school took time to prepare its students by having remedial classes during afternoons. “We held remedials during afternoons with subject teachers.” “Additionally, like other schools, the students sat for their mock exams, and we got straight to marking as soon as they were done.” He stated that student numbers have grown compared to the numbers from 2023. "This year student numbers have increased by almost a hundred students." In regard to any issues with transporting exam papers, Cudal said that there were no issues when transporting exam papers. In the second session of examinations, students will sit for their Personal Development (PD) paper. The Grade 10 National Examination is scheduled as follows: - 7th October: Mathematics & Personal Development - 8th October: Social Science & Arts - 9th October: Science & Subjects (PS/HE/COMP/D&T) - 10th October: Business Studies & Agriculture. A total of 77,413 Grade 10 students across 482 high schools and secondary schools nationwide are sitting for their National Examinations.

Through its numerous partnerships and activities, South Pacific (SP) Brewery continues to raise awareness of social concerns as part of its corporate social responsibility, with its new violence campaign scheduled to begin soon. Through its National Gender Based Violence Secretariat (NGVBS), the Department for Community Development & Religion (DFCDR) and SP Brewery have teamed up to use synergy to speak out against gender-based violence throughout PNG. The DFCDR/NGBVS and SP Brewery formalized this significant partnership when they signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at SP Brewery's head office in Port Moresby on Thursday 03rd October. Speaking at the signing of the MoU, Ed Weggemans, the Managing Director of SP Brewery, stated that the company is a conscientious corporate citizen and that it would like to use its unique position to advocate against violence. “By partnering with the Secretariat, we wish to align with the government’s National GBV Strategy and leverage support from these mandated government agencies to build a credible and effective campaign that will inspire behavioral change in PNG.” Secretary for the Department for Community Development and Religion, Jerry Ubase, acknowledged the importance of this Private Sector Partnership collaboration. “SP Brewery has set the precedence with this partnership with a government department.” “As a major corporate entity, it is encouraging that they have raised their hand to partner with us to achieve our shared goals of effectively addressing gender-based violence in PNG.”

The University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) this week hosted the Tourism Convention marking World Tourism Day, where the country's unique tourism market was one of the topics of discussion. The Papua New Guinea (PNG) Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. Eric Mossman Uvovo, who was a guest speaker at the Convention, spoke about the unique tourism markets in the country, explaining that PNG has much to offer in tourism. “Our country is a unique tourism destination.” “Those who come to visit PNG, understand the risks and they visit because of the niche markets that we have.” The five niche (5) markets Uvovo mentioned were: Cultural Tourism Bird Watching Soft Adventure Tourism Historical Tourism Diving & Surfing According to Uvovo, PNG’s niche markets are the main attractions that bring in tourists. He also encouraged the youths to be active participants in promoting tourism in Papua New Guinea. “A lot of young people are active on social media, and I’ve seen some brilliant photography and videography from users on TikTok about locations in the country that even I didn’t know exist.” “If you have a social media platform, don’t be shy in promoting PNG.”

Children enrolled at one of BbP’s Library Learning Centres in Port Moresby will receive a healthy breakfast every day as part of a new pilot program recently launched in partnership with the Australian Export Consortia (AEC), Market 2000 and Sanitarium PNG. International research has found that education and nutrition reinforce each other, and that Early Childhood Education Programs which offer breakfast for the children are particularly efficient in improving overall health and education outcomes. As part of BbP’s newly launched Nutrition Education program, enrolled children are encouraged to “eat a rainbow” of differently coloured fruits and vegetables, grains, vitamin-enriched rice, fish, eggs and peanuts every day to give them the health and energy to be attentive and focused in class. When children eat a diet high in ultra-processed foods, they are consuming foods that have no nutrients and fiber to sustain them for a day of learning. Growing bodies and minds need a diet rich in nutrients such as locally grown fruit and vegetables, animal protein, eggs and grains. BbP received the donation of a fridge and will receive weekly deliveries of Weet-Bix breakfast cereal and plant-based milk from Sanitarium. The Parents Committee will be assisting BbP’s teachers with serving the children and washing up eating utensils. James Weinert from the Australian Export Consortia was delighted to partner with BBP. “Partnering with BbP will allow us to support children with their well-being." "The program intends to provide them with a nutritious start to their day to help ensure they are ready to learn, when they otherwise may not have breakfast oronly have access to food with poor nutritional value." "The children will enjoy two of Sanitarium’s staple health food products." "Weet-Bix™ which are packed full of 97% wholegrain goodness and provide a source of iron which is essential for brain health - studies have shown iron can help fight tiredness and fatigue." "Weet-Bix™ is a natural source of high fiber (which assists with feeling full for longer) and are also low in fat and sugar, containing five essential vitamins and minerals. The breakfast cereal will be served with So Good™ Oat Unsweetened Milk, a delicious plant-based beverage with the goodness of oats, plus calcium and vitamins D, B2 and B12." "It also has absolutely no artificial colours or flavours, lactose, Cholesterol, or Dairy.” The breakfast pilot program runs from October-December and again from February-June and will be monitored by BbP, both in terms of improved well-being and observations such as improved attentiveness in class, focus and behaviour. Meanwhile BbP’s Founder and Vice-Chair, Anne-Sophie Hermann expressed her gratitude towards AEC, Market 2000 and Sanitarium for their assistance in improving BbP's Nutrition Education Program. " With this pilot program we will be closely monitoring what impact a healthy breakfast can have on the children’s cognitive development and well-being."

The recent celebration of the Ksawang Cultural Festival in Bapa Village in the Buang Local Level Government (LLG) of the Morobe Province, received a K10, 000 support from the National Cultural Commission (NCC). The festival not only featured exquisite performances and beautiful traditional displays but also strengthened community togetherness, encouraged local businesses and fostered pride among residents. Present at the event were the Governor of Morobe Province Luther Wange, representing the Executive Director of NCC, Betty Neanda (Senior Cultural Service Officer at NCC), Chairman of the Ksawang Festival Russell Yakam, other dignitaries and local leaders. The chairman of the Kawasang Festival, Russell Yakam, thanked the National Cultural Commission for supporting the event. "The NCC's acknowledgement of our efforts to preserve our culture is a testament to it." "This festival strengthens our community bonds while also celebrating our traditions." Wange highlighted the importance of preserving culture in this fast-changing world. “It is essential that we continue to support and celebrate our culture, and this festival is a testament to our rich cultural diversity and the unity of our communities.” Betty Neanda the Senior Cultural Service Officer NCC stated that the Ksawang Festival was more than just celebrating culture, highlighting the benefits it has on young people. “It’s a vital opportunity for our young people to connect with their heritage and learn the values that binds our community together.” The successful organization of the Ksawang Cultural Festival underscores the significance of Papua New Guinea's cultural legacy, and the cooperative effort required to conserve these customs for posterity. NCC officially recognized the festival as one of its events around the county.

Digicel PNG Foundation has once again made a crucial contribution to the education of young minds partnering with Lae Secondary School to refurbish their computer lab. Lae Secondary is the 8th school to receive a BeLit Computer Lab, which includes the installation of 40 brand new laptops, chairs, tables and other equipment. At the recent launching ceremony, Head Boy, Samuel Nelson recalled his experiences prior to the lab upgrade. "When I was in grade nine, we had to share one laptop among three to four students… so it was a bit difficult at times doing work but with these new laptops it's going to be much better." School Board Chairman Edward Buasin, expressed gratitude towards Digicel Foundation for the initiative. "I want to express my gratitude to the Digicel Foundation for stepping up and establishing a computer lab at our school.” “We welcome contributions from partners like the Digicel Foundation to our school since we know they will help to improve knowledge transfer there." Students of Lae Secondary will now have an opportunity to improve their computing and ICT skills. This is the second secondary school in Lae to receive a newly renovated lab, the first being Busu Secondary School. Digicel Foundation’s Board Chairman, Michael Henao who officiated the launch stated that Digicel’s commitment to education and health remains firm. "ICT skills are essential in today's technologically advanced world, and computer literacy is a must for all of you to be competitive in the marketplace.” “Lae Secondary's BeLit Lab is going to support you on that journey."

Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH) marked World Heart Day on Sunday (29th/09/24) emphasizing the message that prevention is key to beating heart disease, as demonstrated by the recent completion of the hospital's new catheterization laboratory. During the occasion, PMGH Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Paki Molumi and the hospital's pioneering cardiologist, Professor Sir Isi Kevau, both stressed that although cutting-edge therapies are important, the best way to lessen the effect of heart disease in Papua New Guinea (PNG) is to prevent it through early intervention and lifestyle modifications. "We must remember that prevention is the key to reducing heart disease, even as we invest in new, expensive technology to cure heart disease." "What we eat is something we can control." He underlined the importance of early detection programs to detect heart disease at an earlier stage, pointing out that doing so might significantly cut hospital admissions and death rates, which would ultimately result in cheaper healthcare expenditures. In order to effectively manage heart disease, he further emphasized the need for greater funding for early detection and preventative interventions. Speaking about the future of the nation, Professor Sir Isi Kevau, the director of the Sir Buri Kidu Heart Institute, voiced concerns about the rising number of younger people experiencing heart attacks as well as the intake of fatty foods that worsen cholesterol accumulation in the body. Sir Isi asked everyone to consider the causes of past generations' lack of heart attacks, emphasizing that our ancestors ate foods found in nature, like fish, wallabies, and cacao. He urged young people to think about their great-great-grandparents' diets and said that a return to more natural foods would help lower cholesterol and improve heart health. This year’s theme was: ‘Use Heart for Action’