The Papua New Guinea National Department of Health (NDoH) through the COVID-19 Emergency Response Project (ERP) funded by the World Bank Pacific Health Portfolio Projects has 40 containers packed with Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) for 20 Provincial Health Authorities (PHAs). Gulf PHA, National Capital District PHA & Central PHA have received their supplies. PPEs for distribution to the PHAs include hand sanitizers, face mask, gowns, aprons, sterile surgical and disposable hand gloves, oxygen masks, oxygen tubes among other items including medical laboratory commodities. All PHAs will receive two 20ft containers of PPEs. Supplies for Milne Bay PHA have been shipped out and should have arrived in Alotau on the 14th December. PHAs listed to receive their PPE supplies by shipment include Oro, Milne Bay, Western PHA (Kiunga & Daru), Morobe, Madang PHA, East Sepik PHA-ESPHA, West Sepik, Manus, New Ireland PHA - NIPHA, East New Britain, West New Britain, ARoB, Eastern Highlands, Western Highlands Provincial Health Authority, Enga PHA, Southern Highlands PHA, Hela PHA, Jiwaka & Simbu PHA. Central PHA Infection Protection and Control Officer Ruben Aihi when receiving the PPEs on behalf of the CEO thanked the World Bank, the NDoH, and the COVID-19 ERP for supplying the PPEs. “The supply of these PPEs is timely as we have run very short and often at times find other means to support and to care for our sick people in our hospitals and clinics,” said Mr. Aihi. Containers for Western should have arrived in Daru while Milne Bay should have arrived over the weekend Saturday and New Ireland today. It is expected that by the end of January 2025, all PHAs will have received their PPE and Laboratory commodity supplies. Post PNG Ltd has been engaged by the NdoH to deliver the 40 containers across the 22 PHAs.

The Wapenamanda Adventist Foundation launched the Wapenamanda for Christ Post Evangelization Program on Thursday 12th December that will be conducted at 102 locations in the Wapenamanda District of Enga province in the next two weeks, starting from the 16 December to 29 December 2024. The local member of Parliament and recently appointed Finance Minister, Miki Kaeyok, who is also a faithful member of the Church, officiated at the launching for a few hours before returning back to Port Moresby. The program brought together Councilors and leaders of warring tribes in the district, those of the Yopo and Palinoe Alliance in the Tsak Valley and the Sauwalaps in the Middle Lai Constituencies. Minister Kaeyok appealed to the leaders to foremost welcome God into their communities for them to truly see God restore peace. “God is source of peace. To show that I care and love you, I am supporting this church program that will witness to every village, the 80,000 people of Wapenamanda at 102 locations throughout the district.” The minister said before government services are revived in the war zone areas, God must be welcomed into the communities. “I discourage any hateful and revengeful thinking and actions to be taken among conflicting tribes”. The minister also assured he will be working closely with the District Law and Order Officials to come up with amicable concepts and resolutions to restoring peace back into communities in the New Year. Good responses were delivered from the representing leaders of the warlords and tribes. Bibles were distributed to all the leaders and a dedicatory and boundary prayer was also made. Already the tribe’s members are occupying their land, following the Wapenamanda Peace Accord in mid this year. People have built houses and gardens. Another appeal of the leader was for other Christian churches in the district to run programs this Christmas period programs in their own settings. The Wapenamanda for Christ Post Evangelism Program will be led by 102 pastors. Equipment’s and sound systems for each of the site was funded by the National Capital District Adventist Foundation. A good number of officials and delegates from the Western Highlands SDA Mission were also present for the program as they have been praying for and also conducted previous initial awareness and evangelization to stop the tribal fighting when the fighting was at its peak in 2023.

Due to continuous harassment & disrespect towards match officials & their decisions, the Eastern Papua Cup (EPC) executives have decided to terminate the remainder of the 2024 tournament. EPC President Samson Siguyaru said in a statement that the club managers who attended the Rita Flynn meeting that convened on Friday 13th December, expressed regret but stood with the executives to cancel the finals. He stated that one of the factors that lead to the cancellation of the finals was the use of threats, obscene language and physical assault during games causing fear and anxiety and frustration from all parties except two clubs. Despite the theme “Embracing Change! Going Forward” & the pledge “Uniting Milne Bay through Sports”, certain clubs namely Utuyagila and Kasamadagi have by conduct acted contrary to and in violation of these founding principles of the EPC, thus compromising the integrity and purpose of the EPC tournament. He said, the lack of respect towards the executives, especially the conduct of certain club managers and their supporters. Such intolerance acts set bad precedent towards further running the EPC tournament. One of the factors that the decision was based upon was due to the violation of the FIFA and EPC rules and regulations. Siguyaru argued and stated that, EPC is bigger than any club or individual and again, a certain club has demonstrated the lack of regard towards such guiding rules and regulations. He added that, this tough decision was taken after considering all factors. It is prudent to take precautions and ensure the safety of everyone and preserve the integrity of the carnival. And that is paramount.

Its official! The longstanding relationship between Papua New Guinea and Australia has been taken to a new level with the announcement that PNG will enter the National Rugby League in 2028. The announcement will not only unite the country in terms of sport but will also be of tremendous benefit to the country in terms of economic development in the coming years. There is already a fantastic relationship between PNG and Australia, and this will only continue to go from strength to strength. The announcement will now allow PNG to capitalize on opportunities that will include supporting underutilized sectors, building a sustainable tourism ecosystem, attracting talent to the country and growing overall national engagement through the game of rugby league. Interest in rugby league within PNG is at an all-time high. The recent Kumuls versus the Prime Ministers X111 match attracted over 1 million views via the Digicel network. These are incredible viewing figures when compared to weekly NRL figures on Fox or Nine. With PNG entering the National Rugby League in 2028, the potential is now limitless, both through eyeballs on the game and digital growth. This will be a vital factor in growing the game throughout the country in the future. PNG Rugby Football League Chief Executive, Stanley Hondina, paid tribute to the incredible amount of work that had gone on behind the scenes to lead to this point: “I would like to firstly thank Prime Minister’s Anthony Albanese and James Marape for working so hard to bring this dream to reality. This NRL team to PNG is more just a football team, it is a powerful tool to not only strengthen the PNG Aus partnership and history but also provides other immense opportunities to building our country and its people holistically.” “This is a tremendous day for our people, and this will now allow us to showcase this amazing country to the world. PNG is an amazing place to visit, and we now look forward to people getting a chance to learn more about this beautiful island through the lens of rugby league. "I would also like to take this opportunity to thank NRL Bid Chief Executive Andrew Hill and Chairman Wapu Sonk, for their brilliant work in bringing this bid together. An enormous amount of hard work has gone into getting to where we are today, and I know everyone is now excited about what lies ahead for the game in this country,” said Mr. Hondina. PNG Rugby Football League Chairman Sandis Tsaka echoed the thoughts of all rugby league supporters stating, “This is incredible news for the game in this country. It is a sport that is loved throughout the nation, and it is part of our fabric and what unites our people. “It is played in the streets and on the fields. In schools and at clubs. You see it everywhere you go and the whole country will be behind our team leading into that first match in 2028.” “This opportunity is a testament to the growth of the game and the tireless work and passion of our volunteers, partners, players and staff alike, who have been committed to developing the sport, but more importantly, positively impacting the lives of the many who are involved in rugby league in PNG.” “We will welcome all visitors and fans from other teams with open arms and we believe that people who visit will leave having had an amazing experience and seeing first-hand what the game means to people in this country.”

The Global Partnership for Education (GPE), Newmont Corporation, and Save the Children proudly celebrated the accomplishments of 19 dedicated female students who graduated just recently under the Boosting Education Standards Together (BEST) PNG Program, on Friday December 6th. This initiative focuses on strengthening teacher capacity and increasing the number of female educators in science and mathematics in Papua New Guinea. The BEST PNG program, supported by the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) and implemented through the National Department of Education (DoE) with Save the Children serving as the Grant Agent, provides scholarships to aspiring teachers across three premier teacher training institutions: St. Peter Chanel Catholic College (SPCC), the University of Goroka (UoG), and Pacific Adventist University (PAU). Since its inception, the program has supported a total of 55 female students, 40 students supported by GPE, 10 students funded by Newmont Corporation and 5 students funded by BSP Financial Group Ltd. Breaking this down in detail, for the 2023 Graduates: total of 9 students (8 GPE-funded and 1 supported by Newmont), while with the 2024 Graduates: total 19 students, including 17 from SPCC, 1 from PAU, and 1 from UoG. These graduates represent a growing number of skilled female educators ready to teach critical STEM subjects in PNG’s schools, contributing to the program's long-term vision of improved educational outcomes. The last batch of students, including those under BSP Financial Group Ltd, will graduate in 2025 and 2026, respectively.

The Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese and Prime Minister James Marape announced the entry into force of the Australia – Papua New Guinea Bilateral Security Agreement today, Monday 9th December 2024. As a legally binding framework for closer security relations, the Agreement is a landmark chapter in the Australia – Papua New Guinea Comprehensive Strategic and Economic Partnership. The Agreement elevates, broadens and modernises our longstanding security relationship, ensures consultation on security-related developments and allows us to work even more closely together to contribute to the region’s security. Since signing the Agreement in December 2023, Australia has responded quickly to support Papua New Guinea’s defence and internal security priorities as its security partner of choice. This includes Australian support to the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) by commencing construction on new policing facilities, delivering a new police patrol vessel, as well as support for recruitment, training and forensics. Australia has expanded its flagship Australia – Papua New Guinea Law and Justice Partnership to boost delivery of initiatives to promote safe and secure communities across Papua New Guinea. Leaders also welcomed Papua New Guinea’s establishment, with Australian support, of a training centre to help Papua New Guinea build a stronger and more capable police force. As Prime Minister Marape announced in August, the training centre will serve as one of the Centres of Excellence under the Pacific Policing Initiative, a landmark initiative endorsed at the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum by pacific leaders. Australia and Papua New Guinea’s security partnership is grounded in the strategic trust shared as close neighbours, close partners and friends. Australia and Papua New Guinea share an interest in a safe, stable, peaceful, and prosperous Pacific and have a proud history of working together to progress this vision.

Great news for the residents of Gerehu in Port Moresby city this festive season, the St Paul's Clinic will reopen today to the general public after a reconciliation ceremony was held on Sunday 8th December between the clinic staff and community members of Gerehu. The ceremony was witnessed by Cardinal Sir John Ribat, Assistant Commissioner of Police NCD/Central Benjamine Turi and Gerehu Police Station Commander Hanson Tokali. According to Health Manager Catholic Archdiocese of Port Moresby, Sr. Geraldine Arua, the clinic closed its doors after two of its health care officers were physically assaulted on the 30th of August 2024, which resulted in the closure of the clinic for 3 months. Sr. Geraldine thanked the Clinic Security Committee for coming up with this initiative and to stand and apologies for the crimes committed by a few. “It's a heartfelt gratitude to say thank you. Words cannot express that, but our prayers are for you the community and what you will do.” She also appealed to the community to support and care for the health workers when they go into full service when the clinic reopens. She then wished all a blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year.

More than 2, 000 rural people in the isolated Mount Koiari area in the Kokoda Track region will now have access to basic health and medical services thanks to the recent completion of the renovated Kagi aid post. Since the closure of the Kagi Aid Post more than five years ago, community members have had to walk for a day to the Efogi health facility to access basic health services. The Australia Government supported the refurbishment of the Kagi Aid Post through procuring of building materials, airlifting over three tonnes of building materials to site, spending over K3, 000 in airlift, engaging local building contractors working with local community labour and the procurement of medical drug supplies and equipment to rebuild the aid post and the adjoining house for the medical officer in charge. Kagi community representative Mana David said the re-opening of this health facility will mean women and children will not have to walk far to get medical support. “It’s been a long-time people of Kagi especially women and children have had to walk to the next nearest aid post to get medical support. Thanks to our governments of Australia and PNG for thinking of our people of Kagi and surrounding communities. Thank you also to SDA Health Services for the support of a health worker in our community,” said Mana. Over the last five years, Australia has partnered with Papua New Guinea to deliver a range of health, education, and livelihood activities for communities in the Kokoda Track region. Australian High Commission Counsellor Daniel Wells, who officiated the opening of the Kagi Aid Post, said the re-opening of the health facility marks a significant moment in the lives of people in Kagi ward and greater Mt Koiari area. This refurbishment work builds on the original construction of the facilities some 10 years ago by Rotary International volunteer from Australia. Australia also supports the quarterly Maternal and Child Health Patrols across the Kokoda Track region, providing clinical training for health workers, support to village health volunteers and health facility inspections and refurbishments to the 12 health facilities in the region. Australia continues to work with its partners, Central Provincial Health Authority and Seventh Day Adventist Health Service to maintain health service in Kokoda Track region.

The Voice Inc. (TVI) proudly held its inaugural CleanGen (Clean Generation Movement) Film Festival on Thursday, December 5th, at the Paradise Cinema in Port Moresby. The Film Festival featured ten (10) unique films that showcased the work of TVI within the space of youth and community development. In collaboration with the Clean Generation Movement community, TVI has launched and initiated various projects and programs through its’ leadership networks within learning institutions throughout the country. The CleanGen Film Festival marks the celebration of these accomplished works within communities throughout PNG and seeks to shine light on the amazing collaborative efforts by key players and stakeholders within the space of youth and community development. “The Voice Inc. (TVI) is delighted to welcome you to our Inaugural CleanGen Film Festival. This festival is a celebration of the incredible change stories from our community of leaders, brought to life through our CleanGen Spotlight Short Films.” “We are thrilled to premiere and screen a total of 10 short films that highlight the impactful initiatives led by members of the Clean Generation Movement and these films are a testament to the power of community-driven efforts in building a sustainable future,” said Ms. Maliwai Sasingian, Executive Director of The Voice Inc. The CleanGen Innovation Grants Program, a flagship initiative of TVI, has been instrumental in empowering individuals and groups to lead small-scale projects that address critical issues in their communities. Since its inception in 2018, the program has supported 43 projects across 15 provinces in Papua New Guinea, with a total funding of K322,898.95. By providing grant funding ranging from K500.00 to K10,000.00, the program enables CleanGen members to tackle diverse challenges, from climate change and environmental justice to economic development and social enterprise. The thematic areas supported by the grants program, totaling 10 thematic areas, reflect TVI’s commitment to fostering holistic and inclusive development. The Clean Generation Movement was founded and is supported by The Voice Inc. (TVI). This movement focuses on leadership development, civic participation, and community engagement through various programs and platforms. The CleanGen Film Festival will bring together more than 200 youths and representatives from partner organizations who will have the opportunity to witness the impact of the work of The Voice Inc. through its’ flagship initiative, the CleanGen Innovation Grants program. The Voice Inc. The Voice Inc. extends its’ deepest gratitude to its’ longest standing donor partner Bread for the World (BftW) whose generous contributions over the past 13 years, have been pivotal in the success of its’ programs and the realization of the organization’s (TVI) vision. “As we gather to celebrate the achievements of our community, we are reminded of the profound impact that collaboration and support can have in driving positive change.” “Thank you for joining us in this celebration, and we hope you are inspired by the stories of resilience and innovation showcased in our films,” Ms Sasingian said.

The lack of adequate educational facilities in the Western Province is one of the factors contributing to the decline in the number of Western Province students enrolled in the nation's postsecondary institutions. These facilities are science laboratory, classrooms, dormitories, teachers’ houses among others. In recent years, the Fly River Provincial Government has not been supporting some schools facing such issues which had led to students not concentrating on studies particularly students coming from rural villages within the four districts in the province. One such school is Kiunga Secondary School in North Fly District where its learning facilities need major upgrades for improved learning. The school’s Principal Mr. Jebol Iowa mentioned that six dormitories, six classrooms, four teachers’ houses, two computer labs, science labs, mess hall, and administrative offices are needed at the school to cater for increasing number of students to implement Standard Base Curriculum (SBC). He revealed this during the 25th Grade 12 Silver Jubilee graduation ceremony held at the school on November 28th this year. Kiunga Secondary School has adopted to SBC since last year, therefore learning facilities at the school vicinity need maintenance and upgrade for best learning outcomes. “I appeal to you all stakeholders and development partners. Our students need conducive learning environment so work together and support this school," he said. "If we want to see change in our province, invest in education so our students can achieve their dreams and goals in return, bring change in their different profession.” Despite these ongoing challenges, students have been urged to focus on their education to become good leaders in the future. They have been told to strive for excellence with available teaching and learning facilities on hand, as such issues faced at the school may take some years to address them.

Wingei Junior High School in West Yangoru LLG in East Sepik Province is set to become a secondary school in 2026. This was announced by the Minister for International Trade and Investment and Yangoru-Saussia MP, Richard Maru, during the school’s 4th Grade 10 and 2nd Grade 8 graduation yesterday, Tuesday 3rd December 2024. Wingei Junior High School is a newly established high school in Yangoru-Saussia District of East Sepik Province. It was established in 2020 under the leadership of Minister Maru. A groundbreaking ceremony was held on February 5, 2024, by Late Jimmy Uguro, then Minister for Education, marking the elevation of the school from a junior high school to a secondary school and also to commence the construction of the secondary school. Since then, the Yangoru-Saussia District Development Authority (DDA) has spent K2 million (this year alone) to build four new teachers’ houses, fencing around the school, and an administration building which is under construction. “We are preparing Wingei High School to be a secondary school; however, it is currently not ready to be a secondary school because it does not have a library, science and computer labs, and more classroom and teachers’ houses. We have to make sure everything is in order before we become a secondary school. If we rush it, we would destroy the future of our children. We are not ready now, but we will be ready to receive our first grade 11 students come 2026,” said Minister Maru. Minister Maru announced that the building of a new library will commence in January next year, followed by three science labs, a computer lab, and four more teachers’ houses to prepare the school for its secondary status. The school being situated at the border of Yangoru-Saussia and Maprik Districts, will serve all West Yangoru LLG and Roma and Ulupurin villages in Yamil-Tamawi LLG of Maprik District. Adding to this, the Member for Maprik Libert Kapris made a commitment, on behalf of the Maprik DDA, to build a state-of-the-art grade 11 block for the school at the cost of K500,000 next year. “I want to thank Hon. Kapris and the Maprik DDA for their commitment. Yangoru-Saussia DDA has a vision that one day Wingei Junior High School will become a School of Excellence (SOE), and one day the school might offer STEM education. That is why it is important that we plan well and develop this school with the type of facilities that will meet the requirements of the Department of Education and facilities that is as good as any SOE in the country,” said Minister Maru. To the graduating students, Minister Maru said, “You have to make a choice on your big day today on who you want to be in the future. No one gets up there without a dream, hard work, commitment, and dedication. You must have a plan and a vision when you are still young and in school. Put God first as your School Motto says, go out there and make us proud.”

The winning design for the 50th Independence Anniversary logo has been accepted and is presently being formalized for usage. Samuel Uge, who entered the 50th Independence Anniversary Logo concept Competition earlier this year in June, created the concept that served as the basis for the finished logo. Uge, a Communication Officer employed with the Central Bank of Papua New Guinea, was present at the National Events Secretariat office last week to complete formalities at a small ceremony. Uge picks up the winner's prize money of K10, 000. Acting NES Director, Robert Wong, and Uge officially signed the Logo design release as part of formalities. Foreign Affairs Minister Justin Tkatchenko MP confirmed that the winning original design inspired the final logo and was slightly modified to suit the 50th Independence Anniversary occasion. The 50th Independence Anniversary Celebrations will carry the message theme, 'Celebrate our History, Inspire our Future'. This theme illustrates Papua New Guinea’s journey as a nation since independence to date, and beyond. "Following a thorough selection process through thousands of entries from around the country, the winning design has inspired the final 50th Independence Anniversary logo. The logo symbolizes 50 years of Independence, with the numbers designed in gold, commemorating our Golden Jubilee as a nation, and depicts the 'kumul' bird of paradise - our national emblem, and the stars representing the Southern Cross – our heritage. The Logo will be used by permission ONLY to ensure that promotion of Anniversary Celebrations in Papua New Guinea and abroad, are clearly Unique and Distinct from all other commemorative branding for the occasion. The logo will officially be registered with the Investment Promotion Authority (IPA) for intellectual property purposes, and to protect it from general and commercial usage. Minister Tkatchenko thanked and congratulated the thousands of entrants and designers who contributed to the nation-wide competition, and for being a part of preparations for the historic occasion. “Entries were of a high standard, with quality personal artistic impressions and designs portraying each individual's inspiration, and the most suitable and original design was selected.” Uge expressed his appreciation to the competition organizers and the National Events Secretariat for the opportunity. “I am deeply humbled and honored to have my design selected as the winner of the PNG 50th Independence Logo Competition. It is truly a privilege to contribute to this significant milestone in our nation's history," he said “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the competition organizers for providing this platform and to the selection committee for recognizing my work amidst so many outstanding designs from across the country. Uge officially signed the copyright release form to enable the authority to utilize the logo in its preparations for the 50th Anniversary celebrations.