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Second Chance, Bright Futures: Western Province Celebrates Hundreds of Educational Triumphs

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Western Province Graduates

In a region known for its vast landscapes and tight-knit communities, a wave of educational achievement is being celebrated. Over 840 individuals in the Fly River area of Western Province have successfully advanced or graduated through the Flexible Open Distance Education (FODE) program, marking a significant milestone for the province.

This achievement, made possible through a collaborative effort funded by the Sustainable Development Program (SDP) and implemented by the Kokoda Track Foundation (KTF), in partnership with the Western Province Division of Education, is opening doors for people seeking a second chance at education in some of Papua New Guinea’s most remote locales.

Western Province Graduation Class

Among the many success stories, the journey of Marilyn Duwaba shines brightly.

A dedicated primary school teacher and a busy single mother of three in Kiunga, Marilyn recently celebrated a personal triumph: upgrading her Grade 12 results through FODE.

Over two decades after her initial schooling, Marilyn felt compelled to improve her GPA to meet new government standards for educators. The flexible nature of the FODE program allowed her to pursue this goal while continuing her vital work in the classroom.

Marilyn’s dedication culminated in a remarkable achievement in 2024; not only did she improve her GPA, but she was also recognized as the Dux of her class.

Reflecting on her success, Marilyn had this to say, “I was so excited that my effort had paid off. I feel that with this kind of opportunity in the community, we don’t have to stay at the same level; we can continue to advance ourselves and provide good opportunities for our families and contribute to our communities as well.”

Marilyn Duwaba at her Graduation in Western Province
Marilyn Duwaba, Grade 12 Dux Student at Western Outreach FODE (left)

Driven by her own experience, Marilyn is now encouraging others who may be hesitant to return to education.

“You don’t stop because it does not turn out right the first time,” she urged.

“If you want to achieve something then you keep going. Education does not end with a certain grade, we can keep upgrading ourselves so we can provide a better community for ourselves and our families.”

The graduation celebrations across Western Province underscored the strength of the partnerships driving this progress.

Representatives from local government, SDP, and KTF joined the festivities, including Western Provincial Education Advisor Mr. Charlie Buia, SDP Director of Education Dr. Brad Shaw, KTF CEO Dr. Genevieve Nelson, and KTF Head of Education Ms. Martha Bentley.

This initiative, fueled by the vision of SDP’s Gutpela Community Strategy 2025-2030, is forging a path towards a brighter future for Western Province.

Through the combined efforts of SDP, KTF, FODE, and the Western Provincial Division of Education, a growing number of empowered individuals are gaining the skills and qualifications needed to pursue employment and further education, building a stronger and more prosperous community for all.

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Devastation Strikes Major Fish Farm in Imbonggu District

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Imbonggu Fish farm devastation

Imbonggu district in the Southern Highlands province has been struck by a natural disaster that has left the local community in shock.

Heavy rainfall, compounded by a small earthquake, has wreaked havoc on one of the largest inland fish farms in the Imbonggu area, which was home to an impressive six ponds, including one nearing completion.

Each pond measured 30 meters by 30 meters and housed approximately fifty thousand super tilapia, a vital resource for the community.

Mr. Anjo, the owner of the farm, expressed his devastation upon witnessing the extensive damage caused by the landslide and torrential rains.

“It’s heartbreaking to see what has happened to my farm,” he said, visibly shaken.

Imbonggu Fish Farm Devastation
Imbonggu Fish Farm Devastation
Imbonggu Fish Farm Devastation

The fish farm has not only served as a source of income for Mr. Anjo’s family but has also played a crucial role in supporting unemployed youths in the area.

Furthermore, it has contributed significantly to reducing malnutrition among women and children in the community by providing a steady supply of nutritious fish.

The loss of this vital resource has raised concerns about the future. Mr. Anjo, however, is determined to rebuild.

He stated, “I will be looking for ways to restore my farm, as it is essential for the livelihoods of many in our community.”

Despite the challenges ahead, Mr. Anjo’s resilience embodies the spirit of a community that has always found ways to overcome adversity.

As the community rallies around Mr. Anjo in his time of need, the hope remains that, through collaboration and support, the fish farm can be restored to its former glory, continuing its legacy of sustenance and empowerment.

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Operation Render Safe to commence in East New Britain

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Operation Render Safe

A team lead by the Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea is now in East New Britain Province to commence planning and preparations for Operation Render Safe.

The team includes Commissioner John Feakes and Defense Adviser, Colonel Travis Gordon together with an Australian Defense Force (ADF) team.

The visit is the first in a series to the province as the ADF works with the Provincial Disaster Centre, PNGDF and the RPNGC to start the planning and preparations for Operation Render Safe.

For two decades Australia has been helping Pacific countries with the safe removal of bombs and small munitions under Operation Render Safe.

At the Ministerial Forum in June 2024, PNG Ministers welcomed Australia’s conduct of Operation Render Safe in East New Britain.

Operation Render Safe in East New Britain
Operation Render Safe in East New Britain

Unexploded ordnance (UXO) from WWII is a concern for communities across PNG.

In East New Britain the Provincial Disaster Office has multiple received reports of deteriorated bombs and small munitions discovered in the jungle or unearthed as people clear land for development.

Lieutenant Henry Beri, officer in charge of the PNGDF EOD said “the PNGDF has been working with East New Britain to remove as many munitions as we can, but we need help.”

There is too much for the PNGDF to deal with alone and extra skills and equipment are required to deal with some discoveries such as a very large bomb that washed ashore and is too heavy to move.

“My team are looking forward to working with the ADF to develop our skills.”

In addition to visiting sites where unexploded ordnance has been found, the ADF team, accompanied by LEUT Henry Beri, met with the Provincial Police Commander Chief Inspector, Felix Nebanat and CEO of the Provincial Health Authority, Dr Apo Yap.

The ADF will continue to work closely with the PNGDF, RPNGC and authorities in East New Britain to develop and agree a plan for the safe removal of bombs and small munitions.

It is important not to touch or move any suspected bombs and small munitions like bullets.

Communities in East New Britain are encouraged to leave them in place and report the location to the Provincial Disaster Center, located at the Fire Station in Kokopo.

The team was welcomed by the Governor Michael Marum and Provincial Administrator Levi Mano.

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Sexual Health Awareness for June Valley Community

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A community engagement program by the June Valley youths and Marie Stopes PNG saw the successful treatment of ten (10) Sexually Transmitted Infections and nine (9) Family Planning Treatment.

The visit to the June Valley community was an initiated by the Doma Youths Association, a community advocacy group in Tokarara, Port Moresby.

Chairman of Doma Youths Association, Pia Kak said June Valley is a fast growing community and it was important to bring in family health organizations such as Marie Stopes to address unplanned pregnancies and sexual health through awareness and treatment.

He said a lot of youths who are sexually active do not know where or whom to reach out for sexual health information or treatment.

People gathered at a field for sexual health awareness program.
June Valley community congregate for sexual health awareness program.

“Bringing Marie Stopes here we hope to address the stigma in getting family planning for youths who are sexually active. While we don’t encourage teenage sex, it is important that the community knows these services are available.”

Marie Stops Community Based Mobilizer, Bapi Timothy said these awareness programs are provided free of charge in communities throughout the country. He said it only needs the community leaders to reach out to them.

“Our mother’s, sisters and wives are vulnerable to child birth deaths because there isn’t enough spacing, and not enough awareness on basic family planning methods and also having too many children which makes our mothers sisters and wives face child birth complications.

Youths were also advised to seek medical treatment at the earliest when they experience discomfort or discharge at the genitalia.

Mr Kak further thanked the 19 people that were screened by Marie Stopes medical team and treated.

“It is a milestone achievement for Doma Youths Association for partnering with one of the vital service providers in the country,” said Kak.

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Community

IOM and USAID deliver rain catchment materials in Highlands

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IOM

THE International Organization for Migration or IOM has delivered rainwater catchment installation materials to the Kumbal Community in Jiwaka province.

These materials were generously funded by the United States Agency for International Development Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (USAID-BHA), and was welcomed by the Kumbal community, located at the border of Simbu and Jiwaka provinces, and home to approximately 10,000 people from six council wards.

With the population in the area, the accessibility of water has been an issue, especially for women, children, and the elderly, which has resulted in the collection of drinking water from the muddy Waghi river and nearby creeks.

IOM’s interventions will alleviate water scarcity, and provide quality water, which is very much needed by these communities.

Jiwaka Provincial Disaster Coordinator, John Kupul, acknowledged USAID’s funding assistance, and thanked IOM for being an active partner working closely with his Jiwaka Provincial Administration to improve the resilience of local communities.

“All thanks to the people of America through USAID Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance for this critical assistance to improve community access to safe drinking water. This has been a need for the people of Kumbal,” said Kambiye Tolak, the Councillor for Kumbal Ward 2.

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Community

Community Watch Initiative

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Doma Youths Association

by Frank Mogona

Youths at June Valley have initiated a neighborhood watch program aimed at creating and maintaining a safe community.

The Doma Youth Association began this program in their Port Moresby community on Monday with the promise to continue the initiative.

Association chairman, Pia Kak told Inside PNG that he wants to create avenues where youths can feel a part of.

“The association will focus on how to create a safe avenue for women and children, and also to continue to provide cleaning services in the community like grass cutting and sweeping,” Kak said.

Doma Youth Association members of June Valley taking part in neighborhood clean-up.

The Doma Youth Association is made up of young men and women who are unemployed and others who are seeking further education opportunities.

He added that had seen enough youths causing problems in their own community, hence that is the reason he came up with the idea of creating an association.

The Doma Youth Association is registered with the Investment Promotion Authorities (IPA) and can be engaged for general services like drainage cleaning and other clean-a-ton programs.

“I want to improve this community by providing the most appropriate action in the community and also to gain trust so the people can engage Doma youth’s in the near future for any general work,” Kak said.

Related: https://insidepng.com/tokarara-youth-embrace-city-watch-project/

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