Hundreds of young Papua New Guineans are set to benefit from expanded educational pathways and leadership training following an announcement of K1.1 million funding renewal by Kina Bank for the Kokoda Track Foundation (KTF).
The three-year commitment, running from 2026 to 2028, will directly sustain KTF’s two flagship initiatives; the Archer Leaders Program and the Motu Koita Flexible Open and Distance Education (FODE) Program. The funding extension aims to secure second-chance education for high school students and cultivate the nation’s next generation of leaders.
The partnership was finalized during a visit to the KTF FODE Centre at Hanuabada Village in Port Moresby by Kina Bank CEO and Managing Director, Ivan Vidovich and Chief of Staff, Mackhenly Kaiok, who met with students, educators, and KTF representatives.
“We believe education changes lives. Through our partnership with KTF, we are helping create opportunities for many young Pap Guineans to learn, grow and reach their full potential,” Vidovich said when speaking during the visit.
The funding renewal will have a direct, measurable impact on local communities, particularly through the Motu Koita FODE Centre.
The Centre serves as a second-chance academic pathway for Grades 9–12 students who have fallen out of the formal school system, allowing them to gain the qualifications needed for employment or tertiary education.
Since the Centre’s inception in 2020, Kina Bank’s backing has enabled more than 1,000 student enrollments. Significantly, female students make up more than half of these enrollments, directly addressing gender disparities in secondary education.
By securing operations for another three years, the donation ensures continuous, stable access to learning resources in Hanuabada and surrounding areas.
Beyond secondary education, the donation secures the future of the Archer Leadership Development Program.
Under this initiative, Kina Bank’s senior executive team will continue to provide direct, one-on-one mentoring to two Archer Leaders each year. This hands-on corporate mentorship will help bridge the gap between academic promise and professional leadership, equipping young Papua New Guineans with the skills necessary to drive societal change.
KTF Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Genevieve Nelson welcomed the continued support, saying that Kina Bank’s continued support is helping more young Papua New Guineans access the education they deserve.
