The Department of Education through the Flexible Open and Distance Education (FODE) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Daulo District Development Authority (DDA) for an effective, accessible and quality education with the aim to drive its principle of “Leaving NO Child Behind”. The official signing took place on Wednesday, August 28th, 2024 in Port Moresby. Officiating at the signing was the Secretary for the Department of Education, Dr Uke Kombra and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Daulo DDA, Samo Tobi and witnessed by other senior officers from the Department, Daulo DDA and FODE centre. The partnership will see the district creating a continued education pathway for its high school leavers who could not make it through to formal education rather can be supported by the District’s FODE assistance pathway. Under the agreement, the Daulo District DDA will fund and support the four high schools in the district including the Asaroka Secondary School, Daulo Secondary School, Mando High School and Watabung High School in the District to carry out the FODE program using their existing resource and facilities. Secretary, Dr Kombra described the partnership as a significant step forward for the Department as it falls in line with a number of key programs and policies the Department is currently undertaking as one of its major focus areas under the National Education Plan 2020-2029. “Those are key policies that the department is moving ahead across the country in our education system. FODE is now becoming not as a school for dropouts but a school for everyone to complete 12 years of education. It is an alternative pathway we have now and our enrolments have increased dramatically over the last 2-3 years. "Currently, the country has around 82, 105 FODE students. Last year it was about 80,000,” Dr Kombra said. Daulo DDA CEO, Mr. Tobi said the partnership marks the first for Daulo District and the first District in Eastern Highlands to offer such assistance to its students in the District. Mr. Tobi said the District will work closely with the Education Department to ensure a smooth and effective roll out of FODE program, Vocational Education and Training (VET) and Early Childhood Education (ECE) in the District beginning next year. A total of K200, 000 has been allocated for the establishment of FODE in the District. The Department through FODE also anticipates to see the first batch of grade twelves (12s) students under FODE to be equally considered in the online application for higher education spaces which has been a huge challenge for years.

The National STI & HIV five (5) year strategy 2024-2028 was officially launched on Friday 30th August in Port Moresby at the Holiday Inn Hotel. With the launch of the strategy, The National Aids Council Secretariat and the National Health Department’s (NDoH) vision of the strategy is to end the epidemic of STI’s and HIV in the country by 2030. NDoH Deputy Secretary for Public Health Mr. Ken Wai said this is the number four strategy and with 18 new infections per day, they need to be smart in implementing the strategy to put an end to the transmission of STI’s & HIV. “Since 2010, infections have increased by 101%. It is estimated that about 6, 700 new infections occurred in 2023, or about 18 new infections per day and about 72 thousand people living with HIV in 2023," said Dr. Wai. “The majority of the people infected are young-between 15-49 years of age. This is our productive age group. These are people who are capable of contributing in various sectors towards the development of PNG and the future of our nation.” With support of over K1billion invested from the government and donor partners World Vision, UNAIDS, Australian Government, USAIDS and WHO, an annual budget of more than K2million will be used to implement the three (3) pillars in all 300 centres in all provinces and 160 Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) sites in the country. Pillar 1 Comprehensive STI & HIV Prevention Focus on community awareness, peer outreach, health promotions, behaviour changes communications, distribution of prevention and accompanied pathways to clinical services. Pillar 2 Early Diagnosis, Effective treatment & Tailored Care Prioritizes testing, treatment and care within clinical service to reach diverse settings and populations, in close partnership with community and peer-led programs. Pillar 3 Strong Coordination, Robust Systems & Supportive Environment System strengthening and supportive environment tailored towards provincial response, national and provincial health systems strengthening. Wai said, through partners with various organisations, they will amplify their efforts to promote safe sex practices including condom distribution, sexual health education in schools, and community outreach programs. “Our collective actions will ensure that prevention becomes a shared responsibility.”

Prime Minister James Marape this afternoon commended students at the University of Papua New Guinea for the manner in which they have petitioned him and the government on grievances. The Prime Minister was at UPNG at noon today to receive a petition from the Student Representative Council of UPNG, witnessed by the student body at the open forum area. He said the students showed maturity and leadership in both the drafting of the petition and their presentation of it to the government. “I quickly looked through the petition that you have given, and I want to say that there is a lot of maturity in the manner in which this petition was drafted.” “You raised issues and you also offered solutions,” said the Prime Minister. He said there was a marked difference in the way UPNG students of this generation raised concerns to the government as opposed to similar events of the past where such incidents have turned into protests, riots, and – as in the case of 1991 – the whole academic year suspended. “In 1991, I was a student here in this forum square. We were only 16 years old as a nation then.” “But we were not this orderly; we had an issue, and we took to the streets. It caused six months of school suspension, in fact the entire academic year in 1991 was shut down forcing students to miss out on studies until they could find spaces in the following years. “So, I want to say thank you to both the university administration and the SRC for showing maturity and allowing our students to raise pertinent points that affect the economy, our country, and allowing the government to come here and receive your petition.” The main issues raised in the petition are Foreign Exchange, Inflation, Law and Order, and Education Scholarships programs (HECAS/TESAS). “The four main issues you raised today are important points, but there are also many points that are associated with everything else that is common in our society – job increase, containing inflations, ensuring that our economy is better place. All these are inter-related. This petition deserves a detailed response.” The questions you posed deserve a great deal of input and reply back to you,” he said. A reply would be furnished to the students on Monday 9 September 2024 through a power-point presentation that will have backing statistics from relevant government departments and agencies, so the students understand the data and see the efforts Government has already put into addressing the raised issues, the PM said. He added he would like to clear his calendar within the next week to present an informative reply directly to the students himself.

As the 2024 Digicel ExxonMobil Cup continues to head into the semi-finals this Sunday 1st September at the Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby. The day will kick off with the major semi-final at 1.00pm between 2024 minor premiers Wamp Nga Mt Hagen Eagles and defending champions Kumul Minerals Holdings Ltd Enga Mioks, followed by the minor semi-final at 3.15pm between Kroton Hela Wigmen and Lae Snax Tigers. Both matches will be televised live by official broadcaster TVWAN on the TVWAN Sports 3 channel. Papua New Guinea National Rugby League Competition (PNG NRLC) General Manager Mr Leith Isaac said that the PNGNRLC would like to advise fans and supporters that there will be no ticket sales at the Santos National Football Stadium on game day so everyone is encouraged to purchase tickets during the week while they are available. “We encourage Port Moresby residents who wish to come to watch, to pay for tickets at Tiket Mastas outlets at JMart in Erima, the ticket sales office at Santos National Football Stadium and at its new outlet at RH Gordon.”

Cultural dances, poetries from students, song presentations, booth setups, and the shared history of the National Parliament were part of the celebrations to mark its 40th anniversary today. In his opening remarks, Speaker of Parliament Job Pomat thanked the people of Australia for giving Papua New Guinea its freedom from 1975 to this day. He said, four decades ago on the 7th of August 1984 when he arrived in Port Moresby King Charles, who was then the Prince of all Commonwealth countries, officially opened the National Parliament. “Mi no bin dremanim olsem one day, ba me sanap time mi kam lo fopla ten yia blo em na ba mi speaker. Na mi yet mi privilege na honor lo Markim na mi kamap displa man,” said Pomat in Tok Pisin. (I never dreamt that one day I would stand and be the speaker on its 40 years. And I am privileged and honoured to mark this day) “Mi laik tok tenk yu tru gen, mi tokim back lon Australia, displa friendship blo mi tupla em displa bigpla luksawe yu givim. Haus Man blo pipol blo Papua New Guinea yu givim.” (I want to say thank you again to Australia. The National Parliament House (Haus Man) you gave for the people of Papua New Guinea is a symbol of our friendship through this.) He said since he became the head of this institution as “Speaker of Parliament” he witnessed two (2) incidents where the people of this country attempted to burn down the parliament haus. The constitutions and laws that are made are through this house and governments change through this house, and it should be respected by all Papua New Guineans. “Tok tok blo mi laik go lo ol young pla man na meri na pipol blo Papua New Guinea, please. Yes, yu can come na shoim bel hevi blo you lon front blo em na ol leaders bai oli hairm, but noken burukim na noken kukim.” (I am calling on all the young and old and all Papua New Guineans, please, yes you can come and share your disappointments in front of the house and the leaders to hear, but don’t burn break and burn the house.) He also urged all members of parliament to stand and work together for the betterment of this country. He further stated that they will soon unfold the statue of the Late Grand Chief Michael Somare in front of the National Parliament.

After slaying the Mendi Muruks with a 10-8 win over the weekend and securing their spot in the top 4 of the DigicelExxon Mobil tournament, the Lae Snax Tigers Club acknowledged and thank the PNG National Rugby League Competition Management for offering to accommodate the team in Port Moresby. The PNGRFL team offered the Lae Snax Tigers team to stay on in Port Moresby for the duration of the playoffs, so the team will not have to brave the harsh conditions during the bad weather to get back to Port Moresby next week. Though the team appreciates the PNGNRL for the positive response and support; as a team they have decided to return to Lae. This decision is based on the team's consideration and support for the 5 team members, who are students at UNITECH. Coach Noel Zeming states, "As a club we always support and prioritize players education and welfare and will support our boys and stick together as a team." They apologize to PNGRFL for any inconvenience caused but feel that it is very important they stick together as a team and brave the weather again this coming week to return and fight for the final spot once again. The club has paid all school fees for its players and continues to support their education and the Rugby league growth equally.

The Under 17 trial match that took place today at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium marks a significant milestone as the inaugural event for the National Capital Schools Rugby League (NCDSRL) competition. According to NCDSRL President Arnold Gende, the current roster of 40 students will be reduced to an 18-member squad that will travel to Cairns in November to compete against St Trinity Bay State High School. “The boys will play a social match with Trinity Bay State High School and we will be selecting eighteen (18) of the best players to travel down to Cairns from the 17-18th, November. This all made possible through the Moni Plus NDCD Port Moresby Vipers and the NCD Governors office.” The air fairs will be met by NCDC and the accommodation in Cairns will be met by the St Trinity Bay State High School, said Gende. Mr. Gende stated that this pathway provides an excellent opportunity for the boys to demonstrate their talents and potentially attract the attention of scouts in Australia. The selection of all 40 boys in the NCDSRL competition was conducted in accordance with the NCDSRL benchmark policy, which requires a minimum of 60% academic performance and the verification of age through birth certificates. “Straight after completing the selections for the 40 boys, we will send through the names to the Vipers management so they can start working on their passports and apply for their visas.” “We also hope to create and cement that relationship with Trinity when we travel down so it becomes and annual event, some form of cultural exchange program.” The NCDSRL also plans to host Trinity Bay if they plan to visit and show them the diverse culture of PNG. He further stated that they are looking forward to form a girls team by next year to take part and expose their talents as well.

The National Day of Prayer and Repentance is held annually on 26th August and is a day dedicated for all Papua New Guineans to come together to pray and repent. The Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH) marked an early National Day of Prayer and Repentance on Friday, 23rd August, centred around the theme, "New Beginning Through Repentance." The commemoration was hosted by the Chaplaincy Services in collaboration with the Nursing Christian Fellowship, creating a significant moment for staff across the hospital to unite in reflection and prayer. A key highlight of the program was the prayer segment, which featured staff from each division that were focused on their prayers on thanksgiving, confession and blessing. These prayers emphasized gratitude, repentance, spiritual protection, and blessings, offering a moment of deep reflection and connection for the PMGH community. On behalf of the executive management of PMGH, Director Medical Services, Dr Kone Sobi was present for the occasion and spoke of the importance of repentance as a path to renewal, encouraging everyone to embrace a fresh start in both their personal and professional lives. The gathering served as a reminder of the shared values and spiritual foundation that guide the work and commitment of the PMGH community.

Prime Minister (PM) James Marape is expected to meet with the Secretary-General of United Nations, Antonio Guterres at the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) in Tonga this week. Mr. Guterres sent a request through the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office in Port Moresby to PM Marape for the special bilateral meeting which will be held on the margins of the PIF summit. In his letter, the Secretary-General commented positively on the Marape-led Government’s efforts in progressing the Bougainville peace process and acknowledged it as one of the best models of conflict resolution taking place in the world today. He also acknowledged Papua New Guinea as a leading forest nation, and a leading nation among the countries in the Pacific outside Australia and New Zealand, placing PNG ahead to engage in discussions with PM Marape on issues of local and global importance. PM Marape welcomed the opportunity to meet with Mr. Guterres, saying he looks forward to engaging in the discussions with the head of the United Nations. “PNG, as usual, will continue to advocate for our ocean and forest resources and for industrialized nations to honour their climate change mitigation commitments,” said PM Marape.

During the recent NCDC Secondary Schools Career Expo, the Papua New Guinea University of Technology (PNGUoT) attended as an exhibitor from the 12th – to the 16th of August in Port Moresby. There were thirty (30) schools with a total of 5, 642 students that actively participated in the expo to visit booths set-ups of different institutions from around the country. On average, PNGUoT staff saw over a thousand students each day. PNGUoT's Student Administration staff highlighted the admission requirements, and processes to apply for both School Leavers (SL) and Non-School Leavers (NSL), Academic programs; including online programs. They further explained the processes and the need for the Skills Tertiary Admissions Test (Stat-PNG). The recent reorganization of the University’s academic structure which is aligned to the PNGUoT’s Strategic Plan 2020 – 2024 was also covered. Jeff Vincent Jack, a grade 12 student from La Salle Technical Secondary School said, “It’s good that PNGUoT was here to set up because we see PNGUoT as a leading institution in PNG. It’s good to talk directly to them and clear doubts about the programs and the requirements to study at PNGUoT. I was satisfied after visiting the booth and thank the University staff that were present during the week to clear doubts”. PNGUoT’s Deputy Registrar (Academic), Naomi Wilkins said, the University has participated in so many of these kind of Expos in the past in different locations and will continue to participate. "The need to participate is to do awareness as there are continuous changes within the University and we need to inform interested students who are applying for our programs.” “Bulolo Forestry College, Lae School of Nursing, and Timber & Forestry Training College (TFTC) are merged with us so they have to market their programs as well and we do not expect all these students to apply and get into tertiary institutions”. Mrs. Wilkins said, PNGUoT hopes to participate in expos and events to market updated programs that are offered in the university.

CPL Group is proud to continue its unwavering support for the largest gathering of medical professionals in Papua New Guinea, reaffirming their dedication to healthcare in the country. The Medical Symposium, now in its 58th year, is an annual event hosted by the Medical Society of Papua New Guinea (MSPNG). This year’s symposium taking place from September 1st to 6th at the Sir Mara Haus in the city of Mt. Hagen in the Western Highlands Province focuses on the theme ‘Burden of Trauma and its Impact on Health & Socioeconomic Wellbeing,’ bringing together healthcare professionals from various disciplines to explore and discuss critical advancements and challenges within the health sector. As part of CPL Group's sponsorship, CPL is proud to provide support to five medical society meetings, as well as branded lanyards and bags plus raffle prizes contributing a total value of K100, 000. The symposium branded bags and lanyards were officially handed over by CPL’s Head of Pharmacy, Pradeep Panda, to the President of the Medical Society of PNG, Professor Nakapi Tefuarani, and other distinguished members of the MSPNG. Professor Tefuarani, along with members of the MSPNG, expressed deep gratitude for CPL Group’s continued support, noting that such contributions are vital in enhancing the impact of the symposium for healthcare professionals, researchers, and students alike. CPL Group will be represented at this year’s symposium by the CPL Medical & Lab Supplies (MedLab) and City Pharmacy Wholesale team.

Papua New Guinea’s top hip-hop dance crew, Wan Squad arrived this afternoon August 21, 2024, to a warm and energetic welcome from families, friends and supporters that turned up at the International Jackson’s Airport to welcome the dancers after winning gold in Arizona, USA. The atmosphere was electric and emotional as the crew, who won gold with their exceptional dance performance, proudly brought their achievement back to the country. Their victory not only elevated their dance to new heights but also put PNG on the global map. The group's creative director Pyan Ng said it was not an easy win for the team and are thrilled to bring the gold back home. He said, the process to get to were they are today a challenge that tested them mentally and physically. It was not an easy journey for the team to get this win. "One of the first one was jet let." "We were sleeping at 3am and waking up at midday." "Other than that, the process on getting here was a challenge in terms of challenging ourselves creatively, mentally and physically and to get this win was not an easy journey for us and we're excited to bring the gold back home," said Pyan. "This year we took it upon ourselves to commit more." "We've done courses, learning to expand our knowledge in terms of understanding the rule book and requirements to win this competition." "We got to speak to international judges, international choreographers to give us more insight to understanding everything." "Other than that, the boys were 100% committed." "We had Mountain Dew and Indomie behind us 100% financially support us financially and without everyone coming together this year, we wouldn't be where we are right now." Joining the crew on the international stage were the two newbies, brothers Ajay Ravu and Joseph Ravu from the Central Province. With huge smiles, both brothers expressed excitement as this was a first-time experience for them and returning home with gold gave their families, friends and supporters outside the airport reason to celebrate with much electrifying emotion. Pyang said, hearing the PNG national anthem on the world stage was an iconic moment not just for the team but for the country as a whole. "Because as you all know, you will only hear your national anthem when you win gold." "And in history, this is the first time to see or hear the PNG national anthem on world stage, even the Pacific islands and we've beat many countries that have not heard our national anthem," said Pyan. Out of 55 countries who took part in the 2024 World Hip Hop Dance Championship, PNG' s very own Wan Squad qualified through all rounds and won god. Pyan encouraged young passionate dancers to continue. Meanwhile, Pacific Industries - Mountain Dew Brand Manager Nathaniel Lepani said they were thrilled with the achievement the boys accomplished with this win brining the tally up to four international wins for PNG. "We're esthetic and proud of the guys." "We know the hard work they've put in over the years." "This been the fourth year that they've gone and brought back the number title and gold medals." "We are just super proud."