The recent celebration of the Ksawang Cultural Festival in Bapa Village in the Buang Local Level Government (LLG) of the Morobe Province, received a K10, 000 support from the National Cultural Commission (NCC). The festival not only featured exquisite performances and beautiful traditional displays but also strengthened community togetherness, encouraged local businesses and fostered pride among residents. Present at the event were the Governor of Morobe Province Luther Wange, representing the Executive Director of NCC, Betty Neanda (Senior Cultural Service Officer at NCC), Chairman of the Ksawang Festival Russell Yakam, other dignitaries and local leaders. The chairman of the Kawasang Festival, Russell Yakam, thanked the National Cultural Commission for supporting the event. "The NCC's acknowledgement of our efforts to preserve our culture is a testament to it." "This festival strengthens our community bonds while also celebrating our traditions." Wange highlighted the importance of preserving culture in this fast-changing world. “It is essential that we continue to support and celebrate our culture, and this festival is a testament to our rich cultural diversity and the unity of our communities.” Betty Neanda the Senior Cultural Service Officer NCC stated that the Ksawang Festival was more than just celebrating culture, highlighting the benefits it has on young people. “It’s a vital opportunity for our young people to connect with their heritage and learn the values that binds our community together.” The successful organization of the Ksawang Cultural Festival underscores the significance of Papua New Guinea's cultural legacy, and the cooperative effort required to conserve these customs for posterity. NCC officially recognized the festival as one of its events around the county.

Digicel PNG Foundation has once again made a crucial contribution to the education of young minds partnering with Lae Secondary School to refurbish their computer lab. Lae Secondary is the 8th school to receive a BeLit Computer Lab, which includes the installation of 40 brand new laptops, chairs, tables and other equipment. At the recent launching ceremony, Head Boy, Samuel Nelson recalled his experiences prior to the lab upgrade. "When I was in grade nine, we had to share one laptop among three to four students… so it was a bit difficult at times doing work but with these new laptops it's going to be much better." School Board Chairman Edward Buasin, expressed gratitude towards Digicel Foundation for the initiative. "I want to express my gratitude to the Digicel Foundation for stepping up and establishing a computer lab at our school.” “We welcome contributions from partners like the Digicel Foundation to our school since we know they will help to improve knowledge transfer there." Students of Lae Secondary will now have an opportunity to improve their computing and ICT skills. This is the second secondary school in Lae to receive a newly renovated lab, the first being Busu Secondary School. Digicel Foundation’s Board Chairman, Michael Henao who officiated the launch stated that Digicel’s commitment to education and health remains firm. "ICT skills are essential in today's technologically advanced world, and computer literacy is a must for all of you to be competitive in the marketplace.” “Lae Secondary's BeLit Lab is going to support you on that journey."

Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH) marked World Heart Day on Sunday (29th/09/24) emphasizing the message that prevention is key to beating heart disease, as demonstrated by the recent completion of the hospital's new catheterization laboratory. During the occasion, PMGH Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Paki Molumi and the hospital's pioneering cardiologist, Professor Sir Isi Kevau, both stressed that although cutting-edge therapies are important, the best way to lessen the effect of heart disease in Papua New Guinea (PNG) is to prevent it through early intervention and lifestyle modifications. "We must remember that prevention is the key to reducing heart disease, even as we invest in new, expensive technology to cure heart disease." "What we eat is something we can control." He underlined the importance of early detection programs to detect heart disease at an earlier stage, pointing out that doing so might significantly cut hospital admissions and death rates, which would ultimately result in cheaper healthcare expenditures. In order to effectively manage heart disease, he further emphasized the need for greater funding for early detection and preventative interventions. Speaking about the future of the nation, Professor Sir Isi Kevau, the director of the Sir Buri Kidu Heart Institute, voiced concerns about the rising number of younger people experiencing heart attacks as well as the intake of fatty foods that worsen cholesterol accumulation in the body. Sir Isi asked everyone to consider the causes of past generations' lack of heart attacks, emphasizing that our ancestors ate foods found in nature, like fish, wallabies, and cacao. He urged young people to think about their great-great-grandparents' diets and said that a return to more natural foods would help lower cholesterol and improve heart health. This year’s theme was: ‘Use Heart for Action’

Port Moresby Nature Park was honored to present certificates to five (5) of their on-the-job trainees from the University of Papua New Guinea on Friday September 27th. Nature Park’s CEO, Johnpaul Houston, led the small ceremony and personally presented the students with their certificates and gifts as tokens of appreciation for their dedication and efforts in various departments such as HR Administration, Guest Relations, Marketing, and Park Presentation under the Commercial Division during their 9-week tenure. These final year students, were selected by their school to complete a portion of their on-the-job training assessment at Nature Park. They come from diverse disciplines such as business administration, humanities, and hospitality management. As the only wildlife park in the nation to have international certification and a popular tourist destination in Papua New Guinea, Port Moresby Nature Park is committed to providing students with worthwhile opportunities for education and development. "We are thrilled to provide even more learning opportunities for students in the upcoming year and beyond, and we are committed to our core goals of education, conservation, and research." Port Moresby Nature Park, takes great pride in their commitment to providing on-the-job training and internship programs for university students. Over 50 percent of on-the-job-trainees over the years, are from The University Of Papua New Guinea (UPNG).

The Young Minds Savings Campaign (YMSC) in Kimbe, West New Britain province, ended on a high note with over 236 kids savings accounts opened. The Center for Excellence in Financial Inclusion (CEFI) Executive Director, Mr. Saliya Ranasinghe thanked the WNB Provincial Government (WNBPG), participating schools and financial institutions for making the second YMSC a success following the first YMSC held in Milne Bay province in August this year.   Ranasinghe encouraged head teachers of participating schools and branch managers of the participating financial institutions to teach the basics of finance. “Convey the message of savings to your children and educate them on its importance so they will have a better future and standard of living,” He also thanked the Securities Commission of PNG (SCPNG) for their sponsorship support towards the campaign. Mr. Tandawai who represented SCPNG said that the Commission was happy and excited to support CEFI and BPNG in investing in the future of PNG through the YMSC. In attendance also was the Department of Treasury who through Moses Zazon expressed their support towards the campaign. Besides MiBank, BSP and Womens Microbank (WMB), Nasfund and TISA also attended. Both institutions used the campaign to make awareness of their products targeted at school kids. Schools visited included, Kimbe Primary, Ruango Primary, Karl Hesse Primary, Kimbe Secondary, Kimbe International and Harrison Primary. CEFI, the Bank of Papua New Guinea (BPNG), SCPNG, WNB Provincial Government, MiBank, WMB, BSP, Nasfund and TISA visited the respective schools from September 04 to September 06. On Wednesday September 04, MiBank visited Kimbe and Ruango Primary schools, Thursday September 05, WMB, MiBank and Nasfund visited Karl Hesse Primary and Kimbe Secondary and BSP and TISA visited Kimbe International and Harrison Primary schools respectively on Friday September 07. The activities included awareness on savings, question and answer sessions followed by opening of bank accounts. More than 200 savings accounts for students were opened by Mibank and BSP with follow up visits by the respective banks to continue for the respective schools. The YMSC is one of the key ticket items implemented under a MoU signed between CEFI and WNB Provincial Government which is expected to end on 27th July 2026. The Provincial Administrator (PA) – WNBPG, Leo Mapmani thanked CEFI and BPNG for the initiative and support to run the YMSC in Kimbe. Mapmani assured CEFI of the WNBPG support towards the implementation of the CEFI-WNB MoU and to continue the good progress made so far. He also stated his administration’s support of the YMSC in Kimbe, adding it was now a challenge for the WNBPG to continue the campaign and reach more schools in the province. “This is the first of its kind in Kimbe to witness BSP, MiBank, TISA, Nasfund and the Mama Bank mobilize and jointly visit selected schools within the urban settings to promote their products specifically focusing on promoting the savings culture to the children and young people.” “The Steering Committee will continue to highlight this activity in its annual work plan to build the young minds and empower them to continue to save money for their future needs.” CEFI Special Projects Manager and YMSC Team Leader, Busa Jeremiah Wenogo thanked Mapmani for his support towards the YMSC and encouraged WNBPG to take ownership of the campaign and roll it out annually to all the schools in the province. Students interviewed at respective schools were all appreciative of the YMSC and happy to have the financial institutions come to their schools and open bank accounts. Head teachers from the six schools express their gratitude to CEFI, BPNG, SCPNG and the WNBPG for the campaign which they said was important to the students for their personal and educational development.

Because of the collaboration with Coca-Cola Europacific Partners PNG (CCEP PNG), residents of Koki village in Port Moresby can now return their PET plastic bottles for recycling. On Tuesday, September 24, the village hosted a unique recycling event organized by Branis Recycling and Coca-Cola Europacific Partners PNG (CCEP PNG). Koki village Councilor, Geelong Auma and CCEP have been in communication and held an awareness workshop for the past month, with the goal of encouraging the villagers to save their PET plastic bottles. On Tuesday 24th October, Branis Recycling set up a temporary collection site in the village to collect the material and pay out K1.00 for every kilo of PET plastic bottles received. Tim Solly, the Sales and Commercial Director of CCEP PNG, expressed delight that recycling had come to Koki village. “Last year we launched a PET recycling scheme in Port Moresby and we're now collecting and recycling around 25% of the PET plastic bottles we put into the market in NCD.” “It's important we continue to raise awareness so people know they can earn money by collecting and recycling PET plastic beverage bottles.” “This will increase the amount collected and ensure it is recycled and doesn’t end up in the landfill or in the environment.” “We are encouraging Koki residents and surrounding areas to start collecting PET plastic bottles and earn K1.00 a kilo of material by returning them the nearest Branis Recycling collection point at Hohola collection site, on Spondias street.” Solly says once the bottles have been collected, they are turned into plastic flake, using a granulator at Branis Recycling’s facility, and then exported to Malaysia for recycling. Councilor Auma was ecstatic over this initiative by CCEP. “We are happy that this programme has come to Koki and it’s a great initiative by Coca-Cola to collect the PET plastic bottles that they sell to consumers.” “Being a fast-growing urban village it is crucial for us to keep our village clean and keep plastic out of our waterways and this collection scheme helps our people here.”

Alexander Guere, a youngster from Central and East New Britain was one of the competitors who recently participated in the recent Mountain Dew x Wan Squad Dance Competition which was held at Hilton Hotel. Guere who is a member of a crew called the Resistance, who competed in the Open Division, came in 6th place out of a total of nineteen (19) crews in Port Moresby. Their group consisted of thirteen (13) members in total; five (5) males and eight ( females and led by Nelson Kokoa. According to Guere, coming in at 6th place was unexpected. “The Resistance competed simply to show what we were capable of, and it was a big surprise when we came in 6th place.” He added that they were also a new crew in the competition. “It is a big relief knowing that despite being novices we still got 6th place.” In a quick word of encouragement, he stated that when you are about to perform don’t overthink, just dance. “Everybody gets stage fright but the important thing is ‘don’t think – just do.’” He added that he would like to participate again.

YUMIFM’s Featured Artist for September, Kalu T (Thomas Pumi) & Jay Tee Kola (Jonathan Kola) including their hardworking team recently graced PNGFM’s studios speaking about their latest song on 93 FM’s airwaves, Amox Akoma Georgina. The track which currently sits at number 12 on Yumi FM’s Top 20 countdown, could be summed up as a song about homesickness as explained by the artists. “This woman we are singing about, Georgina, misses her home greatly and we are telling a story about her going back to her people to spend the holidays among her people.” “She is someone who married a man from Sepik, and she is travelling back to her home in the Southern Highlands where there’s this beautiful body of water called ‘Wara Polu’.” The song not only draws inspiration from SHP’s natural environment but also explores complex human emotions and hints at the difficulties behind intercultural marriages within PNG. The artists explained that customarily, when a woman gets married, she goes to be with her man and his people to be his support and his strength, and the song Amox Akoma Georgina, is somewhat of a remedy for this woman’s sadness. When asked about what advice the talented duo would give to any youngsters who wish to pursue music, Kalu T encouraged local artists to draw inspiration from their roots. “Any upcoming or aspiring artists should learn their language and write songs using their language – they must find their unique sound.” He used an example from the people of Africa who created their own unique sound using their traditional beats. “Africans blessed the world with their traditional sound and PNG can do the same with our multitude of languages.”

The launching of the 29th National Literacy Week 2024, which was supposed to be held earlier this month from 2nd to the 6th of September, unfortunately did not occur due to multiple setbacks. National Literacy Awareness Secretariat, Nicholas Nembo confirmed that the event was to be launched in Tari, Hela Province under the theme: ‘Be Literate! Be Counted! Leave No One Behind,’ but did not happen because of circumstances beyond their control. “Literacy week activities around the country took place, however the main launching at Hela was deferred due to issues with logistics, staff recruitment and staff movement between divisions.” He stated that the Department of Education is yet to confirm new launching dates. “Once these issues are resolved, the dates will be confirmed.” He also said that the launching will still take place in Hela. In regard to the current literacy rates in the country, Nembo stated that Papua New Guinea’s current literacy rates have not been updated because of the National Census still happening. “The National Census aids us in collecting data regarding literacy rates in the country.” The literacy rate data from 2010 – 2011 is still being used at this time.

Title: Coraline Director: Henry Selick Rating: PG Genre(s): Family/Horror Duration: 1h 55min Coraline is a 2009 American stop-motion dark fantasy animated film based on a novella written by Neil Gaiman of the same name. The main protagonist is Coraline Jones (voiced by Dakota Fanning), a feisty and adventurous, eleven-year-old girl. Wandering around in her new house out of boredom, Coraline stumbles upon a tiny door that leads her to the ‘Other World’ where she encounters her Other Mother also known as the Beldam, and her Other Father who are seemingly an ideal version of Coraline’s parents living in a perfect world. Here, Coraline is treated to a life and a family she always craved. However, this facade quickly fades but not before she realizes that her life is in mortal danger. Director Henry Selick is no stranger to stop-motion animation and Coraline’s delivery is, as one might expect is a masterpiece. Delivering a minor-friendly animation while incorporating personal preferences of dark fantasy and gothic horror without completely terrifying the young audience is commendable. Coraline is able to balance elements of its two distinct genres by contrasting yet artfully blending the two worlds of horror and childhood innocence. One way the film does this is in the opening credits, where it uses composer Bruno Coulais’ ‘Mechanical Lullaby’ as an opening track for a sinister scene of the Beldam in her workshop using her embalming tools to create a mini Coraline doll. Cinematography creates a foreboding scene, while ‘Mechanical Lullaby’ eases its unpleasantness which in turn allows the audience to let their guard down, adapting the naivety of a child, unaware of the dangers they are in. The theme of family is prevalent in Coraline, in fact the only reason Coraline is lured into the Other World is because of issues with her family. While Coraline does make the choice to go back to the Other World, her parents are partially responsible for their daughter’s dissatisfaction. Their obvious dismissal and negligence of Coraline makes her an easy target to trap. The film is rated PG for a good reason as certain scenes feature partial nudity and images of horror are not suitable for children under ten years of age. Coraline brings a unique perspective to the animation experience. Personally, this movie is one of my favorites and I’d definitely recommend it, but only to suitable age groups.

Despite losing their science lab in a fire earlier this year, Good Shepherd Lutheran Secondary School in Madang has not faltered in educating their students. During the early morning hours of Friday May, 17th, 2024, the school’s science lab was engulfed in flames destroying many crucial resources needed for science lessons. However, principal for Good Shepherd, Ben Tamilong stated that with the assistance of other schools in the province, Good Shepherd was able to help its students prepare for their upcoming exams. “We were able to conduct our practical science exams with the help of our sister schools, especially Tusbab Secondary.” “Tusbab lent us their apparatus which enabled our students to have their practical activities.” In regards to their science lab building, Tamilong said the Madang District Development Authority (DDA), promised assistance, however the rebuilding has not yet occurred due to circumstances beyond their control. He has, however, received assurance from the DDA that the lab reconstruction will proceed once matters have been resolved. In the meantime, the school will use GTFS support and also financial contributions to purchase much-needed equipment for the lab.

To address the challenge of talented PNG artists lacking the opportunity to market and sell their artwork in the country, the National Cultural Commission (NCC) is creating platforms that allow artists to showcase and sell their artworks. One of such platforms was the recent 3rd National Art Exhibition which was successfully held from September 14th to the 18th, featuring more than 40 artists and displayed more than 115 art pieces from around the country. Among the artists, seven were women, and the youngest exhibitor was a talented 7-year-old girl. More than 500 visitors visited the exhibition at the APEC Haus in Port Moresby city. The Executive Director of NCC, Mr. Steven Enomb Kilanda in his closing remarks thanked all the artists for their resilience and participation. "Papua New Guinean artists have the potential to succeed; all it takes is dedication, diligence, integrity, and the desire to receive such high praise." "The NCC is creating a venue to assist regional artists. Even if this is only the beginning, there can be obstacles in our path.” "It may take longer than expected for significant results to emerge; they may take five to ten years." “We still have a long way to go; this is just the third national art exhibition. Let's fight to elevate this business to where it ought to be.” "Let's collaborate to demonstrate to the government and our people the worth of this industry." Supporting and growing the arts industry in Papua New Guinea is one of NCC’s top priorities.