The United States Government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), announced the five-year Peace project worth K97, 817, 200.00 ($26 million). This project is intended to prevent conflict, promote stability and address gender-based violence in both Hela and Morobe province. The Peace project is the largest initiative to date under the U.S. Strategy to Prevent Conflict and Promote Stability (SPCPS), a ten-year United States commitment to partner with PNG to mitigate emerging threats to peace and take advantage of opportunities to promote stability. United States ambassador to Papua New Guinea, Ann Marie Yastishock, explained that the United States is committed to empowering communities and marginalized populations to promote peace, stability, and economic prosperity. “The locally led Peace project will help communities prevent and resolve conflicts through non-violent means, advance gender equality, elevate female peacebuilders, and respond to gender-based violence.” The PEACE Project was designed through an exhaustive two-year process that included consultations with dozens of stakeholders including local government, communities, the private sector, donor partners and civil society. A conflict-focused gender analysis was also conducted to inform USAID in the design of the project and to guide future U.S. programs in PNG. In addition, the project is a response to regularly occurring violence, extreme inequality, and other complex factors that threaten peace, stability, and economic prosperity. These factors include gender-based violence, tribal conflicts in the Highlands region, violence in urban areas and increasing levels of Sorcery Accusation-Related Violence (SARV). The PEACE Project aligns with PNG’s national strategies to address underlying drivers of fragility and promote sustainable development to advance democracy, human rights, and stability. The PEACE Project will be implemented by a consortium led by Q2 Impact and including the International Foundation for Electoral Systems, Conciliation Resource, and People’s Action for Rural Development, a Papua New Guinean civil society organization.

PNG Ports Marlins defied the odds and claimed the Bowl title in season five of the Port Moresby Corporate Volleyball Competition (POMCVC), beating Pacific Palms Property three sets to nil during the grand final in the women’s division. The win capped off a rewarding season ending for the women’s team. The men’s team also fared well throughout the season, missing out on a placing in the grand final weekend after a Bowl Quarter final loss to Mineral Resources Development Company. Chief Executive Officer of PNG Ports, Neil Papenfus, congratulated the Marlins for an outstanding season and thanked them for being great ambassadors of PNG Ports. He went on to commend the Women’s team for their win and encouraged the players to continue to work harder for more success in the coming seasons. He also thanked the organizers for initiating the competition that provided a platform for companies and their staff to engage in sports and some form of physical activity which is vital in promoting staff wellness. In addition to this, Marlins’ Women team captain, Molong Kilol, acknowledged and thanked PNG Ports for the continued support throughout the season, not just for volleyball but other sporting codes that staff participate in. “The competition was more than just a game, it was a great opportunity to interact and network with fellow team members and competing teams while trying to keep fit, “ said Molong. “We are proud to represent PNG Ports and look forward to take part in the next season. PNG Ports Marlins has participated in nine seasons of the POMCVC. Both teams have performed exceptionally well making it into several grand finals and finals playoffs in the competition. This year’s season started in March, with a total of 39 teams from various organization in the Nation’s capital taking part. POMCVC is the biggest volleyball competition held in Port Moresby that was first initiated back in 2011. The competition not only searches for talent but also aims to promote fitness and a healthy lifestyle.

Papua New Guinea’s Kevin Kassman made his historic Olympic debut this week at the Paris 2024 Summer Games, competing in the men’s -68kg taekwondo event at the iconic Grand Palais. Facing off against one of the world’s top athletes, Bradly Sinden from Great Britain, Kassman showcased both skill and composure in what was an intense and challenging match. Despite his best efforts, Kassman was defeated 2-0 by Sinden, the reigning Olympic silver medalist and two-time world champion. Kassman, a first-time Olympian, entered the Paris 2024 Olympics with significant achievements already under his belt, including a silver medal at the 2024 Olympic Games Oceania qualification tournament. His journey to the Olympics has been a source of pride for Papua New Guinea, and his performance in Paris further solidified his status as a rising star in the sport of taekwondo. “Competing at the Olympics is a dream come true, and to do so in such an iconic venue against an athlete like Bradly Sinden is something I will never forget.” “Not, every day you get to fight world rank number two and I’m pretty much proud to come this far. I’ve learned so much from this experience, and I’m motivated to continue improving and representing my country at the highest level.” Competing on the world’s biggest stage, Kassman demonstrated remarkable composure and focus, especially against an opponent of Sinden’s caliber. Sinden, who came within seconds of becoming Great Britain’s first male Olympic taekwondo champion at Tokyo 2020, is widely recognized as one of the sport’s elite. The match, held in front of a large and enthusiastic crowd, was a testament to Kassman’s determination and resilience. Chef de Mission for Team PNG said that Kevin’s performance was a proud moment for Papua New Guinea and exceeded his goal of scoring more points as well as his ability to stay composed under immense pressure. He further expressed that competing against one of the world’s best in front of a massive crowd, speaks volumes about his character and potential. “This experience will undoubtedly serve as a stepping stone for his future in the sport.” The match concluded with a score of 2-0 in favor of Sinden, but Kassman’s participation in the Paris 2024 Olympics marks the beginning of an exciting journey. His Olympic debut is a significant milestone for Papua New Guinea, and the experience gained here will be invaluable as he continues to develop and compete on the international stage. As Kassman reflects on his Olympic debut, he remains optimistic and determined to build on this experience. The Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee is confident that Kevin Kassman will continue to inspire future generations of athletes and achieve even greater success in the years to come.

Hope Institute in Tari-Pori District of Hela province has delivered its first batch of graduates this week to work in Australia under the Pacific-Australia Labour Mobility scheme. Albert Angai age 35; Kingston Arigo, 31; Ison Tomai, 25 and Aluako Tako age 24, make up the first batch of the successful 28 candidates who passed the scheme’s recruitment process with Hope Institute processing the rest to follow suit. The four men, who dropped out of high school and altogether spent a total of nearly thirty years as unemployed village men, have made a big jump after being accepted to work for Northern Cooperative Meat Company Limited (NCMCL) which is Australia’s biggest meat processing cooperative. Last week, the young Tari-Pori men signed their four- year contract with NCMCL in which will now see them departing for Port Moresby on Monday, 12th August 2024, for Brisbane, Australia, to work in the Australian meat processing industry. They will be based in Casino, a small farming town in New South Wales about three hours drive out of Brisbane. Prime Minister and Member for Tari-Pori, James Marape, initiated the programme and with that, continues to support Hope Institute through the Tari-Pori District Development Authority (DDA). PM Marape met the four former students to congratulate them and impart some words of advice before their departure. “Hope Institute is what I call the ‘second-chance education’. We give a second chance to our young people who have dropped out of grade nine or ten and graduate them with a Grade twelve certificate and with that, I am very pleased to see that this has happened for the four of you in which you are now going to work in Australia and make good money to support yourselves as well as your families.” “You lead our Tari-Pori team to Australia under the labor mobility scheme, so you have a big responsibility to excel in your work and behavior, so the opportunity remains open for more like you to go down to Australia.” Tari-Pori District will go further and link the men to further education in Australia as they work, adding that the district will only send Grade twelve graduates who must have a pastor’s character reference for work and study in Australia. With that, the four men expressed deep appreciation to PM Marape for the blessing of Hope Institute and for pushing Tari-Pori DDA to utilize the Labour Mobility programme through which they are recruited. Speaking on behalf of the quartet, Albert Angai expressed that this is a very big blessing and thanked their local member and Prime Minister as well as his wife, Mrs. Rachael Marape for opening and running Hope Institute. “We also thank the school board as well as the school principal, Mark Anthony and the staff for giving us this opportunity. We also thank Tari-Pori DDA for putting us on this programme and are very excited to go to Australia.” Moreover, under their employment contract, they will be paid nearly AUD$25 per hour every week and their medical expenses, health cover and accommodation costs will be taken care of by their employer, while costs of their airfares to and from Australia are being deducted against their salaries. Also, with the money earned they can now better support their families back home in Hela and also save to pursue further education or start up small businesses later after the conclusion of their contracts. Angai, Arigo, Tomai and Tako each dropped out of high school beginning in 2009. Albert Angai couldn’t complete his eleventh grade at Hoiebia High School because of school fee problems, Kingston Arigo was also forced out of Koroba Secondary School in 2009 because of tribal fights. Ison Tomai dropped out of Togoba Secondary School in Western Highlands province due to academic purposes and Aluako Tako also encountered financial hardship and had to end his grade eleven at Hoiebia High School in 2016. When Hope Institute opened in 2020 offering ‘free education’, the men were re-enrolled into school and graduated in 2022 as they received their grade twelve certificates. Hope Institute fully funds all high school programmes from grade seven to twelve so the people of Tari-Pori who have been forced out of school can be given a second chance to complete their education at no costs. Hope Institute is managed through the Tari-Pori DDA and overseen by the local Member, PM Marape and wife, Mrs. Rachael Marape.

Alternative Prime Minister nominee and Member for Finschhafen, Rainbo Paita, expressed his condolences to the family and friends of the late member of Central Bougainville, Fr Simon Dumarinu. He expressed that it is always a sad time to learn of the passing of a fellow member of parliament, and the death of Fr Simon Dumarinu is no different. He was a man of principle, a man who cared for his people, and a man who wanted to use his time wisely to serve his people to his fullest capacity. “My interactions with Fr Dumarinu were always positive. He was a soft-spoken man who wanted nothing but to use his time in parliament to improve the lives of his people.” Paita also shared that his last speech in parliament clearly showed his beliefs for a better and prosperous Bougainville. "He spoke strongly for the people of Bougainville during the debate on ratification and expressed his wishes for the future of Bougainville." “I join my fellow colleagues in expressing my deep condolences to the family and relatives of Fr Dumarinu and the people of Central Bougainville.” “My family, and the people of Finschhafen all convey our thoughts and prayers to those grieving over Fr Dumarinu’s passing and we wish them comfort and peace.”

Massive effort displayed by our champion Weightlifter Morea Baru! It was all smiles for Morea when he cleared all three lifts in the clean and jerk with 161kg. This placed Morea in 5th place overall; an improvement from his last Olympics performance in Tokyo. ''Although I did not do well in the snatch, I knew I had to do a big clean & jerk to give me a good total; I was happy that I did all the three lifts in the clean & jerk.” “After competing and looking at my placing, I knew this was the fruit of all my hard work and sacrifice'.” ''Overall, it was a huge achievement for Morea and for the country.” “Even though the results were not expected in the snatch, we had to make sure he pulled off the three attempts in the clean & jerk to put him in a good position', said Willie Tamasi the Coach. “Morea definitely went down without a fight, and we are proud of the effort he put in to stay in the top 5 with an amazing result thus far!” Well done, Morea! You represented us well! #Allons-yPNG #TeamPNG #Paris2024 Source: Team PNG Facebook page

Having reliable solar electricity is a much-needed necessity for the people of Mougulu; a remote community in the foothills of Mt Bosavi in Papua New Guinea’s Western Province. Missionary Sally Lloyd, shared upon moments of times people needed this service and recalled a time when a critically ill child, who was admitted to the health centre and was relying on an oxygen concentrator, tragically passed away due to the lack of power supply. Sally, who is also the daughter of missionary couple, Tom and Salome Hoey, along with her husband, Ian Lloyd, have taken on her parents' roles in Mougulu, focusing on humanitarian work that promotes and values community development and the surrounding villages. Their hydroelectric system was damaged by an earthquake several years ago, so in 2020, the Hoeys turned to Christian Radio Missionary Fellowship (CRMF) at the time, which is now Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) Technologies, for a solution. “CRMF assisted both my parents at that time in putting that solar on as one of their final ministries here, and it really helped the health centre and with that, the solar power is now almost running 24 hours a day, powering our vaccine fridges, and providing power for the oxygen concentrators, so everything is run off the power.” Tony Aima, a local health worker in Mougulu, said that the solar system is useful especially at night, to oversee individuals who have been bitten by snakes and to mothers too who are giving birth at nights. “Previously, we used torchlights to attend to patients who came in at night, and it was quite difficult to attend to them. But when solar power arrived, it greatly improved our work and lighting system, saving many lives. In addition to this, Pipiali Falope, a mother of six from a nearby village, expressed her appreciation and sense of certainty that she and her children are getting proper medical care thanks to the availability of 24-hour lighting in the health centre. “If one of my children becomes ill especially at nighttime, I now know that there is light at the health centre, therefore, I can bring them over to be treated.” Lelegeme, another mother from the nearby Oglubabim village shared her experience also of giving birth to her first child in the heart of the jungle because there was no adequate medical facility available at that time. However, was grateful and privileged to be able to deliver her other two children safely in a health centre that has proper lighting system. Moreover, Mougulu Health Centre also acts as a referral centre for many surrounding aid posts and many people by overseeing referrals and providing drugs and other medical necessities. Sally stressed that many times solar has been a lifesaving power source to have in Mougulu. “It's pretty amazing really, that we are able to have this resource which is a key to the success at Mougulu Health Centre, and that is to have good health workers, a good health facility, and then have power to be able to maintain all those machines and everything else.” Meanwhile, MAF Technologies General Manager, Bryan Mathews, also stated that the project was very challenging since the installation happened during the outbreak of Covid-19 when most services were ceased. “We went through a lot of hurdles just to get in the batteries and panels into Mougulu, eventually we managed to get the equipment in, and the outcome of the installation was very successful,” he said. “We placed a large power capacity in the health centre so that in the future if they wish to construct extensions or add new medical equipment, the power can accommodate that.” "In the end, they have a 24/7 clean green energy that is not causing pollution, plus it has cut a lot of fuel cost for the generator since the cost of transporting fuel into Mougulu is high.”

The Grade 12 students at the Gordons Secondary School in the city of Port Moresby have kicked off their first examination paper for the year, which is the National Written Expression Examination, this morning at 8.30am. The students started off their exams with the distribution of exam papers made by each of the invigilators before officially starting off. According to Deputy Principal Academic, Mr. Johnymar Cudal, a total of 335 students, that is 167 male students and 168 female students, were expected to sit for this year's Written Expression exam, however, twenty students have withdrawn due to personal issues and academic performances. “The students have been divided into nine classroom blocks in which they are now occupying for this morning’s exam with one invigilator each allocated to one classroom.” Cudal shared with PNG HAUSBUNG that overall, all students and their teachers have prepared well for the exams with no disruptions. “Observations towards our teachers have been good and we expect the outcome to be good and to be shown in the exam.” Meanwhile, for those students who turned up late for the exam this morning, they were only allowed by the invigilator to take part in the exam only if they showed up within thirty minutes of the exam start time. The students of Gordons Secondary are among a total of 36, 360 grade 12 students that are sitting for today’s exam. The exam will conclude at 11.25am.

Tamiok Strike 2024, which is the fourth iteration of the bilateral training exercise between the United States Army and the Papua New Guinea Defence Force, recently concluded with a closing ceremony at Murray Barracks in Port Moresby on the 26th of July 2024. The exercise involves approximately 100 service members from both the U.S. and PNGDF and aims to enhance combined interoperability through training and cultural exchanges. This year was the first year that the two nations conducted a staff exercise together, enhancing the planning and decision-making capabilities of the PNGDF soldiers. By working together in this structured environment, participants improved their ability to coordinate and execute operations and logistics effectively. PNGDF support services commander, Colonel Kingsley Wawada gave his opening remarks for the exercise along with US Army Lieutenant General, James Jarrard who is the deputy commanding general of U.S. Army Pacific. Lieutenant Jarrard stated that their commitment is to work together, improve and learn and also to increase their interoperability to show all adversaries throughout this region and in the world that they are joined together because of the same values they share. “Freedom and prosperity are the values we share and that we will work together to maintain those values.” U.S. and PNGDF service members participated in a staff exercise at Murray Barracks to improve operational planning and shared logistics, medical and military police best practices, through a series of subject matter expert exchanges to enhance soldier proficiency. Meanwhile, in Lae, a combined team of engineers began construction on a military domicile to enable more bilateral training opportunities during future exercises. The project is planned to be completed by the end of August. At the closing ceremony, remarks were given by PNGDF Col. Kingsley Wawada and U.S. Army Major General, Gavin Gardner, the commanding general of the 8th Theatre Sustainment Command. Maj. Gen. Gardner shared that they have a common bond and that is to work together through mutual respect and trust to keep a free and open Indo-Pacific. “We are stronger when we operate together. We look forward to coming back and training with the PNGDF, so we can improve our skills.” In addition to this, PNGDF Colonel Wawada stated that this is the fourth Tamiok Strike and they logisticians have taken charge of it this year. “I am very happy with the outcome, and I look forward to more engagement, more networking and more interoperability with the USA.” Tamiok Strike is a bilateral training exercise designed to improve the interoperability and readiness of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force and U.S. forces and to enhance partner capacity to respond to conventional and potential natural disasters throughout the Indo-Pacific region.

Minister for Health, Dr Lino Tom and Member for Wapenamanda and Minister for Finance, Miki Kaeok, recently travelled to Talyokos, Wapenamanda in Enga province to officially launch the construction of the new Talyokos Community Health Post. The Ministers were joined by Health Secretary, Dr Osborne Liko, representatives from the Australian High Commission in Port Moresby, Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) Health Services Sector Development Program, National Department of Health, Enga Provincial Health Authority and Community leaders. The existing Talyokos Aid Post is a small, basic structure made from bush materials, along with rudimentary water and sanitation facilities. A single community health worker delivers basic outpatient services and there is no capacity for inpatient or maternity care. For obstetric and other medical emergencies, patients including pregnant mothers, have to be carried on makeshift stretchers to Wapenamanda District Hospital which is a few hours away on foot. Talyokos Aid Post was built by the community on their own initiative, and serves a catchment population of around 18, 809 people in villages scattered throughout the Talyokos Rural Local Level Government area, as well as additional surrounding rural communities which share borders. The aid post which is currently registered as a level one health facility, will be upgraded to a level two Community Health Post, where will have six acute inpatient beds, a delivery suite with a birthing couch, two outpatient rooms, an emergency procedure room, and five staff houses. This infrastructure project, worth 6.2 million kina, will also include essential medical equipment and furniture. In addition, the Talyokos Community Health Post will be fit-for-purpose, well-equipped and provide an optimal physical environment for health workers to safely deliver quality care. According to Minister Tom, reaching rural communities and providing access to improved health care services through rehabilitating health infrastructure and strengthening the health workforce is a key priority for him. During the ceremony, hundreds of people gathered to show their support and appreciation for the much-needed upgraded health facility. Minister Tom thanked the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade (DFAT) as well as ADB for funding this important project and called on the community for their ongoing support. “This sentiment was reflected in speeches by other representatives, calling for the community to take ownership of their new health facility; to benefit them and future generations.”

In commemoration of American aviation pioneer, Amelia Earhart’s birthday, the United States Embassy awarded the first ever Amelia Earhart scholarship to pilot, Deborah Bidang, at a ceremony held at the University of technology in Morobe province on July 24, 2024. This broke ground on a monument that will honour Amelia’s legacy and inspire future engineers and pilots. The scholarship will fund Debora’s travel to Hawai’i where she will complete her certification to become a helicopter pilot. She currently works at Manolos Aviation and is currently certified to fly fixed-wing aircraft. Upon completion of her certification, she will be able to assist other PNG women through the Manolos emergency medevac helicopter airlift program, flying women in critical need of care from remote parts of PNG to Lae for lifesaving medical treatment. U.S. Ambassador, Ann Marie Yastishock and veteran astronaut, Marsha Ivins, awarded the scholarship to Debora along with PNG Tribal Foundation founder and president, GT Bustin and University acting Vice Chancellor Proffessor, Shamsul Akanda. During the event, veteran astronaut Marsha on her second time to PNG, shared moments based upon her passion to fly and the possibilities that come with it. “I was fifteen years old when I decided I wanted to learn to fly in an era that was not a standard thing to do, and because there was and had been an Amelia Earhart, it was not considered impossible.” “And so, I thank her for that, and I encourage you to take heart if you’re told no or you can’t or you shouldn’t, because you absolutely can.” This scholarship is the first to be awarded through the Amelia Earhart Memorial and Trust, a joint program between the U.S. Embassy, PNG Tribal Foundation, and the PNG University of Technology, which will award scholarships to women each year so they can pursue STEM and aviation careers. The scholarship was made possible by a generous donation from ExxonMobil PNG LNG. The Amelia Earhart Memorial and Trust commemorates the pioneering aviatrix Amelia Earhart, who visited Lae back in June,1937. Her visit to Lae creates a lasting bond between America and Papua New Guinea, symbolizing shared values of courage, exploration, and breaking barriers. The participants of the ceremony also broke ground on the Amelia Earhart monument, sculpted by a talented team of Papua New Guinean artists including, Gazellah Bruder, Tom Deco, Philip Wessly and Robin Emos. The monument will be transported from Port Moresby to Lae and installed on the campus of UNITECH. Furthermore, these scholarships aim to encourage and empower women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, thereby fostering innovation and development in Papua New Guinea.

Papua New Guinea National Department of Health (NDoH), in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), is currently hosting a Digital Health Strategy Consultation Workshop in Port Moresby. This is towards marking a significant step of transforming the health sector in Papua New Guinea through digital innovation. The workshop will focus on the National Digital Health Strategy, which aims to improve healthcare delivery and accessibility, enhance data management, and strengthen health systems across the country by leveraging digital technologies. The strategy is aligned with the Department of ICT’s whole-of-government digital plans demonstrating the National Department of Health’s commitment to leveraging digital solutions for better services. Chief Executive Officers and ICT Managers from Provincial Health Authorities (PHA), NDoH Senior Executive Management and program representatives, central agencies like Department of ICT and the National ICT Authority, as well as development partners will engage in interactive sessions to agree on innovative solutions to strengthen digital health in the country. The workshop will provide a platform for stakeholders to discuss and provide feedback on the draft digital health strategy so it can be finalized for Government approvals. The two-day consultation workshop will be held from the 30th of July (today) to the 31st of July 2024 (tomorrow) at the Holiday Inn Hotel in Port Moresby. Minister for Health, Dr Lino Tom, stated that the discussions from this workshop are critical and timely. In terms of adopting digital technologies in the health sector, this offers numerous benefits for patients and communities, health workers and health managers. “Considering our country’s geographical context with mountainous terrain and dispersed communities, digital technologies provide us with unique opportunities to reach our remote communities, increase efficiency in business processes in health facilities and strengthen service delivery and quality of care.” World Health Organization (WHO) representative in Papua New Guinea and Officer in Charge, Dr Challa Ruda, also shared that WHO is committed to supporting Papua New Guinea in harnessing the power of digital health and is working closely with, NDoH, PHAs, central agencies and partners to optimizing the benefits of digital health to achieve the goals and objectives of the National Health Plan 2021-2030. “This includes technical assistance on implementation of digital health solutions, helping to strengthen governance through the e-Health Technical Working Group and Steering Committee, and convening partners around a common agenda for digital health as in the workshop.” Meanwhile, UNICEF Representative in Papua New Guinea, Angela Kearney, stated that digital health is a powerful tool for advancing children’s health and well-being and with that, UNICEF is proud to support this initiative, which will help ensure all children have access to quality healthcare services. The National Digital Health Strategy and consultation workshop underscore the commitment of the Papua New Guinea National Department of Health, WHO, and UNICEF to advancing public health through innovation and collaboration.