Minister for Health, Dr Lino Tom and Member for Wapenamanda and Minister for Finance, Miki Kaeok, recently travelled to Talyokos, Wapenamanda in Enga province to officially launch the construction of the new Talyokos Community Health Post. The Ministers were joined by Health Secretary, Dr Osborne Liko, representatives from the Australian High Commission in Port Moresby, Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) Health Services Sector Development Program, National Department of Health, Enga Provincial Health Authority and Community leaders. The existing Talyokos Aid Post is a small, basic structure made from bush materials, along with rudimentary water and sanitation facilities. A single community health worker delivers basic outpatient services and there is no capacity for inpatient or maternity care. For obstetric and other medical emergencies, patients including pregnant mothers, have to be carried on makeshift stretchers to Wapenamanda District Hospital which is a few hours away on foot. Talyokos Aid Post was built by the community on their own initiative, and serves a catchment population of around 18, 809 people in villages scattered throughout the Talyokos Rural Local Level Government area, as well as additional surrounding rural communities which share borders. The aid post which is currently registered as a level one health facility, will be upgraded to a level two Community Health Post, where will have six acute inpatient beds, a delivery suite with a birthing couch, two outpatient rooms, an emergency procedure room, and five staff houses. This infrastructure project, worth 6.2 million kina, will also include essential medical equipment and furniture. In addition, the Talyokos Community Health Post will be fit-for-purpose, well-equipped and provide an optimal physical environment for health workers to safely deliver quality care. According to Minister Tom, reaching rural communities and providing access to improved health care services through rehabilitating health infrastructure and strengthening the health workforce is a key priority for him. During the ceremony, hundreds of people gathered to show their support and appreciation for the much-needed upgraded health facility. Minister Tom thanked the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade (DFAT) as well as ADB for funding this important project and called on the community for their ongoing support. “This sentiment was reflected in speeches by other representatives, calling for the community to take ownership of their new health facility; to benefit them and future generations.”

In commemoration of American aviation pioneer, Amelia Earhart’s birthday, the United States Embassy awarded the first ever Amelia Earhart scholarship to pilot, Deborah Bidang, at a ceremony held at the University of technology in Morobe province on July 24, 2024. This broke ground on a monument that will honour Amelia’s legacy and inspire future engineers and pilots. The scholarship will fund Debora’s travel to Hawai’i where she will complete her certification to become a helicopter pilot. She currently works at Manolos Aviation and is currently certified to fly fixed-wing aircraft. Upon completion of her certification, she will be able to assist other PNG women through the Manolos emergency medevac helicopter airlift program, flying women in critical need of care from remote parts of PNG to Lae for lifesaving medical treatment. U.S. Ambassador, Ann Marie Yastishock and veteran astronaut, Marsha Ivins, awarded the scholarship to Debora along with PNG Tribal Foundation founder and president, GT Bustin and University acting Vice Chancellor Proffessor, Shamsul Akanda. During the event, veteran astronaut Marsha on her second time to PNG, shared moments based upon her passion to fly and the possibilities that come with it. “I was fifteen years old when I decided I wanted to learn to fly in an era that was not a standard thing to do, and because there was and had been an Amelia Earhart, it was not considered impossible.” “And so, I thank her for that, and I encourage you to take heart if you’re told no or you can’t or you shouldn’t, because you absolutely can.” This scholarship is the first to be awarded through the Amelia Earhart Memorial and Trust, a joint program between the U.S. Embassy, PNG Tribal Foundation, and the PNG University of Technology, which will award scholarships to women each year so they can pursue STEM and aviation careers. The scholarship was made possible by a generous donation from ExxonMobil PNG LNG. The Amelia Earhart Memorial and Trust commemorates the pioneering aviatrix Amelia Earhart, who visited Lae back in June,1937. Her visit to Lae creates a lasting bond between America and Papua New Guinea, symbolizing shared values of courage, exploration, and breaking barriers. The participants of the ceremony also broke ground on the Amelia Earhart monument, sculpted by a talented team of Papua New Guinean artists including, Gazellah Bruder, Tom Deco, Philip Wessly and Robin Emos. The monument will be transported from Port Moresby to Lae and installed on the campus of UNITECH. Furthermore, these scholarships aim to encourage and empower women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, thereby fostering innovation and development in Papua New Guinea.

Papua New Guinea National Department of Health (NDoH), in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), is currently hosting a Digital Health Strategy Consultation Workshop in Port Moresby. This is towards marking a significant step of transforming the health sector in Papua New Guinea through digital innovation. The workshop will focus on the National Digital Health Strategy, which aims to improve healthcare delivery and accessibility, enhance data management, and strengthen health systems across the country by leveraging digital technologies. The strategy is aligned with the Department of ICT’s whole-of-government digital plans demonstrating the National Department of Health’s commitment to leveraging digital solutions for better services. Chief Executive Officers and ICT Managers from Provincial Health Authorities (PHA), NDoH Senior Executive Management and program representatives, central agencies like Department of ICT and the National ICT Authority, as well as development partners will engage in interactive sessions to agree on innovative solutions to strengthen digital health in the country. The workshop will provide a platform for stakeholders to discuss and provide feedback on the draft digital health strategy so it can be finalized for Government approvals. The two-day consultation workshop will be held from the 30th of July (today) to the 31st of July 2024 (tomorrow) at the Holiday Inn Hotel in Port Moresby. Minister for Health, Dr Lino Tom, stated that the discussions from this workshop are critical and timely. In terms of adopting digital technologies in the health sector, this offers numerous benefits for patients and communities, health workers and health managers. “Considering our country’s geographical context with mountainous terrain and dispersed communities, digital technologies provide us with unique opportunities to reach our remote communities, increase efficiency in business processes in health facilities and strengthen service delivery and quality of care.” World Health Organization (WHO) representative in Papua New Guinea and Officer in Charge, Dr Challa Ruda, also shared that WHO is committed to supporting Papua New Guinea in harnessing the power of digital health and is working closely with, NDoH, PHAs, central agencies and partners to optimizing the benefits of digital health to achieve the goals and objectives of the National Health Plan 2021-2030. “This includes technical assistance on implementation of digital health solutions, helping to strengthen governance through the e-Health Technical Working Group and Steering Committee, and convening partners around a common agenda for digital health as in the workshop.” Meanwhile, UNICEF Representative in Papua New Guinea, Angela Kearney, stated that digital health is a powerful tool for advancing children’s health and well-being and with that, UNICEF is proud to support this initiative, which will help ensure all children have access to quality healthcare services. The National Digital Health Strategy and consultation workshop underscore the commitment of the Papua New Guinea National Department of Health, WHO, and UNICEF to advancing public health through innovation and collaboration.

Team Papua New Guinea settled in well at the Olympic Village in Paris, with six of its athletes already in Paris and one to arrive on the 1st of August. Following the Opening Ceremony on the 27th of July 2024, John Ume was the first of the seven athletes to take on the field of play. Competing in the 63.5kg weight division in Boxing, Ume fought with heart but went down to Cuba’s Erislandy Alvarez Borges, a highly accomplished Boxer who won Silver at the 2023 Boxing World Championships. Ume shared that it’s always a blessing to represent his country. He was part of the team who had his eyes set on qualifying for a spot on the team. Having not qualified through the qualification pathway, Ume’s hopes to be part of the team laid in the Tripartite Placing. This also did not go in his favour; however, the opportunity came on the 20th of July when Solomon Islands boxer Pemberton Lele withdrew, and he was called upon to represent PNG. “I said yes to the call as I want to represent my country. I want to be a role model to the younger generation not to give up.” Following Ume’s competition, Team PNG Chef de Mission, Ryan Pini said that it was such a huge effort against one of the best. “John is a great ambassador for Papua New Guinea, embodying the values of the Olympics through his dedication, sportsmanship, and resilience.” Peter Morrison, a proud coach, described Ume as an athlete whose inspiring display of determination and resilience highlights the spirit of perseverance and pride that defines PNG athletes. Team PNG’s competitions will continue with Swimmer Josh Tarere in the 100m Freestyle today (Tuesday 30th July), Athletics athlete Leonie Beu in the 100m on Friday 2nd August, Swimmer Georgia-Leigh Vele in the 50m Freestyle on Saturday 3rd August, Weightlifter Morea Baru in the 61kg division on Wednesday 7th of August, followed by Taekwondo athletes Kevin Kassman in the -68kg division on Thursday 8th August and Gibson Mara in the +80kg division on Saturday 10th August.

Kopkop College recently hosted its 2nd STEAM Fair on Friday the 26th of July 2024 in Port Moresby hosted by the students from elementary to Grade 12. STEAM which stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics, is a curriculum focus designed to equip students with the skills necessary for success and with that, were given the opportunity to portray their talents and skills through this year’s fair. They were able to showcase a variety of their projects under the STEAM subjects and portrayed through their booths. Students from each grade starting from Early Childhood Care Education (ECCE) to grade 12, were put into groups where they worked together to build and design their projects in their respective classes and from there, were assessed based on the best project in which was then showcased during the STEAM fair. Coordinator of the STEAM Fair and secondary school science teacher of Kopkop college, James Winnie, told PNG HAUSBUNG that the STEAM Fair which was once known as a science fair, had its name change simply because of the transition and changes that are currently happening in the curriculum in which the PNG education system is now using. “Our outcome of this fair is for our students to venture into something that can be monetized such as videography, music, art and so on.” “Not everyone will go into tertiary especially our grade 12s and so we have to train them in such a way that the knowledge they gain here can be applicable.” Similarly, founder of Kopkop College, Maria Kopkop also expressed how important it is that each student must go through such activities like this in order to upgrade their skills. She also stressed that tertiary institutions in the country need to understand all these aspects of learning through STEAM for the sake of the children. “Institutions need to improve their schools such as the arts school for the betterment of our children." "Our children need more leadership from the teachers, institutions and from the government.” She also added that with all these talents and skills the students have, main factors hindering them from portraying what they built in their school projects to the real world are, support from parents, institutions in making sure al students are well educated and having the funds to support them in their dreams. Meanwhile, Winnie called upon the government for support and to invest a lot more in human resource because those are whom will bring about positive change. “Since we have limited tertiary institutions in the country, such programs must be supported so we can contribute and invest greatly in students.”

They have come a long way to reach the Olympics. Each journey with their own story to tell. Representing the country at the highest sporting event is no easy feat. Passion, consistency, excellence and perseverance are some of the driving values each of our athletes have. Through the support of their families, friends, national federations, coaches, sponsors and fellow countrymen, Team PNG will proudly fly the kumul in Paris at the @paris2024 Olympic Games. Team PNG will be participating in the following sports: 1. Athletics - Leonie Beu (F) 2. Boxing - John Ume -Athlete (M) 3. Swimming - Georgia-Leigh Vele (F) & Josh Tarere (M) 4. Taekwondo - Kevin Kassman (M) & Gibson Mara (M) 5. Weightlifting - Morea Baru (M)

Wests Tigers halfback Aidan Sezer has entered an early guilty plea to a hip drop tackle and will miss two matches. The halfback was sent to the sin bin for the tackle on South Sydney fullback Jye Gray in the 68th minute and received a Grade 2 Contrary Conduct charge from the match review committee. Sezer will miss the Tigers' games against the Warriors and Cowboys before being eligible to return in Round 23. Melbourne forward Joe Chan has also been banned for two matches after pleading guilty to a Grade 2 Careless High Tackle charge in his side's victory over the Roosters. Chan was sent to the sin bin for the shot on Roosters forward Victor Radley in the 46th minute. He will miss the Storm's matches against the Eels and Dragons. It was one of two charges for the Storm forward following the win, with Chan fined $1800 for a Grade 1 Dangerous Contact charge for a tackle on Dominic Young early in the second half. Roosters back Joseph-Aukuso Sua'ali'i has accepted an $1800 fine after pleading guilty to a Grade 1 Dangerous Contact Charge in the loss to the Storm. Meanwhile Dolphins forward Max Plath is facing a fine for a trip on Nathan Cleary in the dying minutes of his side's golden-point loss to the Panthers on Sunday afternoon. The lock was hit was a Grade 1 Dangerous Contact charge and will pay an $1800 fine if he takes the early guilty plea or $2500 if he fights the charge and loses. Manly's Reuben Garrick is also looking at a fine after receiving a Grade 1 Dangerous Contact charge for a raising his forearm in a tackle with Gold Coast's Beau Fermor. As it is his first offence, he's facing $1000 with an early guilty plea or $1500 if he found guilty at the panel.

Staff of Kina Bank recently carried out a donation of new desks and chairs to the Coronation Primary School in Port Moresby on the 16th of July 2024. The donation which was made by the bank’s Support Services Department as part of the team’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts to give back to the community. A total of thirty double desks and sixty chairs were handed over to the school by Kina Bank’s Chief Operating Officer, Roppe Uyassi who was accompanied by staff of the bank’s Support Services team. While handing over the donation, Uyassi thanked the Support Services team for supporting one of the largest and oldest schools in NCD that was in dire need of desks and chairs. “At Kina Bank, we encourage our staff to give back to the communities in whatever way they can. And this donation signifies that commitment to help a school that is within Port Moresby but requires such school supplies.” Also present during the event was Kina Bank Support Services Property Supervisor, Wilson Kavanamur, who also expressed that his team were happy to support one of the largest and oldest schools in NCD that was in dire need of desks and chairs. “The donation is part of our annual CSR activities and the first one for the year. This year we decided to raise funds to purchase desks and chairs for Coronation Primary School.” “We have staff who are former students at the school and staff who have children attending the school. “We are pleased to come back and give the much-needed equipment to the school to aide in their learning.” Meanwhile, Head Teacher, Vavine Kinivaru, thanked Kina Bank and said the donation will greatly assist the school considering the school’s high number of students which results in some students sitting on the floor as Coronation Primary School has over 4, 000 students from prep to grade eight. “We have a ratio of seventy students to one teacher. There are not enough desks and chairs to for all our students. Some students provide their own desks and chairs while the rest sit on the floor.” “We are pleased Kina Bank has recognized one of our biggest needs and addressed it through this donation.” Staff and students at the school were all present to witness this donation.

The Secretary for Education, Dr. Uke Kombra in his address to the participants at the 33rd Senior Education Officers’ Conference in Vanimo, has thanked the Marape/Rosso Government for a number of significant milestones that the Department of Education has made since 2019. These achievements in the last five years include the Government Tuition Fee Policy, Early Childhood Education, the change of the curriculum from Outcome-Based Curriculum (OBC) to Standard-Based Curriculum (SBC), National Schools of Excellence, reform and expansion of the FODE Sector, and the 1-6-6 School Restructure. “As we approach 2025, we are looking at re-strategizing on the implementation of these policies and initiatives as we further education.” In 2019, the Marape/Rosso Government saw the need for parents to share the cost of their children’s education; hence it called the policy Government Tuition Fee Subsidy Policy and funded the Government’s component completely. However, due to the COVID-19 challenges, the Government decided to provide full fees to help parents by paying the full cost of their children’s education. On top of that, the government has further decided to pay the full project fees that parents have always paid. The Government has paid K160 million each year until now. The Government has fully met its commitment in which full amounts have been paid since. The Early Childhood Education (ECE) Policy that the government approved in 2020, is in its final stages of implementation. The government recognized the importance of setting a strong foundation for children as young as 4 or 5 years old until they complete thirteen years of uninterrupted and quality education in order to gain the maximum outcomes for the future. Dr. Kombra also stated that the department has started writing the curriculum for early childhood education in close consultation with private providers. ECE teachers will be trained and registration of ECE learning centres will start in 2025. The success of this policy hinges on the collective efforts of local communities and all levels of government. “The transition from the OBC to SBC is a significant milestone for the department.” “We have developed an appropriate curriculum and assessment system to allow learners, supported by relevant and sufficient learning materials, to acquire globally comparable skills and knowledge, certificated when appropriate, required for each to lead a productive and healthy life and contribute meaningfully to national development.” “All development, writing and printing have been completed. Comprehensive teacher training programs have been conducted for primary and secondary school sectors and the full implementation of the SBC kicked off in 2020/21.” In addition to this, the implementation of the National Schools of Excellence policy 2020 is another significant milestone for the country. Since 2023, the Department has secured overseas university placings for 43 students and giving them full scholarships in two US universities. The Department’s initiative to reform and expand the Flexible, Open and Distance (FODE) sector has received high commendation. The enrolment of over 80, 000 students currently and growing, improvements in teacher training and remuneration and the recent announcement by the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (DHERST) to include FODE students in the online selections for universities and tertiary institutions starting in 2024 are some of the achievements in the sector so far. He further explained that under the 1-6-6- School Structure, the broad approach is to review the Education Act and the Teaching Services Act. These Acts, together with ongoing budgetary support and the pursuit of organizational and technological development, collectively contribute to the country’s commitment to providing quality education and sustaining a thriving teaching workforce. The Department is aware that the management of the National Education System has not kept up with the sector’s growth and compounded with students not ready to learn and teachers not ready to teach. Moreover, the Department of Education would not have made these milestone achievements if it were not for the financial support of the Marape/Rosso government, development partners and stakeholders. “We believe that PNG is ready to face challenges given the global and local knowledge on what to do and how.” “The way forward is to increase spending on cost-effective interventions that have been shown to improve student learning over the next five years, 2025 – 2029.”

The Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee proudly announces Georgia-Leigh Vele and Gibson Mara as the flag bearers for Team PNG at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. This prestigious honour recognizes their outstanding achievements and contributions to their respective sports and the national sporting community. Georgia-Leigh Vele, 25, of Kalo Village, Central Province renowned for her competence in swimming, particularly the 50m Freestyle, emerged as a standout athlete during the recent Pacific Games and Oceania Championship. At the 2023 Pacific Games, she secured a Bronze Medal in the 50m Breaststroke, distinguishing herself as the sole swimmer from Team PNG to reach the podium. Her outstanding performance continued into 2024 with a Bronze in the 50m Butterfly at the Oceania Championships, alongside significant contributions to multiple relay medals, including Silver in the 4 x 100m Freestyle and 4 x 100m Mixed Freestyle relays, and Bronze in the 4 x 200m Freestyle and 4 x 100m Medley relays. According to Team PNG Chef de Mission, Ryan Pini, Georgia-Leigh’s remarkable achievements and steadfast dedication to her sport has made her an exemplary representative of Team PNG. “Her journey is an inspiration to all athletes in Papua New Guinea, and we are excited to see her lead our delegation in Paris.” Despite narrowly missing out on Tokyo 2020, her unwavering determination and improvement finished in a personal best at the April 2024 Oceania Championships in the 50m Freestyle. Apart from her athletic achievements, Georgia-Leigh embodies leadership, regularly mentoring young swimmers and exemplifying dedication to the sport and community. Joining her is Gibson Mara, 25, who is of West New Britain and East New Britain parentage. He represents Taekwondo in the +80 kg category and his selection highlights his remarkable journey in the sport. Despite being relatively new, Gibson’s commitment and sacrifices pushed him through National Championships, Pacific Games, and the Olympic Qualification event in the Solomon Islands. “Seeing Gibson’s journey from a newcomer to an Olympic flag bearer is a testament to his incredible dedication and hard work." "His story of perseverance and passion for Taekwondo is one that resonates with all of us." "We are proud to have him represent Papua New Guinea at the opening ceremony." Both Georgia-Leigh Vele and Gibson Mara embody the spirit of excellence and perseverance that defines Team PNG. As flag bearers, they will lead the Team PNG contingent at the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, symbolizing Papua New Guinea’s commitment to sporting achievement and unity on the global stage.

4-time Olympic swimmer and now current Chef De Mission for Team PNG, Ryan Pini, expressed how privileged he is to be leading Team PNG for the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympic Games as something that he has been fortunate to be a part of for many years. Speaking on the experience as a former athlete, he recalled how much hard work and dedication was put it into achieving his goal and in particular stated how his role as an athlete was taken care and therefore intends to do the same with the current ones. This he got to share today in the lead up to the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympic Games set to take place on the 26th of July to the 11th of August 2024. During a press conference held today, there were two announcements made by PNG Olympic Committee. This follows the completion of Team PNG’s roster for the Olympic Games with a total of six athletes set to represent the nation in various disciplines as well as the announcement of two flag bearers. Following the recent qualification under universality places, three athletes have joined Team PNG for the Paris Olympics including, Josh Tarere and Georgia-Leigh Vele from the sport of swimming will showcase their talents on the international stage. Tarere will compete in the 100m Freestyle on Day 4 of the swimming program, scheduled for July 30th, while Vele will participate in the 50m Freestyle on Day 8, August 3rd. Leoni Beu, an outstanding sprinter from athletics, has also secured her place in the Paris Olympics through universality spots. Leoni solidified her position as PNG’s top sprinter with an impressive season, including recording the fastest 100m time for PNG this year at 11.68 seconds. She further demonstrated her strength and fitness by achieving sub-24-second performances in the 200m on three occasions within 24 hours, showcasing remarkable improvement and competitiveness against elite athletes from Australia and New Zealand. Leoni also claimed a bronze medal in a fiercely contested Oceania Championships 100m event. With the addition of these invited athletes, Ryan Pini congratulated them by extending his heartfelt congratulations to each of them. “Your hard work, passion, and resilience have brought you to this pinnacle of sporting achievement, and we are confident that you will represent Papua New Guinea with honour and pride.” “We also express our gratitude to the coaches, support staff, and families who have been instrumental in our athletes’ journeys." "Your unwavering support and encouragement have been vital to their success.” “Together, as Team PNG, we are ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that the Paris 2024 Olympic Games will bring." "Let us strive for excellence, celebrate our achievements, and make our nation proud.” Joining these athletes will also see three previous qualified team members; Gibson Mara and Kevin Kassman from the sport of Taekwondo, and Morea Baru from Weightlifting who will also be present to form the core of Team PNG’s representation at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Their selection underscores their dedication and achievements in their respective sports, reflecting Papua New Guinea’s commitment to excellence on the global sporting stage. “Their amazing efforts to qualify on their own is incredible and an absolute heart felt congratulations to each one of our athletes who have shown their hardworking and dedication over the years that they put towards their mission to get to the Paris Olympics."

For the first time even, people with special needs from across all three regions of Bougainville got together to actively participate in the Bougainville Disabled Persons Organization (BDPO) annual general meeting and election of board members. The BDPO supports the provision of better services for people with disability and advocates their active participate in community life. A total of forty participants attended the meeting, which was facilitated by departmental staff from Bougainville’s Community Development and Community Government. The newly elected BDPO Board comprises of the President, Aidah Kenneth along with six committee members, including four women. The Board reflects the community it represents; all committee members are people with special needs and with this Kenneth encouraged all participants to take up leading roles in the organization. “As a person living with a disability, you know your challenges and can advocate on behalf of other persons living with disabilities.” Vice President Elect, Ruth Tohaka expressed that this is an exciting chapter for them all because it is the first time they are seeing a high participation of persons with disabilities in the voting process for the new board members in which truly fulfils their mission statement which is, ‘Nothing About Us Without Us.’ Meanwhile, Australia is proud to support the BDPO who represent the interests of people with special needs in Bougainville, guided by the Bougainville Disability Policy 2021-2023.