Peterson Mathius, a lawyer – a graduate from the University of Papua New Guinea – a person living with disability is an advocate for individuals like himself. He graduated in 2021 and was admitted in 2022. As a young man he wanted to pursue medicine but when he was in second year of his under-graduation degree, he was told by the medical faculty management that it will not be possible for him to pursue a career in medicine because it will ‘compromise’ the dignity of his patients because he would require an assistant all the time. Eventually, Mathius had to withdraw from the sciences because of the non-inclusive policies and apathetic management but he chose to study law instead, to advocate and to become the voice of his people. Mathius, a wheelchair user, has broken barriers not just in academics but in mundane activities. He mentioned that he is a regular visitor to the National Rugby Football Stadium in Port Moresby. “It is not only the right to fun and recreation, but also about my right to dignity and be seen and respected in the same manner as any other”. His regular visit has convinced the gatekeepers to open the disability access. He said that the stadium was built accessible, but the management keeps the gates to the accessible area locked because no people with disabilities ever come to watch the game. Consequently, they may have forgotten about the fact that it is actually meant for people with disabilities. “One of the reasons why this is so, is probably because not many people with disabilities go to watch the game.” According to Mathius, there are multiple reasons why a lot of disabled folks do not go out. Most significantly there’s fear, fear of being rejected, of discrimination, of being stared at. “Sometimes family members see them as a burden, so they will take them out for something they perceive as critical but not for fun and recreation.” He mentioned that it was the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3, just a few days back; however, the significance of the day leaves much to be desired. Countries celebrate 16 days of Activism as designated by the United Nations yet discrimination towards people living with disabilities still exists. The People with Disabilities community awaits the National Disabled Policy 2015 -2025 to be revised.

Recently, LiteHaus International, in collaboration with Niunet, donated 20 computers to St John Ambulance for ambulance education. SJA PNG is embracing digital platforms for learning, and we recognize that using technology to improve education is consistent with the philosophies of both LiteHaus International and Niunet. CEO of Niunet, David Valentine expressed great delight towards aiding SJA. “Niunet PNG has been assisting LiteHaus International in identifying recipients for its Pacific Digital Infrastructure Program, and it gives both of our companies’ great pleasure to be able to assist the St John Ambulance Training Academy with this computer donation.” “In addition to the hardware donation, we are looking forward to working with SJA over the next few months on their digital learning platform requirements.” St. John Director of Clinical Services Dr. Arabella Koliwan thanked Niunet and LiteHaus International for their donation. “This donation will directly support the training of ambulance officers and ambulance clinicians at our ambulance academy by facilitating interactive learning modules, hosting educational and clinical resources, and improving the quality of training. “They will be a valuable resource not only for initial ambulance training programs, but also for our ongoing professional development.” “We acknowledge Niunet’s commitment to bridging the gap in access to technology and continuing to support education and now healthcare in its efforts to broaden access to digital learning platforms.” “These computers will have far-reaching consequences for the communities we serve as we strive to maintain high standards of education and service delivery in the pre-hospital space.” Dr. Koliwan added that she hopes this donation represents the beginning of sustained partnerships between their organizations.

The eldest of five siblings, Bartholomew is from Baimuru within Gulf, and was born and raised in Kapuna after his parents initially moved there to study and eventually settled there. He was the first local to get employed at Kapuna Hospital full-time, in a managerial role, the young man has pioneered a lot of firsts. In his younger schooling years, he was part of the first batch of the Kapuna Life School and later was part of the first batch of students from Gulf to be sponsored by TotalEnergies EP PNG Ltd (TotalEnergies) to attend Port Moresby Technical School (POM Tech) in National Certificate trade courses. “At the time, they couldn’t make Kapuna Life School an official school since there were only five children but thanks to Barbara Calvert, we received uniforms and school materials which were shipped from New Zealand.” Following a brief stint at Kikori Secondary and then Port Moresby Grammar School for high school, he moved across to Goroka Grammar in Eastern Highlands, to complete his grades 11 and 12 in 2015. “It was a good boarding school, I was able to complete my grades 11 and 12 with a few of my good friends from Kapuna and then I got accepted into Pacific Adventist University (PAU), as an Australia Awards Scholarship recipient.” He unfortunately had to withdraw 2 years into his Nursing degree at PAU, due to a combination of wrong choices influenced by bad company. “After I pulled out from nursing, I went into this negative place in my head where I believed I had failed, and I felt there was no hope. “My family also gave up on me because they told me I had taken for granted what I had been given.” “When I was back at home, figuring out what to do, I happened to be in Kerema at the time the TotalEnergies’ Community Liaison Officers were conducting awareness and that’s how I heard about the scholarships being offered by TotalEnergies.” He was accepted into the Machining and Fitting course in 2019 at POM Tech, as part of the selected scholarship recipients and vowed to make the most of the opportunity. “I really wasn’t into technical trades because I personally had this heart of service, so I couldn’t connect being a machinist with that of being in a life of service, but I thought I should just give it a try since it was a really good opportunity for me.” “I really wanted to be a nurse or a doctor, some day and really help people, I just had this heart to help and serve others.” While at POM Tech, he involved himself with student groups like the Tertiary Students Christian Fellowship (TSCF), which led him down a better path and instilled within him strong leadership qualities. In 2020, he became the TSCF president for the school. “I started taking up leadership roles within that space, it really helped me in my spiritual walk, and I found good friends and started hanging out with them.” Graduating in 2021 with a National Certificate 3 in Maintenance Fitting and Machining, he stayed on at POM Tech as the TSCF coordinator, before the team at Kapuna asked him to return home with a job offer. He credits his time volunteering as a youth at the hospital, helping the former Projects Manager, Mr Colin Calvert and all other mentors, for helping him to build his experience and obtain different training certificates, to eventually become the Supplier and Logistics Manager. Regarding educational opportunities for the people of Gulf Province, Bartholomew said that he sees that there are many opportunities for the young people of Gulf, however most villages do not have proper schools or communications systems. “The people of Gulf province need to understand their place in their community but also to understand the level at which the province is at in terms of looking at it from a broader perspective.” “For example, you could receive a scholarship to attend a tertiary institution like I did, but if your attitude is not right or your heart is not really in it, then you’re just wasting your time.” “My best advice would be to live for others every day. “Living for others means you have to know what you are and know what you can contribute - know your potential and goals and live towards them but also love yourself whilst you’re doing this.”

The United States is providing immediate emergency assistance to communities affected by Mount Ulawun volcanic eruptions through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). USAID is providing US $500,000 (1.85 million Kina) to meet immediate humanitarian needs and assist displaced families in safely returning to their homes when permitted by the government of Papua New Guinea. This contribution supplements existing USAID-supported disaster preparedness programs, through which USAID partner the International Organization for Migration (IOM) immediately deployed disaster response experts to assess evacuee needs in support of provincial authorities in West New Britain and East New Britain. Since November 20, multiple eruptions from Papua New Guinea’s Mount Ulawun Volcano have resulted in five deaths, affecting over 24,000 people and displacing over 16,000 people to evacuation centres in East New Britain and West New Britain provinces. Ash plumes rose at least 15,000 meters from the volcano, with lava and ash fall harming oil palm trees, water sources, household gardens, and properties in nearby areas. U.S Embassy Chargéd’Affaires Katherine Monahan expressed delight in being able to provide assistance. “Leveraging our humanitarian expertise, the United States is pleased to answer the request of our partner, the Government of Papua New Guinea, and support its efforts in response to eruptions at Mount Ulawun.” Long-standing USAID investments in disaster risk reduction programs in Papua New Guinea and throughout the Pacific are ongoing throughout the year. Since 2013, USAID has been assisting IOM in strengthening community-based disaster risk management planning, disaster preparedness planning, and safe shelter assistance. Recently, USAID provided US $500,000 in critical relief items such as shelter and water tanks in response to the Mount Bagana eruption in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville. The US military provided critical equipment and transportation to assist in the last-mile delivery of emergency relief to thousands of people in hard-to-reach areas at the request of USAID.

TotalEnergies EP PNG Ltd (TEP PNG) as operator of the Papua LNG Project, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Papua New Guinea University of Technology (PNG Unitech) for a tertiary scholarship program. The Unitech Scholarship program will be available to third-year students in Electrical, Mechanical, or Civil Engineering, Applied Physics, Communication for Development, Geographical Information Sciences, or a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture beginning in 2024. The first phase of the program will be open to 25 high-achieving students and will cover full tuition, round-trip airfare, full board and lodging, book allowances, and stipends. In addition, consideration will be given to students from the project areas in both the Gulf and Central Provinces, which are open to all Papua New Guineans. This was part of Papua LNG's National Content strategy to improve the skills and competencies of all Papua New Guineans in order to increase their employability for future projects and contribute to the larger PNG talent pool. The Project is committed to becoming a significant contributor to the country's workforce development in accordance with one of three key pillars: Promoting Employment and Training of Papua New Guinean Citizens. Building on its existing partnership with Unitech, senior executives from TotalEnergies, including Project Management, visited the campus in Lae earlier this August and were given a tour of the school of Engineering, including meetings with the various Department Heads. Additionally, TEP PNG donated six laptops, Cisco wireless controllers, routers, firewalls, and two VoIP phones to the institution in order to foster this relationship. Jean-Marc Noiray, Managing Director of TEP PNG, described the event as a watershed moment for both Unitech, as a beacon of higher education, and the Papua LNG project.

Amazing Port Moresby is expanding into the lucrative Chinese tourism market in a groundbreaking initiative to boost tourism and economic opportunities, with the city's efforts to attract Chinese visitors advanced significantly as it prepares for the inaugural flight from Guangzhou on December 20th. On November 23, the National Capital District (NCD) Governor Powes Parkop convened a critical meeting at Seoul Restaurant with key stakeholders such as the Papua New Guinea (PNG) Chinese Association, the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA), tour agencies, and Amazing Port Moresby. This gathering was a watershed moment in the city's journey to becoming a popular tourist destination. This ambitious endeavor was made possible by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in September 2023 between Amazing Port Moresby and the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA). The MoU was centered on the development and promotion of the city's brand, "Amazing Port Moresby," as a multifaceted tourist destination, as embodied by the tagline "Million different journeys in one destination." The extensive dialogues held by Governor Parkop and Prime Minister James Marape with the Guangdong Government of China have contributed to the realization of this vision. A Boeing 787 Dreamliner operated by China Southern Airlines is scheduled to make its symbolic inaugural flight to Jacksons Airport on December 20th. Governor Parkop shared the exciting news with representatives from the Chinese Association in PNG, the PNGTPA, and other key stakeholders during a meeting. He revealed that 40 Chinese government officials would be on board the inaugural flight, emphasizing the significance of this momentous occasion. To highlight the country's connectivity, an Air Niugini charter flight will take visitors to Alotau before returning to Guangdong. Governor Parkop emphasized the significance of making a good first impression on the visitors. He emphasized that Guangdong, with a population of nearly 127 million people, is an industrial powerhouse. He also mentioned that China ranks high on the World Tourism Index and Port Moresby's strategic location to Asia, as well as its proximity to Australia, New Zealand, and other Pacific Island nations, makes it an ideal destination.

More gold medals will be decided on Saturday as some of the team sports close off their competition. Taniela Rainibogi, Fiji's flagbearer at the opening ceremony, secured three weightlifting gold medals in the men's 157 kilogram category to lead his country's jump on the medal tally. Fiji were at 13th spot on Thursday with two gold, 11 silver and nine bronze but claimed four gold on Friday to climb up the ladder. Paralympic table tennis player Merewalesi Roden also claimed a gold in her final match, adding to Fiji's tally. But New Caledonia added another 14 gold to their tally from swimming, karate and archery. They raked in six more gold from karate on Friday. The way it is looking New Caledonia should be celebrating another top of the table finish next weekend as the Pacific's best. Australia, who was invited along with New Zealand to participate at the Games some years back, continues to hold to second spot ahead of Samoa. New Zealand also made their presence felt on Friday, jumping from eighth to sixth on the medal tally. They claimed a number of gold medals, their biggest from super heavyweight lifter David Liti. He battled Samoa's Enele Mao of Samoa in the 109+kg category at Maranatha Hall. Liti emerged as the champion, bagging the gold medal lifting 182kg in the snatch, 223 kg for the clean and jerk, and a total of 405kg in his first Pacific Games victory. "I am very happy; this is my third Pacific Games appearance and my first time to have won gold. I am super thankful for my coach and team," he told the Pacific Games News Service. "I am also thankful to the Samoa weightlifting head coach, Jerry (Wallwork), because you always bring out these new boys from Samoa, and they are always very good, and that's what keeps me having my honest work, and I don't like to relax too much." Iuniarra Sipaia of Samoa claimed three gold medals in the women's 87+kg senior category, and also won the Oceania Champion title with a 107kg snatch lift and 145kg for the clean and jerk. Competition ends on Saturday in football, rugby sevens, basketball and volleyball. That should bring in some exciting final clashes. Source: rnz.com

Two new Pacific Games swimming records were set on Thursday at the Aquatic Centre in Honiara as the 2023 Pacific Games rolls towards it first full week of competition. The day also saw 24 gold medals won and New Caledonia's dominance in the pool being disrupted again, although they continue to advance in their lead at the top of medal tally. New Caledonia's hold at the top increased overnight with their gold medal haul at 32 and their total haul of medals now standing at 80. Australia keeps the second spot with 23 gold and Samoa retains third overnight with 18 gold. A new Pacific Games record of 50.05 seconds was set by Cook Islands' Wesley Roberts in the men's 100m freestyle, breaking the record of 50.44 second, set by Stephane Debaere at the 2015 Pacific Games in Port Moresby. [caption id="attachment_47585" align="aligncenter" width="1071"] Cook Islands swimming record breaker Wesley Roberts with his medal haul. Photo: Team Cook Islands[/caption] New record holder Roberts told the Pacific Games News Service it was a moment to savour. "I saw the record and one of the guys said that I didn't owe him $10 if I broke the record, so that was a bit of extra incentive but, again, everyone showed up tonight, which makes it more that more special and you want to get the job done. Me and my coach put a plan together and it paid off," he said. "I thought I could go close, my PB (personal best) was underneath the record, but you still have to get it done on the night and I was able to PB so that's the best time I've ever swam for the 100 free, so that's also really special and exciting and I'm just glad I could get it done for the Cook Islands." The second Games record was from New Caledonia, who clocked 1 minute and 39.24 seconds in the mixed 4 x 50m freestyle relay. They broke their own record set at the Pacific Games in Samoa, which was 1 minute 39.79s. Fiji claimed silver and Samoa bronze in the event. Other swimming winners In the women's 100m freestyle, Samoa's Olivia Borg claimed a new record and won her second gold medal for the night, stopping the watch at 58.60s. New Caledonia's Malou Douillard finished second with a time of 58.83 seconds and Fiji's Anahira McCutcheon (59.54) Borg picked up the gold in the women's 50m butterfly event as well with a time of 27.83 seconds, finishing ahead of New Caledonia's Lillie Freulon (28.01) and Douillard (28.30). The double-gold winner said she was not expecting the wins but was excited. "Honestly, I'm over the moon. I was not expecting this at all but I couldn't be any happier right now," she told Pacific Games Media. "I came into the Games just to have fun and so coming out with four golds is just amazing. I wouldn't have thought of it and I'm lost for words, but I'm just really happy. "Obviously coming here to represent my country, being here with all the other Samoan sports as well just means a lot, having the support by my family, and this is my first Pacific Games as well so I'm enjoying every single moment and I'm representing my family as well." Young Fijian Kelera Mudunasuoko won gold in the women's 100m breaststroke. The 16 year old Nadi student clocked 1 minute and 13.01 seconds in her gold swim aead of Cook Islands' Mary Connolly and New Caledonia's Manon Baldovini. Ethan Dumesnil of New Caledonia comfortably secure gold with a time of 24.31 seconds in the men's 50m butterfly. Federated States of Micronesia's Tasi Limtiaco took gold in the men's 100m breaststroke, with a time of 1 minute and 3.60 seconds. More medals are at stake in today's (Friday's) last events for swimming [caption id="attachment_47586" align="aligncenter" width="1069"] Kelera Mudunasuoko (middle) with her gold medal flanked by her fellow competitors Cook Islands’ Mary Connolly and New Caledonia’s Manon Baldovini. Photo: Team Fiji[/caption] What to expect today Weightlifting closes competition today along with archery. Medals will be decided in both competitions. Bastketball and volleyball are also entering their second last day of competition. Fiji and Samoa are dominating in sevens rugby at the National Stadium. The two Pacific giants are tipped to make it to the finals in the men's and women's competition but also face tough opposition from Tonga, the Solomons and Cook Islands. Fiji Rugby 7s men's team defeated American Samoa 55-0 in their first pool match while the Fijiana women's side beat Wallis and Futuna 29-0. Solomon Islands recorded a 22-5 win against Cook Islands in the women's competition, while the men's team had a 34-0 victory against Tahiti and a 29-0 win over Wallis and Futuna. In other women's matches Tonga thrashed Nauru 51-0. In the other men's matches Samoa beat Tuvalu 21-14 while Tonga hammered Nauru 46-0, with Papua New Guinea winning 62-0 against Tahiti. Karate enters its second and final day with medals on the table. Singles and mixed doubles events continue in tennis, while the women's and men's doubles begins today. Golf, sailing, table and football also continues. In football Tonga and Samoa will face off in their final pool, followed by Fiji v Solomon Islands. In the men's Cook Islands face New Caledonia Northern Mariana Islands takes on Tahiti. Finals in the event will be held on Saturday. Source: rnz.com

During a recent meeting hosted by the Consultative Implementation and Monitoring Council (CIMC) at Lamana Hotel, speakers and representatives spoke of issues affecting their various sectors and departments. Among those present was Mr. Kinsella Geoffrey, Executive Director for the National Training Council (NTC) and while presenting updates and recommendations on the National Training Policy 2022-2032, he spoke of mining labour improvements in relation to education. “One of our key aims of the movement of mine function to DHERST, in terms of registration of private training provided, is to ensure conformity and standards – that is the same skills, knowledge and teaching must be provided when it comes to private training.” “We want the same standards maintained whether you are in a public school or a private school.” Mr. Geoffrey further elaborated on how the NTC endorses resource projects to become more involved with the community. “NTC seeks within resource projects, their employment and training committee on behalf of the Department of Labour. “We chair these meetings, and in those meetings we push for these resource projects to not only train their staff, but to also get involved in the community, especially to those who are impacted by the mine.” “They must also provide scholarships or funding for training institutions for the host province.” He also stated that these mining companies must utilize the resources, programs and institutions within Papua New Guinea before sending individuals overseas for further training.

During the 12th graduation ceremony of Rarongo Theological College, East New Britain Province, renowned national figure Sir Moi Avei gave a motivational speech to the graduating class. Prominent attendees, parents, and the forty-five graduating students were present at the event on Sunday, November 19th when the 76-year-old Sir Moi Avei enthralled the audience with his powerful works. Renowned for his wisdom, integrity, and commitment to serving the country, he underlined the importance of the graduates' chosen paths while applauding the graduates' diligence and fortitude. “The future is yours; take it with both hands. Your success in making a difference is now entirely in your hands. Your parents will expect a tangible return from their investment.” Sir Moi Avei related his personal experiences, discussing the challenges he had faced and the lessons he had discovered along the way. He emphasized the significance of upholding one's moral principles and using education to further the common good. He commended Miriam Moses, a young woman from Milne Bay who successfully completed her Master’s Degree in Theology. Two other young women also graduated with diplomas in Theology. "In the years to come, I hope to see more of your sisters’ graduate with flying colours. Our forefathers heavily involved female participation in the economy," he said. The occasion saw the graduates receive their certificates and awards in theology but in respective different programs.

The Education & Training Sectoral Committee of CIMC (Consultative Implementation & Monitoring Council) hosted its first meeting of 2023 on Thursday, November 16th at the Lamana Hotel. According to CIMC the meeting aimed to gauge updates on the government’s plans and initiatives in the education sector. Acting Secretary of DHERST, * was among those present. He addressed the quality and standards of in higher education and presented updates on plans implemented to improve higher education in the country. “I established the National School Development Agency with the intention of engaging the private sector into our TAFE and technical colleges and universities.” “The reason being the material and programs taught in these institutions were not relevant to the industry and it was out of date – from the 19th century.” “By law each TAFE or technical college must have people from the industry on the council to influence the policy making and must participate when developing the curriculum.” “Since this was implemented, I am pleased to report that this initiative is working well.” Professor Czuba added that the country is lacking quality high education and has not undergone much upgrade. “The system is supposed to guarantee a lot of quality graduates however, the system of education we inherited since independence is still the same.” “We have the PNG National Qualification Framework but it hasn’t been implemented yet.”

Bilum Books is currently in St. Francis Highschool in Nuku, Sandaun Province training a total of 166 Elementary School Teachers, with last week seeing 89 teachers receiving training. The teaching was all about instructing young children to read & write in English, in line with the National Department of Education’s (NDoE) English syllabus for Grades 1 & 2. Bilum Books Director Ray O’Farrell further elaborated on the training which was carried out in the beginning of this year. “This workshop explains the importance of Language Learning Strands in the PNG Syllabus: Speaking & Listening, Reading & Comprehension, Phonics, Common Words and Writing.” “We also explain how to use the Bilum Books Skills Based Curriculum, English Teacher Guides and Student Activity Books.” “Each school was given an allocation of books so that these teachers can return to their schools equipped with the training and the books to implement what they were taught.” The training and books are provided for under the Partnerships for Improving Education (PIE), an agreement between the PNG Government and the Australian Government; managed by Abt Associations PIE and supported by the NDoE and the Provincial Divisions of Education (PDoE). O’Farrell added that the same training has been carried out in other provinces as well. “Currently, we are in Sandaun, but PIE has also been rolled out in Central, ARoB and Enga.” “Next week we will train similar numbers in Telefomin and Tekin.” So far a total of 3200 teachers have received training in 23 courses held in the various provinces.