Buk bilong Pikinini enthusiastically marked World Wildlife Day on March 5th at its schools/ library learning centres (LLCs), with a particular focus on the diverse range of wildlife found in Papua New Guinea. To engage students, a variety of fun activities were arranged, including the use of PNG animal plush toys generously provided by BbP’s donors CPL and Brian Bell. BBP stated that through hands-on exploration with these toys, children were able to explore and learn more about various local wildlife found in the country, specifically the cuscus, tree kangaroo, bird of paradise, cassowary, and pig-nosed turtle. “During the interactive sessions, the students were encouraged to identify and discuss the different body parts of these animals, learn about how they utilize them, and imitate the unique sounds they make.” “Additionally, the young learners gained valuable insight into the natural habitats of these wildlife species and their geographical distribution within PNG.” Incorporating literacy into the celebration, the students enjoyed reading BbP's published book titled "When I Grow Up, I Want to be a Zookeeper", which highlights the remarkable wildlife of Papua New Guinea. Furthermore, the students expressed their creativity by partaking in a colouring activity featuring the "Animals of PNG" in the BbP's activity book. This colouring book will serve as a wonderful resource throughout the year, aiding them in learning about the diverse array of animals indigenous to PNG and their cultural significance. The fun-filled event was further elevated as children created and adorned delightful animal face masks, adding an exciting touch to their wildlife exploration journey.

The Kolowi Lem Phonics School located in Hewa, Wanakipi, Hela Province was founded in 2019 by Mr. Jessy Ken who is currently a 2nd year student, studying for a bachelor's in mathematics at the University of Goroka (UOG). Ken initially completed his Grade 12 in 2018, returned to Wanakipi, where he built a classroom and self-funded Kolowi Lem Phonics School. “Ever since I started building this school I haven’t gotten any community support or government support. “ “I had taken pictures and put it to Facebook groups Koroba Kupiago Current News Update (Team William Bando), and also the Hela Political forum.” “But even so, I still did not receive any support from the Hela Provincial Education Board – it was all funded by me through raising and selling pigs.” Ken’s drive to build a phonics school arose when he realized that his brothers and sisters did not have access to education. “The school is currently in operation but it's unregistered – I’ve been trying to register my school into the education system.” When asked about teachers, Mr. Ken humbly responded stating that the only instructors teaching at the school were himself and a former classmate. “As soon as I finished Grade 12, I started the school and was the head teacher there, I never completed any short courses in education or anything else of the sort, and I just started teaching.” “Another teacher is one of my former classmates in Grade 11 – he did not complete his Grade 12 –but he is now taking up studies at FODE (Flexible Open Distance Education).” According to Ken, there were no government services where he resided. “Kolowi Lem Phonics School is the first school in my area – there was no Primary School or Elementary School prior to this.” “Hence my students are not just very young children, I even teach teenagers –my students are between the ages of 3 – 21 years old and some of them are even married.” Currently he is seeking help from the government and to anyone who is able to make a donation to his school. “I really need help and support, since 1975 till today, our location hasn’t seen any good development – no health centres, no schools or roads.” Kolowi Lem Phonics School has been running for six years now.

The Australian Government through its PacificAus Sports program has partnered with the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) and Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee to support 33 elite athletes from Papua New Guinea in their preparations for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Australia’s support will assist PNG athletes to compete across seven sports including athletics, swimming, boxing, weightlifting, taekwondo, breakdancing and rugby 7s. Australia continues its commitment to promoting greater inclusion of women and girls in sport at the highest levels and is pleased that 15 female athletes will be supported through this program. This includes weightlifting golden girl Dika Toua, long jumper Rellie Kaputin, boxing’s Sheila Yama and the women’s rugby 7s national team. Australian High Commissioner John Feakes stated that Australia is proudly investing in partnerships for elite sports in PNG through the PacificAus Sports program. “I will be keenly watching their qualifying competitions ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.” Secretary General of the PNG Olympic Committee, Desmond Kavaigu welcomed Australia’s support. “The support from the PacificAus Sports program is not just about funding; it's about building a legacy of excellence, inclusion, and friendship among our Pacific communities." Meanwhile PNG long jumper, Rellie Kaputin expressed his thanks towards Australia for their support. "I'm very grateful to again have that level of support as I prepare to represent not only Papua New Guinea, but my region at the Paris 2024 Olympics." PacificAus Sports is an Australian Government sports diplomacy initiative developing pathways for Pacific teams and athletes to compete in elite competitions and access high performance coaching in Australia and internationally.

CPL Group has made a strong comeback after the devastating effects of January 10th, 2024 stating that Stop N Shop Badili opens today March 1st, 2024 alongside CPL Group Brands City Pharmacy, Fresh Express, Bon Café and City Pharmacy Wellness Clinic, all housed in the same building, that will cater to communities in the area who have been impacted by the closure of the shop. Navin Raju, CPL Group Chief Executive Officer, expressed gladness over the shop’s reopening. “We are pleased with the progress made so far with the shop from all parties involved, and have made changes that will deliver an improved experience for customers in the Badili area, including a better range of products and an improved store layout.” “Our Badili Staff have been busy restocking the shelves and preparing the store for reopening, and are no doubt excited to welcome back our customers to Badili." “In addition to this, Stop & Shop Town has been redone and seen increased business, due to the extended operating hours during the week, and now being open for trading on Sundays." He added that CPL was sad to announce that Harbour City will not reopen, but were looking forward to future prospects of two new Stop & Shop Supermarkets in Port Moresby soon. “We can also confirm that no staff have lost their jobs, and instead have been reallocated to our existing shops, while we await response from the Government on the Business Recovery Package." The public is welcomed to visit Stop & Shop Badili and to take advantage of our Reopening Specials and Every Day Low Prices. There will also be a fun day in the Carpark on Saturday 2nd March with Bouncy Castles and the PNGFM Radio Crew, before WE PNG BUY PNG SME Week begins on Monday 4th March. All event details are available on Stop & Shop’s Facebook Page. CPL Group remains committed and steadfast as PNG’s favorite retailer, keeping to our Vision and Mission to help Papua New Guineans live better and healthier lives.

Teachers throughout the country have been experiencing a reduction in salaries in which a certain amount of money is being taken out from their fortnightly pay. With the issue of pay cuts often falling on deaf ears, teachers commune in groups on social media platforms like Facebook, to express their frustrations, complaints, and concerns. Three senior teachers from Madang, Milne Bay and East New Britain all confirmed the issue with their teaching staffs pay cuts. Alotau Primary School’s Head Teacher Mrs. Emma Laisetta stated that her teachers including herself had various amounts of money removed from their fortnightly pay. “One of my teachers had K48 deducted from her salary; meanwhile I had roughly K100 to K200 taken out from my pay.” Mrs. Biel Towili Deputy Head Teacher for Kusbau Primary in Madang also confirmed that teachers in Kusbau experienced pay cuts. “Our pay cuts started since the holidays and has continued till last fortnight.” Mr. Bernard Manau, Principal of Utmei Secondary School in East New Britain, spoke on the situation as well, however their grievances were addressed. “We had an issue with pay cuts, but that problem was solved after we visited the education office.” “Our pay cut amounts were done depending on the teaching position of the staff.” “As I was the principal, there was larger amount of money deducted from my salary whereas other teachers had smaller amounts of money taken from their salaries.”

In a show of support for the annual Hiri Moale Festival, local print company BizPrint and Scan, a business unit under the Remington Group of companies, has come forward as a sponsor partner. This year marks a significant milestone as the festival celebrates its 50th anniversary, which is dedicated to honouring the Motu Koitabu people's cultures and traditions. Peter Goodwin, CEO of the Remington Group, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, emphasizing the importance of instilling Motu Koitabu culture within the festival. Their contribution of print products goes beyond monetary value, with the goal of commemorating the festival's 50th anniversary. Goodwin compared the opportunity to creating new narratives of unity and pride, echoing the belief that Motu Koitabu tradition pervades every aspect of the festival. BizPrint and Scan's support extends to the provision of critical print materials such as banners, magazines, program booklets, and branding materials required for the festival's success. Molly O'Rourke, Events Coordinator for the Hiri Moale Festival, expressed her enthusiasm for this year's festivities, emphasizing the Motu-Koita people's pride in commemorating five decades of tradition. The Hiri Hahenamo, a major festival highlight, will feature up to ten young women from Motu-Koita villages competing for the coveted 'Miss Hahenamo' title. The reigning Miss Hahenamo, 22-year-old Kimjosh Damuri of Tubuserea village, reflected on her experience, highlighting the opportunity to showcase her culture and embrace new challenges. She encouraged future contestants to seize the opportunity to showcase their heritage, emphasizing the invaluable experiences it provides. As the festival approaches, anticipation mounts for an event that not only celebrates tradition but also serves as a platform for the empowerment of young women in Motu Koitabu communities.

Prime Minister James Marape has strongly refuted claims regarding the 'Connect PNG' Programme brought forth by Ialibu-Pangia MP Peter O’Neill. He assured the public that all contracts and payments related to the programme are conducted in strict adherence to legal procedures. He further announced the commissioning of an independent audit to conduct a comprehensive examination of the programme's financial operations. This move underscores the government's commitment to transparency and accountability in its initiatives. Minister Marape reiterated saying that every ‘Connect PNG’ contract procured, and every payment made are done under the due process of law. He criticised the former Prime Minister O’Neill's ongoing disparagement of the 'Connect PNG' programme, despite a detailed report presented by Works Minister, Hon. Solan Mirisim, to Parliament. “My reassurance in Parliament about the independent audit emphasizes the government's dedication to scrutinizing the programme's finances thoroughly.” “I am not in the business of breaking my country’s laws, and I expect all our public systems to operate within the law.” “The upcoming external audit is expected to uncover any discrepancies within the Department of Works and Highways and the 'Connect PNG' programme, which collaborates with over 300 contractors, debunking claims of exclusivity and impropriety by only three or four contractors.”

In support of the work of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) in Gulf Province to carry out their mandated duty to serve and protect, Papua LNG recently donated seven 23-foot dinghies to the police in the Gulf province. Two dinghies will be distributed to the police station in Kerema, two to the Baimuru Rural Police station, two to the Kikori Police station and one to thePolice station at Wabo. Additionally, each of the dinghies will be equipped with a 40HP engine and five lifejackets along with three drums of fuel. Accepting the donation of the seven dinghies was, Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police for Southern Region Joe Puri, Gulf Provincial Police Commander Jeffrey Lemb,along with senior staff from TotalEnergies operator of the Project. This recent donation to the police follows the donation of the three dinghies to the Kerema Disaster Office, Ihu Local Level Government (LLG) and Baimuru LLG, made last November in recognition of the need for the Provincial and District Governments to enhance their social service delivery to the waterway communities. Papua LNG believes in the importance of investing in Law and Order, because throughout close consultations with the local communities, it was discovered that the break-down of law and order and the lack of transportation, are the two key issues faced by the communities at this time. The company also recognizes the significance of fostering the partnership between theProvincial Government and the local communities, as well as the need to uphold community safety through the vital operations of police in and around the Project Area of Influence.  

East Gate Karate Academy is a premier martial arts training facility located in the heart of Port Moresby city, with a comprehensive curriculum and experienced instructors who are committed to providing top-notch training to students of all ages and abilities. The academy was established in 2021 by Sensei Julius Piku who is the national coach of Karate PNG, with the assistance of his friends Terence Ravui and Andrew Molen. Sensei Julius Piku, also 2nd Degree Black Belt Graduate of Shotokan Karate Budokai Honbu, Australia and a former elite PNG athlete, stated that East Gate Karate Academy provides a welcoming and inclusive learning environment that is stimulating, encouraging and beneficial for physical, mental and emotional growth. “We prioritize character development, self-discipline, and respect, ensuring that our students not only become skilled martial artists, but also well-rounded individuals.” “We also believe in fostering a supportive community that encourages personal growth and builds lifelong friendships.” Sensei Piku is assisted by Senpai Doris Joseph, a former female PNG National karate Champion and Terence Revui – fellow instructors, whom he speaks very highly of. “Our highly trained instructors bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to each class, utilizing traditional martial arts techniques while incorporating modern training methods.” “They are committed to fostering a positive learning environment, nurturing students' self-confidence, and helping them to reach their full potential.” “They know how to utilize age-appropriate teaching methods, make the classes exciting and interactive, particularly for young learners.” In addition to regular karate classes, East Gate Karate Academy provides a variety of workshops, seminars, and special events to enhance the learning experience and connect with the larger martial arts community. “We provide opportunities for students to participate in tournaments and demonstrations, allowing them to showcase their skills and compete at a higher level.” When asked if they’ve received any support, he responded that East Gate Karate Academy is mostly a self-funded club that sustains itself through student membership and other activities. “Combat sports in general, do receive some form of government support especially during big gaming events, but karate itself is referred to as a 3rd tier sport – that is, not a popular sport, hence we don’t receive that much support.” “In situations like this, instructors like me are now getting involved in entrepreneurship.” He added that a lot of individuals are interested in karate but haven’t found a place to learn yet, and encourages those interested to join East Gate Karate Academy. “Whether you are interested in self-defense, improving fitness levels, or simply seeking personal growth, East Gate Karate Academy is the perfect place to embark on your martial arts journey. “ East Gate Karate Academy is also a member of the international organization "Shotokan Karate Budokai.

Like many other schools in the country, the Utmei Secondary School has started the 2024 academic year, but the boarding school in Gazelle District of East New Britain province is not without its own problems. The Principal of the Secondary School, Mr. Bernard Manau expressed his frustration with the number of issues the school was facing including issues arising from the Government Tuition Fee Subsidy (GTFS). “This year the school received its first quarter GTFS of K230, 000, however the amounts we receive are oftentimes inconsistent.” “The school creates plans on how to use the funds, however with the inconsistencies of the amount of money promised and delivered, disrupts the schools plans.” “We did not receive the full amount of GTFS fees that were allocated in terms 3 and 4 and we still don’t know the reason why.” “It was the students’ parents that helped to keep the school running – they would provide fresh produce from their gardens that helped to feed the staff and students of Utmei Secondary.” Before the start of term 1 the school’s dormitories underwent renovation which contributed to the deferral of their term 1 registrations. Mr. Manau added that the school also faced issues with water and electricity supply that was later fixed. However, they still have housing shortage for teacher’s accommodation. Mr. Manau mentioned that the school was not charging any school fees or project fees this year, however parents themselves agreed to contribute a certain amount of money to help the school. The parents of boarding students contributed K380 and parents of day students contributed K260. This year the school enrolled roughly 860 to 870 students – a decrease from last year which was 900 students.

East Gate Karate Academy, a premier martial arts training facility located in the heart of Port Moresby hosts a kids karate program designed to introduce children to arts in a fun and engaging way. Sensei Julius Piku, head instructor at East Gate Karate Academy, further elaborated on their program. “Our program focuses on building strong foundations in karate techniques while promoting discipline, self-confidence, and a positive mindset.” “To ensure optimal learning and development, children aged 5-12 are grouped according to age and skill level in our kid’s classes.” “Our experienced instructors utilize age-appropriate teaching strategies to make lessons engaging and dynamic for young students.” Sensei Piku also said that parents bring their children to learn karate for various reasons. “Karate is not just about physical fitness – karate is a form of psychological and emotional therapy for some, for others they want to try it out as a sport and in other cases it for self- defense.” He also stated that safety is always a top priority when teaching; therefore, instructors closely monitor each child’s progress, providing personalized attention and guidance to ensure their growth and well-being. “We maintain a positive and supportive environment, where kids feel comfortable asking questions, making mistakes, and learning from them.” “Our kids’ karate program includes activities and exercises that enhance physical fitness, agility, and coordination, in addition to self-defense techniques.” “"Children who receive regular training benefit from improved motor skills, flexibility, and balance as well as improved general health and wellbeing.” In addition to regular classes, the academy also organizes various special events activities to keep the kids motivated and engaged. These events include belt testing, friendly competitions and thrilling displays that allow children to showcase their prowess and achievements. According to Sensei Julius Piku, East Gate Karate Academy recognizes the importance of instilling moral principles in children at a young age. “If you are searching for a program that combines martial arts training with character development for your child, East Gate Karate Academy's kid’s karate program is the perfect fit.” “We offer a safe and empowering space for them to learn and grow, fostering a sense of community and teamwork among peers.” Kids Karate Class: 1pm - 2pm Teens Karate Class: 2pm - 3pm Training Days: Saturdays & Sundays Casual Fee: K20.00 Members fee: K250 Private Classes based on appointments | Bookings are during the week. Individuals and group training. Location: Stratos Building Stratos Ave Level 1 Ekere Savannah Heights Waigani.

Madang Province has a new primary school and it’s all thanks to the efforts of the residents of Sein village who raised K35, 000 to build a new double classroom for the recently established Sein Primary School. The funds were raised without any government support and were a testament to the community’s unwavering perseverance, diligence, and commitment. The occasion was witnessed by senior public servants, community leaders and the governor of Madang Ramsey Pariwa who had the honour of ribbon cutting. Kurere Matanza a youth community leader spoke on his experiences working with the people of Sein. “I've been working with the community for more than four years now and the classroom is one part of the project that we've initiated that started in August 2023.” “Prior to this we had built another classroom, followed by a teacher’s house which was built from K10, 000 worth of building materials.” “The classroom itself was financed by the local people from their sales of betel nut, mustard and mini fundraising drives conducted in the community.” “I just donated stationery to help kick-start the school’s operations and also established early childhood education programs.” Matanzana added that they are currently working on a school code which will give the school access to Tuition Fee Subsidy (TFS) and he is also conducting a similar project at Umun Dalam, Ward 20, Ambenob Rural LLG. Meanwhile, Governor Pariwa pledged K50, 000 to help with the school’s extension. Sein Primary School will act as a feeder supplying grades 9 and 10 students to Transgogol and Behir High Schools. Sein Primary School was officially opened on Sunday, February 4th and conducted its first classes on Monday, February 5th.