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November 2022

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After finding out she was going to be a mother last year, Sera Koroi’s hopes of playing for PNG in the Women’s Rugby League World Cup were gone.

However, when the tournament was postponed to 2022, it turned out to be a blessing for the New Irelander as she was selected for the Orchids, and her baby is now a year old.  

“His first birthday was just a week ago. It was pretty hard (being away) but he won’t remember it when he gets older and that puts my mind at ease and it will be a big celebration when I go back,” Koroi said.

The 20-year-old, PNG-Fijian was a standout for the Orchids in their last two matches playing at Five-Eight.

A natural ball runner, whose tackle-busting runs are now highlighted in countless social media posts shared especially by PNG women.

When asked about her thoughts on Women’s Rugby League in PNG, she said it is reflected in the success of the Orchids.

 From losing all their matches in the 2017 World Cup to now being a win away from securing a spot in the 2021 World Cup Grand Final.

She also spoke of how the Orchids’ success can inspire the younger generation in PNG, especially young women who are chasing their dreams of having a professional career as well as starting a family.

“We have so many mums here, daughters, sisters, and wives – and it inspires (us) the younger generation to chase our dreams,” she said.

Meanwhile, PNG will line up against host nation England in their final pool match this Thursday.

The Orchids are outside favorites but Coach Ben Jeffries believes they can be a force if they stick to their brand of footy.

“We are putting our best team forward to face England. We are here to compete,” Jeffries said.

The Kokoda Track Foundation, Kina Bank, and the Motu Koita Assembly have renewed their partnership for the ongoing operations of the Motu Koita FODE Center in 2023.

The announcement of the Strengthen Partnership was made today at the Motu Koita FODE Center.

The FODE center is operated by an international development organization, the Kokoda Track Foundation, and funded by Kina Bank.

The partnership began in 2020 and has seen an annual cohort of over 100 students pursuing a second chance at Education through this center.

Motu Koita Acting CEO Gaud Frank acknowledged this partnership saying FODE centers are an important program in the education system.

“I am happy to see this partnership renewed today, and guarantee FODE services to continue in Motu Koita Villages,” the acting CEO said.

Kina Bank CEO Greg Pawson says their purpose is to continue to improve the prosperity of the people, communities, and markets they serve, and they are very happy partners.

“This Partnership aligns with our purpose and delivers tangible outcomes that can only benefit the people of Papua New Guinea,” Pawson said.

The Kokoda Track Foundation has established various FODE centers and education programs in various provinces.

When announcing this strengthened partnership, KTF CEO Dr. Genevieve Nelson announced plans to create more space for elementary school teachers to upgrade their qualifications.

She said the need for FODE and second-chance pathways are critical.

“Teachers are required the upgrade their qualifications, and there are new minimum entry qualifications required to gain entry into Teacher’s College as well as other tertiary pathways.

“We are proud to work with so many committed people from the Motu Koita Communities and give them a second chance at education,” the KTF CEO said.

The FODE center offers grades 9, 10, 11, and 12 studies to students who wish to upgrade their education, in the hope of pursuing further studies in the fields of teaching and health.

The grades 9 and 11 students are now preparing to sit their mock exams, and they will be sitting for their final examinations later this month.

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