New Erima High School formerly Primary School currently has three projects occurring simultaneously despite facing constant lack of funding and support from the government. The school which had recently upgraded its status is now accommodating grades 9 and 10. Headmaster of New Erima Primary Division, Mr. Yola Kipungi, informed PNG HAUSBUNG in an interview today that the school is working on constructing double classrooms for Grade 9s, an ablution block for the high school division as well as an assembly grandstand with a hall despite having very little to no funding at all. He also said that the Tuition Fee Free Policy has put the school at a disadvantage. "The Government keeps saying free education and has implemented policies to stop parents from paying fees but the government is very slow in delivering funds to support the school." He added that the latest double classroom built was done with the help of parents. "Parents contributed K200 to help us construct the classroom." "But then the Tuition Fee Free Policy was introduced to prevent parents from paying any fees." "Parents took advantage of that opportunity and brought their kids to get an education but we don't have the resources to cater for a lot of students." "In spite of this, we still take in students because it's hard to say no." Kipungi is urgently calling on the government to send necessary funding to schools by the first week of each term as it is very difficult to administer academic affairs without enough funding. New Erima recently had more than 100 of their students successfully sit for their Grade 8 National Examinations as well as having their first batch of Grade 10s who sat for their exams two weeks ago. The school will also be looking at employing more teachers in the coming years.

The U.S. Embassy through EducationUSA is hosted a first of its kind 2 -day Inaugural Education Fair which began today (23/10/24) at APEC Haus. The event provided a platform for students, professionals, and institutions to explore educational opportunities with representatives from various U.S. colleges and universities. The first EducationUSA fair in Papua New Guinea showcased a range of opportunities for higher education and professional development. Participants interacted directly with representatives from leading educational institutions. Through these interactions, attendees gained critical insights into the U.S. education system, including the application process, scholarship opportunities, and academic and professional programs across fields. U.S Ambassador Ann Marie Yastishock was thrilled to bring such an opportunity to PNG. “The fair will not only open doors for individuals to pursue further education but also contribute to the professional growth of employees in various sectors.” “It represents an important step in building connections between U.S. educational institutions and Papua New Guinean future students and university counterparts." Attendees can expect direct access to U.S. university and college representatives, detailed information on scholarships and financial aid, guidance on the application process, and an opportunity to explore diverse academic and professional programs. The U.S. Embassy also invited local organizations, educational institutions, and professionals interested in furthering their education to attend this premier event. By participating, individuals gained the knowledge and tools necessary to make informed decisions about their educational and professional futures. EducationUSA is a U.S. Department of State network of international student advising centres that promotes U.S. higher education to students worldwide. Its mission is to provide accurate, comprehensive, and current information about opportunities to study at accredited postsecondary institutions in the United States. Higher Institutions from the U.S present were: - University of Missouri - George Washington University - East West Centre - Edmonds College - Shoreline Community College - Orange Coast College - St. Thomas University - Stony Brook University The fair will continue tomorrow at Don Bosco Technical Institution (DBTI) from 9am – 5pm.

Since the month of August, Port Moresby Nature Park remains steadfast completing its aim of planting trees in the Nation’s Capital as part of its Climate Change and Environmental Diplomacy Project entitled, “Love Your Nature Park, Protect Our Biodiversity.” So far within October, the park was set to donate more than 1, 000 trees to various local communities. Recently, 500 trees were donated to Gerehu resident, Mr. Elijah Gabriel who reached out to Nature Park after recognizing the need to replant trees following a recent groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a hospital in Tete area of Gerehu, North West district. Gabriel understood that trees in the surrounding habitat would have to be cut down in order to build the hospital. He said that he would like to replace these trees for the benefit of his Tete neighborhood. Nature Park responded by presenting him with an initial 180 trees consisting of 5 different species of Native and Naturalized Trees fit for the environment at Tete. Later, Nature Park was supported by Hilton Port Moresby Hotel & Residences, who participated by distributing 5, 000 trees to 14 clans in Boera village as part of the Park’s Community Outreach Program. “Their contribution to our tree distribution activity is invaluable and much appreciated.” According to POM Nature Park, their goal is to encourage social and behavioral changes that encourage biodiversity conservation as well as build a more environmentally friendly Port Moresby. “We want to promote reforestation and afforestation (planting new trees or sowing seeds in areas where there were no trees before), raise environmental awareness, and enhance the beauty of our beauty of our capital city through distributing trees.” “Our mission is to inspire individuals, families, and children to embrace sustainable practices, with the goal of fostering a greener and more sustainable future.”

City Pharmacy Limited (CPL) and National Airports Corporation (NAC) announced the signing of a Staff Discount Agreement, which will take effect as of November 1, 2024. This strategic partnership emphasizes the shared commitment of both organizations to support the well-being of NAC employees by providing accessible healthcare and retail options. NAC staff will receive a 30% discount on all medical prescriptions and a 10% discount on all purchases at City Pharmacy, with certain exclusions such as digital products, baby formula, and concession lines according to the terms of the agreement. Until either side decides to end the arrangement with prior notice, the discount program will remain in effect at all City Pharmacy locations across the country. City Pharmacy's Head of Pharmacy, Pradeep Panda, reaffirmed CPL's resolve to offer this benefit across the country. "This is a step towards our goal of being a trusted partner and preferring a more collaborative partnership with all of our current business partners." "This agreement covers all City Pharmacy outlets nationwide, as CPL is present in 19 provinces." "NAC employees who work in other provinces can just show their NAC ID card at any City Pharmacy location in their home province to receive the savings." Speaking at the signing, Dominic Kaumu, the Acting Managing Director of NAC emphasized the importance of building strong relationships. "From these relationships, we can foster bigger partnerships, and this agreement is a prime example.” He made it a priority to attend the signing ceremony, highlighting the significance of the initiative. "Staff, for me, are the key aspects of the business - little gestures like this go a long way.” This collaboration marks an exciting milestone for CPL and NAC as they work together to deliver valuable benefits to NAC employees across the country.

Special Olympics PNG’s (SOPNG) Moni Plus Football Competition will take place this Saturday, October 12th and also the following Saturday 19th October at the University of Papua New Guinea’s soccer field. Acting Program Manager for SOPNG, Ectopia Ame stated that more than 15 teams of special athletes will be participating. “The competition will see a total of 20 teams participating, that is10 male teams and 10 female teams.” “Athletes with special needs competing in football and also united them with their unified partners from various schools and communities.” “Players will come from nearby NCD and Central Province towns and villages, as well as from NCD special schools and normal schools.” Additionally, the Special Olympics PNG was fortunate to receive support from other organizations. Digicel PNG Limited sponsored trophies and medallions worth K4,000 for the competition. Meanwhile, in the weeks leading up to October, Special Olympics PNG received assistance from Port Moresby General Hospital’s physiotherapists Lina Pilaiison and Mildred Alug who volunteered their time to conduct medical checks for 48 athletes with disabilities. The program will start at 8 AM and conclude at 2:30 PM. SOPNG is founded by interested sports enthusiasts and parents of children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Programs are run by committed volunteers.

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.”