Four suspects were arrested and charged for the wilful murder of a 45-year-old female from Kaulenge village, Imbonggu district in the Southern Highlands Province. The Southern Highlands Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Chief Inspector Daniel Yangen said the suspects were informed of their Constitutional rights under section 42(2) of the PNG Constitution and placed in the police cell in Mendi. Mr Yangen said the suspects were identified as Constable Mai Pale, age 33 (husband), and three teenage male all from Koroba in the Hela Province. It was alleged that on 14th of March, 2022 at around 8.30pm the suspect (husband) of the deceased (named) had an argument with her in their house at the Kaupena Highway Patrol 17 base police Barracks in Imbonggu, Southern Highlands Province. Mr Yangen said during the argument the suspect and the deceased came out of their house where the suspect allegedly kicked his wife on her right ribs. The deceased then fell unconscious to the ground and the defendant allegedly picked up a stone and hit the deceased on the left side of her head. Mr Yangen said the three other suspects then allegedly also kicked the deceased all over her body whilst she was lying on the ground unconscious. Mr Yangen said the relatives of the deceased intervened but the suspects allegedly threatened them with a bush knife and kitchen knives. The suspects then left the crime scene. The relatives of the deceased took her to the Kaupena Health Centre the next day. She was then referred to the Mt Hagen General Hospital for further treatment but died at the Hospital. Picture: PPC Daniel YANGEN FB page 

Minister for Police William Gogl Onglo says security contigency teams have been deployed to Hela as of yesterday in light of the current situation which includes a squad from Mendi (yesterday) and a Mobile Unit from Mt Hagen (today). The Minister also strongly condemns the killing of reservist officer by the criminals. "I do, in strongest term possible, condemn the attack by the warlords and eventually the killing of a reservist Police Officer." "We need to respect the rule of law and maintain our conduct as responsible citizens but these barbarians feel they are above the law and can take the life of an innocent policemen who was just doing his job" The incident was understood to have stemmed from a gun battle between police and men from Kupari village when Policemen from the Mobile Squad 9 unit went to Kupari village for a peace mediation. The National Executive Council in its meeting today endorsed for early security operations in the entire region leading up to 2022 National General Elections. Minister Onglo said the security team comprising of both Police and Military personnel would patrol the region including Tari to help contain the situation before things gets out of hand. He also noted that some mobile squad units from other centres were on their way to Tari in light of the incident. "We (Government) had a quick cabinet meeting today and I asked for an early call out operation to include the Military and its approved," says the Minister. " All the security forces are being mobilised as we speak to patrol the entire highlands region" added the Minister. “We want to see investigations and arrests, we want law breakers and warlords to be dealt with the full force of the law. We must contain the lawnessness." stressed the Minister. The Minister concluded by saying with the NEC approval for a call out, both the Police and Military will work hand in hand to curb lawlessness as well as gearing up for the security operations for the National Elections until Dec 31, 2022 under the Election Security Operations Budget.

The Australian High Commission has committed K7.1 million (AUD2.7 million) in new funding over three years to deliver a biosecurity capacity building project within the Papua New Guinea National Agriculture and Quarantine Inspection Authority (NAQIA), strengthening the PNG-Australia agriculture partnership. This biosecurity project, led by CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness, will aim to strengthen PNG’s ability to prevent and control serious animal diseases, using African Swine Fever (ASF) as a model, through strengthened field disease surveillance and laboratory diagnostics. The project was developed following a request from Managing Director of NAQIA Mr Joel Alu, and is in line with NAQIA’s long-standing strategic goals, and Australia’s recognition for the need for strengthened preparedness and biosecurity in PNG. The Australian High Commission’s Minister-Counsellor for Economics, Health and Infrastructure, Diane Barclay said that this project was a significant initiative, which demonstrated Australia’s commitment to agriculture and biosecurity in PNG. “This new biosecurity project will help PNG to prevent and control animal diseases, which will improve food security and help to open up market opportunities in PNG” Minister Counsellor Barclay said. The Australian Government has provided funding and technical support to PNG to help contain the spread of ASF since early 2020.

The more contagious omicron subvariant, BA.2, is now the dominant version of Covid-19 in the U.S., according to data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention this week. The subvariant accounts for nearly 55% of Covid infection samples that have undergone genetic sequencing. Even so, the spread of a more contagious strain does not guarantee the U.S. will endure a new wave of cases. BA.2 has doubled as a proportion of circulating variants of the virus in the U.S. about every two weeks. At the beginning of February, the omicron subvariant made up just 1% of sequenced Covid cases in the U.S. The BA.2 subvariant spreads about 75% faster than the earlier version of omicron, BA.1, according to the latest update from the U.K. Health Security Agency. BA.2 has caused a spike in infections in the U.K. and Germany in recent weeks, though cases have started to decline again there. China has been battling its worst outbreak since 2020, which is also driven by BA.2 Though BA.2 spreads faster, it does not make people sicker than the earlier version of omicron, according to data from South Africa and the U.K., among other countries. Omicron and its subvariants generally result in less severe illness than the delta variant. Scientists in Qatar have found that Covid vaccines are as effective against BA.2 as they were against BA.1, though omicron has caused more breakthrough infections. White House chief medical advisor Dr. Anthony Fauci said earlier this month that BA.2 could cause an uptick in cases in the U.S. But he does not expect another surge. Fauci said the country does not yet need to reintroduce Covid restrictions in response to the subvariant. In New England, BA.2 now makes up about 73% of all Covid cases that have undergone genetic sequencing, according to the CDC. In New York and New Jersey, BA.2 represents more than 70% of sequenced cases. Throughout the pandemic, the Northeast has often been an epicenter of new variants and a harbinger of what the rest of the nation will face. New infections have plummeted 96% since the peak of the unprecedented wave of omicron cases in January, according to a CNBC analysis of data from Johns Hopkins University. Hospital admissions from Covid have plunged 92% from the peak of the winter spike, according to data from the CDC. The CDC has shifted its focus to hospitalizations, an indicator of how much severe illness the virus is causing, when issuing public health guidance on Covid. Earlier this month, the CDC said 98% of the U.S. population lives in areas where they can go without face masks. Ali Mokdad, a leading epidemiologist at the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington, said Covid cases will continue to decline through the spring and summer due to built up immunity from vaccines and the winter omicron wave. Mokdad said another surge is possible in the winter as protection from the vaccines wanes. However, Michael Osterholm — a top epidemiologist at the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota — said it is unclear how BA.2 will affect the U.S. It is difficult to predict what the variant’s spread in one country means for another nation, because previous strains have affected parts of the world differently, he added. Osterholm said the U.S. has had high levels of immunity before, only to see a major surge. In December, about 95% of the U.S. population ages 16 and older had antibodies against the virus either through vaccination or infection, according to a CDC survey of blood donor samples. However, omicron still managed to cause the most infections of the entire pandemic weeks later. KEY POINTS BA.2 is now the dominant version of Covid-19 in the U.S. as it accounts for nearly 55% of Covid cases that have undergone genetic sequencing, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. BA.2 is more transmissible and has caused new outbreaks in Europe and China. White House chief medical advisor Dr. Anthony Fauci has said he does not expect another surge, though cases could rise in the coming weeks. SOURCE: via CNBC news

Communities in Boikin and Dagua LLGs in Wewak District, East Sepik Province, will soon have improved access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services following a grant of USD $150,000 from The Coca-Cola Foundation, the international philanthropic arm of The CocaCola Company, to WaterAid, an international non-governmental organization. The one-year grant will enable WaterAid to improve access to safe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene services in the two LLGs in Wewak District. Joint monitoring program data (July 2021) shows that over 63% of Papua New Guineans lack access to a basic water supply and 81% lack access to a basic hygienic toilet. This lack of access to water and sanitation and poor hygiene practices result in increased incidences of water-borne diseases, especially diarrhea, typhoid and cholera. Director of Programs for WaterAid PNG, Ms Navara Kiene, says: “WaterAid is delighted to receive the support from The Coca-Cola Foundation to achieve improved access to these much-needed services for these communities. “As a result of the grant, households in Walandoum and the wider Boikin LLG community will have increased access to clean, safe water with the construction of a gravity-fed water supply. WASH services in Boikin Health Centre will also improve to benefit the patients and community members accessing the facility. “Part of the funding will also contribute towards the completion of a hybrid gravity-fed and rain catchment system for the 1103 people of Sowom, Dagua LLG. “Apart from the planned water supply construction and upgrades, the funded projects will take a sustainable holistic approach of working with government, community and health centre staff to establish mechanisms such as WASH Committees for ownership and maintenance of WASH infrastructure as well as to lead hygiene behavior change promotion including Covid prevention messaging and vaccination advocacy in the target communities.” The project will also have specific benefits for women and girls, says Ms Kiene. “For example, in Walandoum the nearest clean water source accessed by the community is over 1.5km away. Women and girls have experienced physical stress from carrying heavy loads of water from the water source as well as incidents of being harassed while making the trek to collect water so they sometimes rely on an unsafe water wells instead.” “The project will enable easier and safer access for the women and girls of Walanduom who bear most of the burden of WASH related household tasks and will benefit the most from it,” she says. Saadia Madsbjerg, The Coca-Cola Foundation President says: “One of the priorities of The Coca-Cola Foundation is to help transform lives and build more resilient communities through water stewardship – from supplying sources of clean drinking water to improving sanitation and hygiene. We’re proud to support WaterAid to deliver these WASH services in Papua New Guinea.” All the projects selected for The Coca-Cola Foundation funding are taken from the 5-year Wewak District WASH Plan (2019 – 2023), which was developed based on data from a district-wide baseline conducted by the Wewak District and provincial government representatives and supported by the PNG-Australia Partnership’s Water for Women Program in 2019. Implementation and monitoring of the projects will be supported by the Wewak District WASH Coordination Body, chaired by the Wewak District Administration and the East Sepik Provincial Authority.

The French Navy Patrol Boat “La Glorieuse” and the French Air Force aircraft “Gardian”, which both came from Noumea and stopped over in Port-Moresby at this occasion, participated a few days ago in a regional fisheries policing operation in the PNG Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). This annual operation, called “Rai Balang”, is one of four annual regional monitoring control and surveillance operations aimed at stopping illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, in the Pacific. Led by the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), the timing of all surveillance exercises is a closely guarded secret involving FFA’s Regional Fisheries Surveillance Centre, Maritime, Fisheries and Police officials in participating member countries, including PNG, and support from the aerial and naval resources of the United States, France, New Zealand, and Australia. Papua New Guinea benefits therefor of this operation. It is within this framework that a PNGDF officer and a NFA officer (National Fishery Authority) embarked during 5 days on “La Glorieuse”, to allow each side to exchange experiences. The French crew was very impressed by the professionalism of the two PNG guests who are now their friends. During her boating, “La Glorieuse” had the opportunity to interact with PNGDF Patrol Boat “Rochus Lokinap”. This operation was also an opportunity for PNG Defence Secretary Hari John Akipe to fly aboard the “Gardian” to participate to an aerial surveillance of a part of the PNG EEZ. French Ambassador to PNG Guillaume Lemoine says that “This is not my capacity to give further details on the operation, but with several sights and reports to FFA authorities in the full compliance with the regulation in this very sensitive matter, France is happy and proud to have contributed, alongside other partners, to improve the maritime security in the region, for the benefit of its ally and friend Papua New Guinea!“

The Deputy Chairperson of Nambawan Super, Dame Meg Taylor, yesterday announced that in 2021 the Fund has grown its net asset value to K8.82 billion, earning a net profit of K526 million that has been distributed to more than 208,000 members through applying a crediting rate of 6.5% to their accounts. Dame Taylor said that the Nambawan Super Limited (NSL) Board and Management had worked tirelessly to overcome the challenges of the Coronavirus Pandemic to deliver good returns for their members and they were pleased with the overall performance of the Fund in 2021. “It is pleasing that we will be kicking off 2022 with news of a good result from last year. As 2022 also marks Nambawan Super’s 60th Anniversary of service to our members, builing better futures, throughout PNG”, Dame Taylor said. “As a profit-to-members fund, generating profits that we can return to members is our highest priority and we are proud to have been doing this for 60 years, cementing Nambawan Super as PNG’s best superannuation fund over the long-term.” “After a tumultuous year in 2020, we were determined to overcome the challenges of the Pandemic and continue to deliver satisfactory results for our members.” “Over the past 10 years our Asset base has more than doubled,” Dame Taylor reiteriated “Our Asset base is our Members’ savings which means the wealth of members has doubled over the past decade.” “Nambawan Super’s compound average returns over the past 10 years are 7%, almost a full 2% over the national CPI for the period, which means real returns to members”, Dame Taylor explained. “We hope that members will also be pleased by these results when they see the interest payments credited into their accounts over the next few days.” Dame Taylor explained that 2021 has not been without its challenges and the Fund had to work hard to achieve these results. She added, “The Pandemic is still here and we expect these tough global economic conditions to continue, however, we have been working hard to adapt our approach to investments and operations to ensure that we are continuing to deliver for our members regardless of the challenges faced.” “The positive results of 2021 can be attributed to our continued efforts to diversify our investment portfolio to improve on our risk/return ratio. This means that we are spreading our investments over several local and international bonds and equities, as well as in properties and domestic cash to ensure that we continue to generate returns even when some investments are not performing as well as expected”. Dame Taylor pointed out that NSL uses an effective investment strategy, aligned to the prudential standards of the Superannuation (General Provisions) Act 2000, to manage the risk of adverse outcomes for individual investments. “Compared to 2020, our investment performance was stronger across all asset classes. Fifty million kina increases in both interest and dividend payments have provided cash for the fund to reinvest”, Dame Taylor added. “BSP performed very well – returning 80 million kina for our members. Part payment of rental arrears owed by the State in 2021 also has had a positive impact on 2021 results. In particular – compared to 2020 – valuation has rebounded, from a 225.4 loss last year, to 61.5 million kina gain in 2021.” Dame Taylor stated that outside of financial returns for members, the Fund has also delivered several achievements for members in 2021. These achievements include: The Fund received K50 million from the State in December 2021, in partial payment of their outstanding rental arrears. NSL continues to work with the State and has again called on the State in early 2022 to meet its obligations before entering the election period. New Branch opened in Maprik to provide better access to services for this growing East Sepik township. The Fund retained 5,584 members through Retirement Savings Accounts (RSA) with K192 million in funds, which is a rise of 12% in membership and a 17.5% increase in RSA Funds Under Management. NSL’s Financial Literacy Training was built and rolled out to 351 members in 2021, with more members already being trained in 2022. There was a notable improvement in State Share payments, including the State prepaying some members' contributions, which enables them to seamlessly exit the fund. NSL appointed two very capable Papua New Guineans in Mr. David Kitchnoge and Mr. Pochon Lili to the positions of Chief Investment Officer and Chief Financial Officer, respectively. Dame Taylor also spoke about the Funds outlook for 2022 and outlined some of the challenges it expects to encounter. A key challenge that the Fund is mindful of is the intention of the State to impose unfavourable tax reforms which will diminish returns to members including a possible Capital Gains Tax (CGT) and the already legislated Market Concentration Levy. Dame Taylor explained, “The CGT would be unfavourable for Superannuation contributers if special concessions aren’t applied for Super Funds.” “We have already called on the Government to repeal the Market Concentration Levy to be imposed on the Banking and Telecommunications sectors, as it would lead to all super fund members losing over K317 million in asset values and reduced dividends, in just the first year”. “After considering the immediate impact on BSP’s price to earnings ratio and the resulting value erosion, it is estimated that in the first year alone, the members’ crediting rate may be reduced by as much as 2% which translates to about a K160 million loss of members’ returns.” “Nambawan Super already pays substantial taxes and many of our investment business are also already highly taxed. We are not looking for special treatment, we are simply asking for fairness in protecting our members retirement savings.” “Nambawan Super will continue to work with key stakeholders and industry players to advocate for the protection of our members' savings as our highest priority.” Dame Taylor went on to say that the Fund is expecting many more challenges ahead but also just as many opportunities in 2022 and further. “We are aware that the current economic environment is producing higher inflation and lowering interest rates which makes it more challenging to generate real returns for members”, she continued. “However, we are optimistic that with Superannuation and Life Insurance reforms due soon, which may result in positive changes for the Fund, in particular in areas where we have advocated such as making super available for everyone and favourable taxation, especially on Retirement Saving Account members.” In closing, Dame Taylor thanked Nambawan Super’s Board, including Directors who retireed from the Board in 2021, Executive, Management and especially the NSL staff for their hard work and contribution to the 2021 results. “Finally, I would like to once again encourage our members and all Papua New Guineans to continue prioritising saving for your future as it is the first and most important step in securing a more comfortable and happy life after retirement.” “I also thank our members for trusting us with your savings and working with us to grow your wealth over the last 60 years, we are proud to have helped build better futures for our members and aim to continue doing so long into the future”, Dame Taylor concluded. Key figures: 2021 net asset value was K8.82 billion and had rose by 8.4% equating to a K680 million increase. The Fund recorded a record net profit of K526 million which climbed by K437 million from 2020. The 6.5% return is excellent in challenging economic conditions. The management expense ratio remained at 1% Total contributions for 2021 were K935 million which is an increase of K134 million. Total member payouts were K778 million, an increase of K337 million. K88 million paid to members in Housing Advances which rose by K48 million since 2020. Members contributed K37 million voluntarily in 2021 and membership grew to 30,391 members with voluntary Funds Under Management totalling K244 million

The Independent Consumer and Competition Commission (“ICCC”) wishes to announce to relevant stakeholders and the general public that it has approved for Dye & Durham Corporation (“D&D”) to proceed with its proposal to acquire all of the shares in PNG Registries Pty Limited (“PNG Registries”). ICCC Acting Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Brian Ivosa said, “after taking into consideration D&D’s Clearance Application and its submission including comments from relevant stakeholders and other available information, the ICCC has concluded that the proposed acquisition will not have, and will not be likely to have the effect of substantially lessening competition in any markets in PNG.” The ICCC formed the following conclusions in its assessment of the application: · D&D has no business operations anywhere in PNG and the Proposed Acquisition would only change the ownership of PNG Registries (as a result of the Transaction involving D&D and the ultimate parent company of PNG Registries). The current structure of the market will remain the same including the level of competition post-acquisition. · The ICCC also considered that the acquisition will not remove PNG Registries in the provision of registry services in PNG. As noted, D&D is only acquiring the ultimate parent company of PNG Registries; hence will indirectly own PNG Registries post-acquisition. The number of players in the market will remain the same. · The ICCC considered that the barriers to entry in the provision of share registry services are high due to the high startup costs and the limited or low volume of publicly listed companies and their share transactions. Whilst appreciating the existence of these barriers to entry, the ICCC considered that the Proposed Acquisition will not in any way affect the current level of barriers to entry in the market by either enhancing or decreasing them. · Due to the nature of the registry services market, the ICCC considered that it is unlikely for a third competitor to be a viable entrant due to the market reaching its maximum efficient scale. Mr. Ivosa also explained the requirements of the law governing the Clearance process. “The ICCC Act requires that if the ICCC is satisfied that a proposed acquisition which is subject of a Clearance application would not have, or would not be likely to have, the effect of substantially lessening competition in a relevant market, the ICCC must give a clearance; and vice versa.” “In this case, the ICCC was satisfied that the acquisition of PNG Registries by D&D is not likely to result in substantial lessening of competition in any markets in PNG. Basically, D&D has passed the Clearance Test; hence the acquisition must be approved.” A copy of the Determination is available and can be provided upon request through this email: wtondop@iccc.gov.pg or can be accessed on the ICCC’s website: www.iccc.gov.pg All queries relating to this matter should be directed to Mr. Steven Sugl, Executive Manager, Competitive Markets & Fair-Trade Division on telephone 312 4600 or e-mail to: ssugl@iccc.gov.pg .

Vendors and communities of Wabag District and nearby areas in Enga Province now have improved market facilities to engage in commerce and trade of their products and produce. The new market complex funded by the Papua New Guinea-Australia Partnership together with the Wabag District Development Authority opened in Wabag Town on Monday 28 March. The new complex includes 139 stalls, vendor transit accommodation, a women’s business administration centre, male and female ablution blocks, first aid facilities and a cafeteria. The market complex is specifically designed to cater for women’s groups, vendors and those who buy and sell at the market to ensure their needs are met through improved accessibility, safety, hygiene standards and economic opportunity. Australian Deputy High Commissioner Dr Joanne Loundes joined Enga Governor, Grand Chief Sir Peter Ipatas, Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources and Wabag MP, Dr Lino Tom, and representatives from UN Women to open the facility. In her address, Dr Loundes stated that markets everywhere in PNG are at the centre of everyday life across the country, and play a critical role in driving economic activities, maintaining and improving food security, and increasing livelihoods for vendors, patrons, and small business enterprises. “I am pleased to see that the market will not only support the women’s groups and vendors who will be the primary users and custodians of this market complex, but also showcase the high-quality fresh produce that Enga province is known for, she added.” UN Women has been working closely with women’s representative groups from Wabag District to institutionalise the governance and management framework for the market complex, which will be run by a women’s association. Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources and Member for Wabag, Dr Lino Tom, stated that the project can deliver wide benefits for the community and is part of the DDA’s policy focus on development small to medium enterprises in the agricultural sector. “This policy is inclusive and allows for those who fall out of the formal education pathway to go back to their land and pursue opportunities in the agriculture sector”, Dr Tom said. He continued “We also want to encourage and empower our women who are heavily involved in the agriculture sector and so, this new market complex offers a great opportunity for our women led agri-businesses to drive economic growth and thrive in this sector.” Dr Tom added that the people of Wabag District and the broader Enga province are extremely grateful to the Australian Government and people of Australia for this critical infrastructure project. The PNG-Australia Partnership is proud to invest in improved market spaces, economic growth and empowerment of women in remote and regional places across PNG

Nasfund Contributors Savings and Loan Society (ncsl) members find ncsl’s online and e-services to be very helpful, especially during the times such as COVID-19. Many have testified the services were very convenient as members were not required to visit the branch for queries and they were able to manage their loans and savings easily using the various electronic channels. A member, Ms. Genesis Ketan said the online portal was so convenient, she was able to access her ncsl accounts from anywhere. “I now use the online portal all the time as it is so convenient that I can check my account information from my laptop or phone from the comfort of my office or home” she said. “Even when your teams were working in shifts during COVID-19, turnaround time and response time was exceptional. Such convenience and accessibility was aided a lot by your online services, thank you ncsl,” Ms. Ketan added. Another member, Ishamel Hinae said the services were very impressive, providing flexibility for him to use his phone and laptop to access his banking needs. He shared that he was able to check his balance, apply for loans, acquire his statement and access other service without visiting the branch. ncsl CEO Mr. Vari Lahui said the services which included SMS alerts, SMS Banking, Biometric Identification System, Member portal and new member registration via the website, played a significant role in the Society’s business continuity during the second and third wave of COVID-19. “COVID-19 was a big challenge for us. We were reduced to a skeleton staff at the peak however that did not affect our service delivery. Our services channeled through the electronic platforms enabled our members to access services during that time,” the CEO said. Members who wish to access online services or e-services can utilize the website to self-register. ncsl will continue to review these service delivery channels to ensure that they remain efficient and deliver on the expectations of our valued members.

The Papua New Guinea Tribal Foundation is excited to now partner with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) who are generously supporting the Senisim Pasin campaign in selected high schools in Port Moresby. Senisim Pasin is a campaign built around a film of the same name and tailored around the advocacy against Gender Based Violence (GBV) and Sorcery Related Accusation Violence (SARV). The program includes the film screening then open dialogue of the issues surrounding GBV and SARV such as Communication and Gender Appreciation and most importantly discussing solutions in the fight against violence. The partnership between PwC and the PNG Tribal Foundation involves program sessions at ten high schools with student leaders in attendance. It was launched at De La Salle Secondary School followed by Gordons Secondary School, Don Bosco Technological Institute, Marianville Secondary School, and Port Moresby International School to date. "PwC values diversity and inclusion and we believe that one way of creating a gender equal community is by ending gender-based violence. That's why we've partnered with the PNG Tribal Foundation to run its Senisim Pasin program," says PwC's Managing Partner Jonathan Seeto. "By bringing the program to secondary school students, we aim to help shape the mindset and behaviour of our youths, which could help us end gender-based violence in our community," he explains. Student participation and feedback has been tremendously positive. Senisim Pasin creates a safe space for students to openly discuss the issues surrounding GBV, SARV and how they as individuals can sign a pledge and join the Senisim Pasin Call to Action to say they will not tolerate all forms of violence and be a beacon of change in their homes, schools, families, and communities. “I was emotional, touched, taught me how to treat our mothers and sisters” – POMIS Student Leader “I felt so emotional, and I know that I can be a catalyst for change in my peer group, family, school and community” – Marianville Student Leader “I feel sad as I witness GBV in my community, but I want to change that by warning people about GBV and calling on relevant authorities to arrest perpetrators” – De La Salle Student Leader “Women are important in our everyday life. Beating them should stop” – Gordons Student Leader Launched in 2015, Senisim Pasin has been screened in over fifty schools and communities throughout Papua New Guinea and impacted more than 100, 000 people in up to seventeen provinces. The reception from the school administrations is overwhelming. “One day you will be fathers. It is time you learn good values from programs like this so that it prepares you to be good fathers and better citizens of your community and country” – Brother Anthony Samy Pancras, FSC, Principal, De La Salle Secondary School “This program is a game changer. Identifying strategic audience can enable more change such as having student leaders be part of the program” – Ms Elileen A’afa, Marianville Secondary School PwC and its partnership with PNG Tribal Foundation is just one example of corporate leadership that will have impacted over five hundred high school students to become Gender Appreciation champions by sharing the importance of valuing and respecting one another within their peers and their community

A rural Primary School in Markham District of Morobe Province received a timely donation of school resources after 20 years lack of proper student and teacher resources. Zumin Primary School established in the late 1980s were the proud recipients of student and teacher’s resources from Brisbane, Australia. Thanks to the efforts of a Non-Profit Organization, Yumi Project based in Australia who collected the items, and shipped them to Lae. The donation was received on Thursday 24th March 2022 and presentation of the items were done on Friday 25th March 2022 at the school witnessed by students, teaching staff, board members and the surrounding community. The items included, desks, teacher’s tables, chairs, filing cabinets, books, sporting uniforms, teacher’s resources and reading books. Liaison Officer for Zumin Primary and Morobe Governors Press Officer Mr Benny Geteng who facilitated the application on behalf of the school said this is a timely initiative and support of Yumi Project to empower schools in Morobe Province. “I would like to thank the efforts of Yumi Project Team and all volunteers from Australia and Papua New Guinea who helped to ensure the materials came safely to Lae and to the school.” “Further appreciation to the efforts of Morobe Governor Hon Ginson Saonu for supporting communications for safe delivery of items.” Mr Geteng said he had seen open applications for Yumi Project for schools in Morobe Province on LinkedIn Social Network and decided to apply for the school back in 2021. The items were collected from Brian Bell Lae Depot and was logistically supported by Sir Brian Bell Foundation from Brisbane to Lae. Zumin Primary Head teacher Mr Isom Ambrias said the donation is timely since the school has broken desks, and teachers use desks for table and have no filing cabinets for student records.” “I am very grateful for Yumi Project and Sir Brian Bell Foundation for the safe arrival of all school equipment for my school.” “The items were transported from Lae to the school on Friday with the support of Zumin Primary School Board Chairman Daniel Buma, Senior Teacher Mr Simpson Phillip, Treasurer Robert Wanar and Benny Geteng.” Mr Ambrias said the donation will enhance reading and learning skills for the students and will also motivate teaching environment for the teachers. Morobe Governor Hon Ginson Saonu further expressed his gratitude for the support and made clear that Morobe Provincial Government is keen to partner with such organizations to enrich student and teacher learning across all schools in Morobe Province. Zumin Primary School in its 42 years of operation serves the following communities of: Zumin 1, Zumin 2, Antiragen and Naruzaniang and is a ten-minute drive from Mutzing Station in Markham District.