Education continues to be a key focus of the National Government captured in the K28 billion 2025 National Budget, with a huge allocation aimed at making improvements for the betterment of the future generations. Treasurer Ian Ling Stuckey, when handing down 2025 Budget in Parliament on Friday, said the education sector was allocated K473.5 million, an increase of 12.0 per cent compared to this year’s budget. Whilst the department of education is responsible for primary and secondary education and the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (DHERST) responsible for tertiary education, the sector aims to provide quality, affordable and accessible education for all. According to the Treasurer, the intervention programs in the Medium-Term Development Goals IV (MTDP), focus on improving skilled labour to meet the growing demand in the human capital by providing quality teaching and learning environment and improving accessibility and affordability for all levels of education. This will start from the early childhood education program which aims to set the foundation for children’s learning; quality basic primary and secondary education to improve quality education leading to Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) institutions, colleges and the universities and increase coverage of the educated population in pursuit of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) by leaving no one behind. Of the Education Sector's allocation for 2025, K3,989.1 million is designated for operational expenditure, with K2,803.5 million for compensation of employees (CoE) and K1,185.6 million for goods and services (G&S). Additionally, K446.2 million is allocated for capital investment expenditure, which includes K365.0 million in direct financing from the Government of Papua New Guinea (GoPNG), K53.0 million in grants, and K28.2 million in concessional loan funded projects. As for TESAS, an total of K98.9 million has been allocated which is an increase of K15.9 million, followed by K53.1 million for HELP (an increase of K1.1 million), K859.5 million for Government Tuition Fund Subsidy (GTFS) which is an increase of K8.6 million and K30.0 million for STEM program (an increase of K23.7 million) in 2025 Budget. Meanwhile, as for teachers, an increase of K210.0 is allocated for their salaries and allowances to cover expected arrears and K66.0 million to cater for the costs associated with the increase in salary and allowances rates for teachers. It has also been noted that Teachers' Salary Grants and Leave Fares are now directly captured under the Education Sector. Moreover, other intervention programs that will be funded 2025 includes General Education Programs (K75.0 million), the Sir Michael Somare University (K10.0 million), Higher Education (K194.0 million) programs and TVET (K50.0 million) programs.

Parliament Sitting resumed today, Tuesday the 26th of November, with Member for Karamui Nomane district, Francis Alua as the first member who opened the floor during question time. His question was directed to the Minister for Administrative Services and member for Popondetta, Richard Masere on the on-going National Census. He stated in parliament today that there have been a few mixed reports from the media as to some provinces completing this exercise, some halfway through and some who have not yet started. Being that he then asked that the minister be able to inform the people of this country on the floor of Parliament to provide a status of this exercise. Minister for Administrative Services, Richard Masere responded by confirming that most of the counting had been completed which took only six months to do. “We’ve already completed well over 333 Local Level Governments with 32 currently synchronizing.” “From that current synchronizing that is taking place, Southern region has three more LLGs to complete their syncs. As for Highlands region, about twelve LLGs to complete their syncs, Momase has about fifteen LLGs and New Guinea Islands have completed their syncs.” Masere further stated that so far within six months, they have progressed relatively slowly, however, he remains confident that despite the many different challenges that things will go well. Meanwhile, along with the update that was given at Parliament, Masere made mention comparing this year’s National Census with the last one that took place back in 2011. He said that it took about a total of five years before reaching its completion, whereas this year’s Census took about six months. “For the 2011 Census that was conducted, the funding was initially issued in 2009 and in 2010, the National Statistics Office conducted what we call the ‘Household Listing Service’ which is part of the population count and then in 2011, the population census was then conducted.” “It was then in 2013 that the preliminary count was announced and in 2014, the official census count was announced.” “So, in contrast with what we are doing today, it took about five years to announce the initial funding allocation to when the official census was concluded and as for this year, it took us only six months.”

The weeklong Teaching Service Commission (TSC) Consultation meeting in Eastern Highlands Province is currently underway after commencing on Monday 25th November. TSC Chairman, Samson Wangihomie during the opening ceremony, said the rational of the workshop is to get views of the Provincial TSC officers on matters to do with the three (3) core functions of TSC which are Appointment, Industrial and Legal/Discipline. He stated that those are the activities that the TSC Provincial Officers experience every day in the provinces. As for Appointment, it is a core function of TSC that deals with appointment of all the teachers by confirming teachers, auditing and managing teaching positions for all sectors including elementary, primary, secondary, National Schools of Excellence, FODE, TVET and Inclusive Education Institutions. The second core function, Industrial Relations, deals with all matters relating to teachers' welfare conditions, salaries, allowances, leave fares entitlement and others. As for Legal, it is related to internal and external matters including teacher discipline and related appeals. The section investigates and responds to complaints of members coming through law firms, the Ombudsman Commission and other agencies. The section also considers complaints and makes referrals to the Police for criminal investigation, charge and prosecution in fraud cases. Meanwhile, the TSC officers will discuss and list all the different functions according to the TSC Act and to see what the most important requirements are when dealing with teachers' queries. In addition, Wangihomie said they will look at areas of discipline and how they should be able to deal with discipline matters in the province when they are confronted with teachers having behavioral matters. “We will look at how to conduct investigations, how to fill in appropriate forms, how to communicate the decision of Provincial Education Board (PEB) to the teachers who are affected.” A resolution committee will be formed to put all resolutions together to submit to the top management team of TSC. These resolutions will be categorized into short term that have immediate solutions, and the resolutions that are long term and need more consultations. Meanwhile, the first consultation meeting was held in Port Moresby for the Southern and New Guinea Islands TSC officers in July this year. The current TSC Consultation meeting will end on Friday 29th November.

Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee (PNGOC) has brought the Oceania Sports Education Program (OSEP) to the remote Tufi Local Level Government (LLG) in Oro province, marking the program's debut in the region. The initiative, conducted in Sinei village, drew 57 participants from nearby communities, including Lefume, Gavide, Baga, Sefoa, Gangiga, Tumari, and Moghana, highlighting the overwhelming interest and commitment to sports and education in these rural areas. The program kicked off on the 16th of November with a Sport in Communities Administrators' Course aimed at equipping participants with the skills to manage and sustain sports programs effectively. Attendees overcame significant logistical hurdles to participate, with some paddling four hours by canoe or spending up to K160 on dinghy rides. Despite overcrowded classrooms and broken desks, their determination highlighted the community’s eagerness to embrace education and development through sports. Adding depth to the initiative, PNGOC integrated a Gender Equity workshop, which saw a remarkable 90% participation rate from Tufi LLG Sports representatives. Led by Iammo Gapi Launa, OBE, a PNGOC Board Member and Chair of the Gender Equity Committee, the workshop tackled critical issues, including cultural barriers that hinder equitable access to education, sports, and community activities. Discussions emphasized fostering respect for marginalized groups such as women, children, and persons with disabilities. The team also introduced practical measures to improve community well-being, such as advocating for WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) practices and promoting the use of Queen Pads cloth pads for menstrual health. This saw fathers and husbands actively involved, helping shift perspectives on shared household and community responsibilities. This milestone aligns with PNGOC’s mission to foster sports and promote gender equity across Papua New Guinea. In addition, this sets the stage for the upcoming Sinei Soccer Association tournament, a major event involving teams from all twenty wards of Tufi LLG. Moreover, through programs like OSEP, PNGOC continues to demonstrate the transformative power of sports and education in driving sustainable community development.

The Provincial Education Division under the East New Britain Provincial Administration (ENBPA) recently conducted a training on the ENB Teachers Online Services program in Pomio District. Pomio was the last of the four districts in the province to undergo the training for its head teachers this week, with the last Local Level Government (LLG), East Pomio, to be covered next week. Pomio District Education Coordinator, Casper Ruga said that the participants are from the LLGs, except for East Pomio and Sinivit LLGs. The training that took place was targeted for head teachers of three Secondary schools, one High school, two TVET centers, about seventy (70) primary and over 300 elementary schools in the seven LLGs of Pomio District. "We in Pomio District tend to have issues with mobile network connectivity, so our participants have been advised to find places that have access to internet connectivity to send their forms.” About forty participants from the five LLGs of Melkoi, West Pomio, Mamusi Yana, Central Pomio and Inland Pomio attended the recent workshop that was held at Palmalmal Secondary school. He said that these forms are not new, it's just that they are doing it online instead of the conventional way of filling up papers and physically bringing them to Kokopo. The leader of the technical team facilitating the three-day workshop and Deputy Head Teacher of Vunalovo Primary school, Mr. John Kou, said that there are nine links on the online program. He stated that the program covers electronic forms for retirement, resumption, online nomination (for Grade nine students), query, absent, suspension, leave, bio data and daily attendance. In terms of lack of network coverage at many schools in the district and parts of the Baining areas, Mr. Kou said that they are providing an excel spreadsheet for them to use, to send their completed online forms through the WhatsApp platform. “The program has been in use for the past month since the first training done for Gazelle District this year and has yielded some positive feedback. We now have teachers being punctual and are present in the classroom, unlike before.” He further advised that in the 2023 MRI (Minimum Rating Index), East New Britain was placed fifteenth out of twenty-two (22) provinces. "This is a drop for ENB, in terms of national examination results, so that's why the Division came up with strategies such as this online program, because a major contributing factor is teachers' attendance.” “So, one of the links is attendance registry for teachers to clock in and clock out. This form enables the Education Division to monitor teachers' attendance." In addition, the online service is cost effective, as teachers can send the electronic forms from the comfort of their schools or location, and on a timely manner too, as often teachers have to travel via sea and plane to bring their documents to Kokopo city.

Prime Minister (PM) James Marape expressed gratitude towards the German Government and people for the continued relations that Germany has with Papua New Guinea (PNG), based on historic significance. During a recent bilateral meeting that was held at the APEC Terminal in Port Moresby city, PM Marape’s discussions with Beate Grzeski; Ambassador of Germany to Australia, Nauru, PNG, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, were centered on strengthening ties between the two nations. As part of fostering stronger bilateral relations with Germany going forward, Marape extended a warm invitation for Germany to establish a full-time embassy in PNG, in which it can be offered as Special Economic Zone status. “PNG and Germany, we share a unique bond between us historically. Given Papua was colonized by the British, the New Guinea side was looked after by the Germans. Not only that but Germany has countless footprints right across PNG, especially in terms of names of places and people. “My government wants to enliven that piece of history and strengthen the unique bond between us as we near our fifty years of Independence as a nation next year.” In saying this, PM Marape also extended an invitation for a representative from Germany to be present at the fifty years anniversary celebrations for PNG next year. Moreover, the Prime Minister encouraged German business investment in PNG, given the backdrop of PNG’s existing significant relations with Southeast Asia, the main Asian continent and beyond, which he says can be accessible for German and other investors in the country as they engage with PNG. Ambassador Grzeski acknowledged PM Marape for the discussions held during the bilateral meeting, agreeing to the unique ties shared between the two nations and for strengthening the relationship. She highlighted that following Germany’s first establishment by way of a mission office in the South Pacific Region in Suva, Fiji, they are also considering PNG as the ideal destination in the Region to make their presence known going forward.

The economic sector in East New Britain province has been challenged to use this year's annual economic sector conference to find solutions towards impediments in economic development. This was the stern message issued by the member of Pomio and National Health Minister, Elias Kapavore, when opening the 2024 ENB Economic Sector Annual Conference, held in Pomio District recently. He said that this weeklong meeting should not be another avenue to talk about the same things, but rather it should be used by the sector stakeholders to come up with resolutions and innovations to address issues faced by farmers, fisherfolks and small business operators in the province. “Next year is an important milestone for PNG. We will celebrate fifty years of our country's political independence but it's taking us more than 30-40 years to gain economic independence.” After the initial program was held last year in Kokopo, Kapavore said that it's time to stop talking and start putting into action what has been discussed in the previous meeting last year. “Our farmers are struggling out there. They need help so echoing what the Deputy Provincial Administrator said, by now we should establish monitoring, evaluation, research and quality control systems, to safeguard all these productions in our area." Meanwhile, Pomio District Administrator, John Liskia also stressed on the need to chart a new economic development path for the province. “I think Pomio is the ideal place for the ENBPA to talk about economic development, because Pomio District is a sleeping economic giant.” In fact, Pomio district has successfully trialed a number of crops only grown in the highlands part of the country, such as potato, bulb onion, broccoli, coffee as well as rice. The economic programs being rolled out are in line with the district's five-Year Development Plan, which is based on three key pillars on good governance, economic empowerment and integral human development. “In this conference, I want us to focus on what we can do with the available resources, so to increase the revenue of the province through the economic sector. We need to go into downstream processing of these raw products and add more value.” Liskia also acknowledged the support from political leaders in the province, including Minister Kapavore and members of the Provincial Government, towards the program. Echoing Minister Kapavore's remarks on the need for the business arms, both for the province and districts to take lead in business ventures, Liskia said that these entities should be in the forefront of investment opportunities for the province. When highlighting the conference theme on 'Enhancing prosperity through partnership, building a robust and resilient economy', Deputy Provincial Administrator for Socio-Economic Services (SES) Marakan Uvano said that there are 2 key messages derived from it. “Enhancing prosperity is our vision, which is in line with our Strategic Development Plan (2023 - 2033) and the Vision 2050, while the second part on building a robust and resilient economy is our mandate as public servants.” In addition, the conference seeks to provide a valuable platform for effective stakeholder dialogue towards common development goals for economic advancement in the province. The program saw the attendance of public servants in the economic sector under the four ENBPA Divisions of Agriculture and Livestock (DAL), Fisheries and Commerce, as well as the Natural Resources Management and Development (NRMD) Unit, from the Provincial Headquarter right down to the districts and Local Level Governments. Furthermore, stakeholders in attendance included Women and Youth in Agriculture (WYA), PNG Cocoa Board, Commerce Department through the Cooperative Societies Unit, CPL, Growers Association, FPDA, BSP Life Insurance, IRC and Kada Poroman Microfinance Ltd (KPML), amongst others. Presentations were done on the first day (Monday 18th of November) by other ENBPA Divisions and units.

Over 762 students across four schools in Kokopo participated in the Olympic Values Education Program (OVEP) recently from November 14th-16th, 2024. Led by Team PNG HERO athletes, the initiative emphasized the Olympic values of Respect, Excellence, and Friendship, encouraging young people to incorporate these principles into their lives. HERO athletes, Rellie Kaputin, Kele Lessy and Gantianna Joseph shared personal stories about their journey in sports and how the values guided them to inspire the students of Rabaul International School, Kalamanagunan Primary School, Kokopo Primary and Technical Secondary Schools. Olympian Rellie Kaputin, a track and field athlete who holds the national record for jumps, multiple medal winner at the Pacific Games and represented PNG at the Commonwealth and the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, spoke about the importance of respecting oneself. She highlighted how self-care, discipline, and balance have helped her excel in both sports and life. Kele Lessy, Vice-Captain of the PNG Men’s Touch Football team, focused on respect for others, illustrating how mutual respect within a team environment has been vital to his growth as an athlete. Gantianna Joseph, a karate athlete and environmental advocate, discussed respect for the environment, emphasizing the role of youth in reducing plastic pollution under the Love Your Coast program. The program culminated with a Touch Football Tournament at Kalamanagunan Primary School on November 16, 2024, where 62 students participated. The tournament celebrated teamwork and respect, providing a platform for students to apply the values they had learned. Team PNG HERO athletes also took part in the event, exemplifying the principles they promoted throughout the program. In addition, the Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee, Programs Coordinator, Mickey Tamarua praised the students’ enthusiasm and commitment, noting how the values of Respect, Excellence, and Friendship were evident in their actions both during the sessions and on the field. The program’s success underscored the dedication of the East New Britain Provincial Government and the PNG Olympic Committee (PNGOC) to empower youth and foster environmental sustainability. Alongside OVEP, the PNGOC’s Love Your Coast initiative advocates for plastic-free practices and clean coastlines, emphasizing the importance of protecting the environment. Building on this success, discussions are underway to expand the program, reaching even more students in East New Britain in the coming years. The Team PNG HERO Athlete Program, which empowers Papua New Guinea athletes to inspire positive change, through the delivery of the Olympic Values Education Program and Love Your Coast program, fosters respect, global citizenship and continue to leave a lasting impact on communities nationwide. Through programs like Love Your Coast, the PNGOC remains committed to promoting environmental sustainability and encouraging future generations to create meaningful change and contributing to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

Ms. May Torowi Hasola, age 21, from the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, is now Miss Paradise Boutique for 2024, following the sponsorship of Paradise Boutique; a new business retail arm of Paradise Tailoring which is part of Huram Group of Companies. Hasola is among ten other finalists contesting for this year’s Miss Bird of Paradise (MBoP) pageant that will take place on the 3rd of December 2024. Hasola who is currently in her 2nd year of studies in Law School, shared sentiments of being someone who strives to live with the values that govern her decisions, that being kindness, responsibility and a commitment to integrity. She comes from a family who have instilled in her the importance of strong family values and community. “That is why I am here before you all as I not only represent myself, but I also represent my community and the women of our country who are shaping our future through their courage, their wisdom and their hearts.” “I joined the MBoP pageant because I strongly believe in the power of change, I believe that this pageant is not only a title, it is not only a crown, but it is an opportunity to spark meaningful conversations and to amplify the voices of young women who want to advocate and speak about things that are affecting our community and our country.” She further shared that she resonates deeply with the values of the MBoP pageant and their mission towards community engagement, women empowerment and uplifting and giving a platform to young women like herself who has something they want to advocate about. “I’m incredible honoured and incredible grateful to be sponsored Paradise Boutique and honoured to be representing them in my pageant journey.” “As I walk this path, I ask for strength to stay true to my values and my mission and I promise to give my best every step of the way and I am beyond excited to share this journey with all of you.”

Paradise Boutique under the Huram Group of Companies has now come onboard as one of the sponsors for the Miss Bird of Paradise (MBoP) pageant. This announcement was made on Monday 19th of November 2024 with one of the contestants, Ms. May Torowi Hasola who is now contesting as Miss Paradise Boutique 2024. Huram Group of Companies General Manager, Joseph Tupiri, stated that Paradise Boutique, a new business retail arm of Paradise Tailoring which is part of the Huram Group of Companies, is proud to be a sponsor in this year’s MBoP contest. He said that Paradise Boutique has so much to offer despite being new and with that, are excited about the opportunity to partner with the MBoP pageant brand. “It is my pleasure to commit our support to sponsor our contestant, Ms. May Torowi Hasola as Miss Paradise Boutique 2024.” “We believe in the value and empowering young Papua New Guinea women, youth and, becoming a voice to the under privileged. We look forward to witnessing May’s journey and we believe that she will become a marvelous ambassador to Paradise Boutique.” In addition, Tupiri also congratulated the MBoP committee for hosting their second pageant this year and with that made mention that the committee will surely grow from strength to strength with the leadership of Anna Bais who is leading this year’s MBoP pageant. “We will continue this partnership in growing this business together and we are proud to be a sponsor and wish Miss Paradise Boutique all the best and hope to finish on top.”

In its 2nd year, Miss Bird of Paradise (MBoP) looks forward in enhancing the young women, moulding them as future leaders through such platform. MBoP took over from Miss PNG last year, rebranding but with the same purpose and for this year, the committee had chosen the top ten finalists out of all other applicants to contest in this year’s pageant. Each finalist represents a diverse set of background and skills with outstanding applications that led them to their successful selections as contestants. Chairlady of MBoP, Anna Bais, stated that this is a pageant with a purpose and that they aim to build young women who are already leaders in their own rights. With this leadership instilled in them, Bais shared that the committee aims to enhance that leadership to a level where they can use that leadership skill and their platform to inspire many young people who she expressed that it is a challenge for youths nowadays becoming somebody. “We wanted to use this platform to advocate for children with disabilities and so this will help nurture our young women who will in turn help others and with that, the major focus of this pageant now, is on the education for children with disabilities.” “When you are supporting a contestant, you are actually educating a child with disability as well and so its way more than that.” The pageant will be held on December 3rd, 2024, in line with the International Day of Disabilities. MBoP is now focused on advocacy and promotes the educational rights of children with disabilities, striving to make PNG more inclusive and accessible.

A delegation from the World Bank is currently in the country undertaking its two-week long Eight Support Mission (ISM) for the PNG Agriculture Commercialization and Diversification (PACD) project from the 10th to the 25th of November 2024. The Mission is led by the Senior Agriculture Specialist and team leader of PACD in the country, Allan Olivier Balbal. The main objective of the mission was to review the overall implementation of the PACD project with a specific focus on the progress of the component two Agriculture Feeder Roads and Component three Productive Partnerships. The mission included visits to the National Department of Agriculture and Livestock (DAL) in Port Moresby as well as the PACD Cocoa Component participating provinces project sites in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB) and East New Britain province. According to Balbal, the World Bank does these missions twice annually and this is the last mission for this year which they are focusing on the Cocoa Component side of the project. “These support missions are usually undertaken to see where we are with the project and if there are issues, we try to resolve them and find ways forward for the successful implementation of the project to our people.” “We are happy to see the project partnerships being able to mobilize themselves and prepare for the implementation of their projects and speak to some farmers and get a sense of how they feel and are they getting the assistance needed from the Cocoa Component Project Management Unit (PMU)”. The mission visitation to AROB coincided with the groundbreaking of the Teo-Buin Sipotavai Road in Tinputz which the signing and awarding of the project was done last month. The mission was able to officiate the road grounding breaking on the 13th of November 2024. In addition, the Mission is accompanied by PACD Project Coordination Unit (PCU) in Port Moresby, the National Department of Treasury and the National Department of Planning and Monitoring on behalf of the PNG government for its meetings and project sites visits to see how far the project has come, and understand the challenges not only for the project but the provinces as well. Representing the PNG government, Juanita Sundie, Principal Aid Coordinator from the Department of Planning and Monitoring, encouraged the developing partners and implementation agencies to work together to ensure the project achieves its objective. Sundie stated that with the National Planning they want to ensure that with the loans that the country is getting to help its people, that there is sustainability, and the department is working with the Cocoa Bord for a smooth transition after the project completion. The team then travelled to ENB to meet with the Cocoa Board and the PACD PMU as well, visited the other two roads, 4km Ivon-Kulungere road, Sinivit LLG in the Pomio District and a 3.2km Vunapalading-Burit road, Inland Baining LLG, and Gazelle District both in East New Britain. The mission will be completing its meetings in Port Moresby with the coffee component PMU next week. Furthermore, the PACD project is funded through the Government of PNG loan funding from the World Bank. The Department of Agriculture and Livestock is responsible for the two projects and the Cocoa Board of PNG as implementing agency, covering the Cocoa Component.